6.22.10 Here are some pictures of my new kiln's building and modification. We keep getting things done one little bit at a time. Firing in two weeks. New pics are at the bottom. Enjoy!
New kiln 2009
Here is the new kiln as we prepare to construct its castable arch...
After a layer of plyboard, the sand goes on to form what will be our kiln's inside shape...
Here, the sand's important role in this process can be seen...
With the castable hardened off and the sand removed, what remains is the new arch. The entire arch has since been covered with a complete layer of insulative white bricks to finish off one of the most important building stages in our kiln project.
This kiln was designed as a variation on one that I used during my apprenticeship with Jeff Shapiro in Accord, NY. We always referred to that kiln as the, "Teabowl Kiln". One significant difference in design is the extended flue trough that bridges the gap between the body of the kiln and the corrugated chimney. Jeff's Teabowl kiln had a brick chimney ganged right on the back, a very efficient and effective design. In this kiln, I wanted to access the long and low flame that races along the floor of the flue chamber.
Some more steel consolidated the back of the kiln and framed the flame trough area. Our chimney is a little shady, but we are going to put some more steel on that...
It sure did get glowing, intermediately between stokes but it held up just fine and with a little shielding, it should last us some firings.
Below is a little soft-brick anagama that I built in Barree, PA some years ago. Though I have since removed it, I hold this kiln dear to me as it was the first real experience that I felt the ownership of conception and design that is so integral for the life and growth of the making mind. I was twenty years old.
Anagama...Barree, PA USA 2001