william schran on fri 18 jun 04
We had been firing our raku kiln (Axner brand) with a burner that
came with a Peach Valley Raku Kiln that I bought back in 1978. We
were still using the original Peach Valley metal mesh/fiber top
(replaced fiber only once!) up until 2 years ago but it got to be too
small for our class situation. I had modified the original burner,
adding safety cut-off. We would normally fire with this burner at a
reading of 4 lbs on the regulator (original regulator, so who knows
how accurate).
This spring I was able to secure a small grant to purchase a new
burner system from Ward. We got the raku set-up with baso safety
valve.
What a difference! The first firing with old burner took an hour -
hour and a half, second firing 45 minutes, then each successive
firing about a half hour. With this new burner - first firing, half
hour. Second firing 20 minutes! We've got the regulator setting at
the first mark, either 1 or 2 lbs! Wasn't sure about going any higher
cause this setting "sounds" right.
Only the rain will hold us back!
Bill, where in Alexandria, Va the construction of our new kiln
building has finally begun! Started this project 4 years ago.
Norma Williams on fri 18 jun 04
Hi! =20
I'm planning on building a raku kiln and have been considering a Ward
system=2E What size is your kiln and what size is your burner(s)=3F I
have recently moved to SW Oklalahom and know of no other potters in
the area=2E I recently joined Clayart in search of a "support family"
and can use all the help I can get! Thanks for any tips, etc=2E in
setting up for a modest raku operation=2E =20
Norma Williams
Mangum OK
njwilliams@itlnet=2Enet=20
---- Original Message ----
From: wschran@COX=2ENET
To: CLAYART@LSV=2ECERAMICS=2EORG
Subject: RE: Ward Burner systems
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 09:37:52 -0400
>We had been firing our raku kiln (Axner brand) with a burner that
>came with a Peach Valley Raku Kiln that I bought back in 1978=2E We
>were still using the original Peach Valley metal mesh/fiber top
>(replaced fiber only once!) up until 2 years ago but it got to be too
>small for our class situation=2E I had modified the original burner,
>adding safety cut-off=2E We would normally fire with this burner at a
>reading of 4 lbs on the regulator (original regulator, so who knows
>how accurate)=2E
>
>This spring I was able to secure a small grant to purchase a new
>burner system from Ward=2E We got the raku set-up with baso safety
>valve=2E
>
>What a difference! The first firing with old burner took an hour -
>hour and a half, second firing 45 minutes, then each successive
>firing about a half hour=2E With this new burner - first firing, half
>hour=2E Second firing 20 minutes! We've got the regulator setting at
>the first mark, either 1 or 2 lbs! Wasn't sure about going any higher
>cause this setting "sounds" right=2E
>
>Only the rain will hold us back!
>
>Bill, where in Alexandria, Va the construction of our new kiln
>building has finally begun! Started this project 4 years ago=2E
>
>=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=
=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=
=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F
>=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F
>Send postings to clayart@lsv=2Eceramics=2Eorg
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www=2Eceramics=2Eorg/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@p
>clink=2Ecom=2E=0D
william schran on fri 18 jun 04
Norma wrote:>I'm planning on building a raku kiln and have been
considering a Ward
system. What size is your kiln and what size is your burner(s)?<
Here's the link for Ward Burner's raku burner systems:
http://www.wardburner.com/venturi_raku.cfm
I got the MR750 single burner system with Baso safety valve.
Here's the link for the Axner raku kiln, it's 24"w x 20"h, though the
way we've set the shelf, we only get about 17" h:
http://www.pottery-books.com/axner/equipment/kilnraku.php
We preheat our pots on top of the kiln and the Axner kiln doesn't
have metal mesh on top. I cut a sheet of mesh and laid it on top to
protect the fiber.
Bill
Norma Williams on sat 19 jun 04
Thanks, Bill!
I have several choices of available materials (ceramic fiber (2"), many
soft and hard brick, and an old electric kiln. I haven't yet decided on
size or material, but do believe I will go with your recommended burner. I
have heard pro's and con's regarding the safety valve. Do you think the
extra cost is important?
Thanks!
Norma, at the end of the world, which REALLY does drop off at the Texas
Panhandle. Ha!
njwilliams@itlnet.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "william schran"
To:
Sent: Friday, June 18, 2004 8:35 PM
Subject: Re: Ward Burner systems
> Norma wrote:>I'm planning on building a raku kiln and have been
> considering a Ward
> system. What size is your kiln and what size is your burner(s)?<
>
>
>
> Here's the link for Ward Burner's raku burner systems:
> http://www.wardburner.com/venturi_raku.cfm
>
> I got the MR750 single burner system with Baso safety valve.
>
> Here's the link for the Axner raku kiln, it's 24"w x 20"h, though the
> way we've set the shelf, we only get about 17" h:
> http://www.pottery-books.com/axner/equipment/kilnraku.php
>
> We preheat our pots on top of the kiln and the Axner kiln doesn't
> have metal mesh on top. I cut a sheet of mesh and laid it on top to
> protect the fiber.
>
> Bill
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> 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.
william schran on sun 20 jun 04
Norma wrote:>I haven't yet decided on
size or material, but do believe I will go with your recommended burner. I
have heard pro's and con's regarding the safety valve. Do you think the
extra cost is important?<
I don't think the extra cost is as important as your safety! I would
strongly recommend using some kind of safety system anytime you're
dealing with gas.
When you call Ward Burner, be prepared to provide lots of
information. They want to know exactly what your needs are. So
perhaps get the kiln built before you try to order the burner.
Bill
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