Firing #2: Unpacking

Unpacking the kiln revealed a more even distribution of heat compared to the first firing. I could see after cracking the door that I got the right temperature in most parts of the kiln. The very top of the kiln and the area just before the flue seem to be the coolest areas. My cloud glaze (chun) is fairly fussy, the thickness needs to be spot on and so does the temperature. After firing this glaze many times I can tell which one of these variables are lacking. On this occasion I think I got the thickness a bit wrong with some pots firing to a deep blue to black(clear). I am pleased with the firing though, a big improvement over last time.





Above: Cracking the door to see the pots.

The addition of the bag wall has definitely helped get the heat higher in the kiln. This time Cone 12 was down at the bottom with Cone 11 flat and Cone 12 bending at the top. I guess I will have to continue with slight modifications to the bagwall over the next few firings.







Above: The door completely down, cooler near flue but much improved.



Got temperature

I managed to get cone 11 down at about 4.30 pm. The glaze on the pots looked like it had melted. I will have to wait until I open the kiln to find out.

Cold start but going well

It was a crisp morning when I rose at 4.30 but the kiln started off well. I made a small fire in the kiln last night and let it burn down to preheat it a bit. So when I started this morning the kiln was warm and a little bellow 100 degrees. Burning odd bits under the grate works well. Especially when there are so many sticks lying around under the talk gums.