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thanks: re big raku kiln problems

updated fri 30 jan 04

 

Marcia Selsor on thu 29 jan 04


Dear Barbara,
I think wind is a bigger issue than the outside temperature since that
is a relatively small differential to a firing temp. Wind on the other
hand can suck the BTUs right off the wall of a kiln. If you ever get a
chance to look at pyrometric studies of thermal conductivity you will
see that a notation to the "wind" is usually mentioned.
Also, these charts show some pretty interesting analyses of exponential
consumption of fuel/btu's after about cone six and climbing on to ^9 or
^10 and beyond.
I fire raku in the winter in Montana. I can't say that 30 degrees or so
would slow me down much.
Best wishes,
Marcia

Barbara Kobler wrote:

> Hey you guys,
> I am totally undone and overwhelmed by all the thoughtful, detailed and generous help you sent in response to my plea for help with raku problems. Wow. For you all who are still busy producing work for your livlihood to spend so much time on replies is quite unexpected. A couple things they all had in common was that the kiln is just way too darn big, raising the shelves to upper third of kiln and covering the brick with soft brick and/or fibre. Thank you and hallelujah. Maybe those things will help until we can get 2 smaller ones built instead of the big monster.
>
> I had another question though, I have noticed that the firings since November, when the weather got cold--yeah even in the desert in the mornings it can be 35-45. Would it be better to wait until the afternoon sun warms it up to 70-80. Wouldn't that help the inner space 20 cu.ft. to reach temp faster/better?
>
> A couple local Tucson area raku people are gonna try to come down and give it a look for us in a couple weeks.
>
> Again, thanks.
>

Tony Ferguson on thu 29 jan 04


Barbara,

I have fired when it is -20 and I do have my limits. Like today -53 this
morning.

I could only wish I had the choice at the moment to fire between 35-45 or
wait till it warms up to 70-80. Gas savings would be spliting hairs. Get
up and go for it.


Thank you.

Tony Ferguson


On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake
Custom & Manufactured Kiln Design
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Winchester...
http://www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806


----- Original Message -----
From: "Barbara Kobler"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:51 PM
Subject: THANKS: Re Big RAKU KILN Problems


> Hey you guys,
> I am totally undone and overwhelmed by all the thoughtful, detailed and
generous help you sent in response to my plea for help with raku problems.
Wow. For you all who are still busy producing work for your livlihood to
spend so much time on replies is quite unexpected. A couple things they all
had in common was that the kiln is just way too darn big, raising the
shelves to upper third of kiln and covering the brick with soft brick and/or
fibre. Thank you and hallelujah. Maybe those things will help until we can
get 2 smaller ones built instead of the big monster.
>
> I had another question though, I have noticed that the firings since
November, when the weather got cold--yeah even in the desert in the mornings
it can be 35-45. Would it be better to wait until the afternoon sun warms
it up to 70-80. Wouldn't that help the inner space 20 cu.ft. to reach temp
faster/better?
>
> A couple local Tucson area raku people are gonna try to come down and
give it a look for us in a couple weeks.
>
> Again, thanks.
>
> Barbara Kobler http://www.claywoman.net
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.

logan johnson on thu 29 jan 04


Hi Tony !
Boy, I hear you! "Sometimes a man has got to know his limitations" All - 53 of them!!
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tony Ferguson wrote:
Barbara,

I have fired when it is -20 and I do have my limits. Like today -53 this
morning.

I could only wish I had the choice at the moment to fire between 35-45 or
wait till it warms up to 70-80. Gas savings would be spliting hairs. Get
up and go for it.


Thank you.

Tony Ferguson


On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake
Custom & Manufactured Kiln Design
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Winchester...
http://www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806


----- Original Message -----
From: "Barbara Kobler"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:51 PM
Subject: THANKS: Re Big RAKU KILN Problems


> Hey you guys,
> I am totally undone and overwhelmed by all the thoughtful, detailed and
generous help you sent in response to my plea for help with raku problems.
Wow. For you all who are still busy producing work for your livlihood to
spend so much time on replies is quite unexpected. A couple things they all
had in common was that the kiln is just way too darn big, raising the
shelves to upper third of kiln and covering the brick with soft brick and/or
fibre. Thank you and hallelujah. Maybe those things will help until we can
get 2 smaller ones built instead of the big monster.
>
> I had another question though, I have noticed that the firings since
November, when the weather got cold--yeah even in the desert in the mornings
it can be 35-45. Would it be better to wait until the afternoon sun warms
it up to 70-80. Wouldn't that help the inner space 20 cu.ft. to reach temp
faster/better?
>
> A couple local Tucson area raku people are gonna try to come down and
give it a look for us in a couple weeks.
>
> Again, thanks.
>
> Barbara Kobler http://www.claywoman.net
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.

______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/

Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.

Logan Johnson Audeo Studios
www.audeostudios.com
"Carpe Argillam!!"

Barbara Kobler on thu 29 jan 04


Hey you guys,
I am totally undone and overwhelmed by all the thoughtful, detailed and generous help you sent in response to my plea for help with raku problems. Wow. For you all who are still busy producing work for your livlihood to spend so much time on replies is quite unexpected. A couple things they all had in common was that the kiln is just way too darn big, raising the shelves to upper third of kiln and covering the brick with soft brick and/or fibre. Thank you and hallelujah. Maybe those things will help until we can get 2 smaller ones built instead of the big monster.

I had another question though, I have noticed that the firings since November, when the weather got cold--yeah even in the desert in the mornings it can be 35-45. Would it be better to wait until the afternoon sun warms it up to 70-80. Wouldn't that help the inner space 20 cu.ft. to reach temp faster/better?

A couple local Tucson area raku people are gonna try to come down and give it a look for us in a couple weeks.

Again, thanks.

Barbara Kobler http://www.claywoman.net