No problem about taking your time with a reply to the raku and clay questions. As you know, I'm kind of sandbagged by a lot of work at the moment, but I'm getting around to the "thinking about" and "planning" stage now. (o:
I am, indeed, interested in the idea of either a primitive kiln of some kind, or building one from either brick or steel. I've noticed that at least 2 or 3 of the busiest production potters that I know, have large (probably homemade) kilns made out of bricks out in their backyards. Unfortunately, I've never inspected the construction that carefully, but I know that they are propane-fired. I'll probably be out to a couple of the studios in the next few weeks, so I'll be sure to take a much look this time around to see exactly how they are made. Actually, one of the kilns is inside of an old barn.. which seems kind of scary, especially when you see that it is just layers and layers of bricks and is in the very center of the building which is also the studio, etc... but this particular potter has been working with it for years and years and so I guess it's an okay set-up.. else it would have burned up by now.. (o:
I do have some access to welding equipment now, but just through a friend who has a welding biz. My Dad used to have everything at his place, but he sold it all before he died. I should mention that I don't weld.. I have spent a few years working with propane torches..the kind that run off of propane and compressed air, but never welded, so I'll have to have my friend whip up any gear that needs welding, but that's not a big deal. I have watched other potters doing raku-firing with oil drum kilns and it looked like A LOT of fun, and I am anxious to give it a try.
The idea of relatively low-tech firing appeals to me because I do tend to build or make almost everything myself. I like making tools, buildings, etc... I built most of my studio (26 x 32 feet) myself a couple of hours at a time each day after work over the course of a couple of years. I don't mind putting my time into such things as I enjoy making things that I "understand" well. I tend to trust things more when I have built them and know how they work. You probably know exactly what I mean by that. (o:
Anyhow, I'm going to try to do some research into all of this stuff so that I can figure out if I want to give this a shot once the snow is gone and I can work out in my yard. I'm hoping to have lots of time to "do stuff" outdoors this year, and the idea of building a kiln seems to be growing more and more interesting as time passes. Very much wanting to do more sculpture again... kind of tired of doing computer graphics and all of this stuff that ties me to the indoors once the weather is good. Working on things out in the garden seems the way to go.
Good info about the clays. Thanks! I thought I remembered some of this stuff from when I was younger (long time ago), but I've forgotten a lot. Good to have someone knowledgeable to talk to who understands the problem and also understands that I'm willing to experiment (a lot).
Sounds like you're back having fun with the clay again. I am *more* than just a little envious! <gg> |
