Pit Fire Question

[Brian Stein]

I am after some advise about a pottery class where pinch pots are made, then dried for a day or two and then pit fired in a reproduction earth lodge.

 

My questions are:

 

Do you think the clay will dry enough in two days to survive a pit fire with beginner made pots?

 

Are there any safety concerns with fumes from the clay in the somewhat confined area?

 

If the pots are not completely dry, is there any risk of injury from exploding pots and people standing around the fire?

 

Are there any other risks or safety ideas that should be considered or other advice?

 

Thanks,

-BS

[alabama]

hey,

 

     1.  Its possible for the pots to be dry enough but beginner pottery is usually thick and clunky which works against you.  You'll need pottery kits and tools

so look for books which show an example like Sharon Wirts, "American Indian Pottery".  "Traditional Pottery of Papau New Guinea" might show tools,

but its a good book any way.  You should get a feeling of how laid back they are in making their pottery.  You could probably control some of the thickness problems if you tried making "Corrugated" pottery from the southwest.  It will take lots of practice.

     2.  I'd be more worried about the smoke.

     3.  Some pots explode at different rates than others...some are more violent...Maybe safety glasses are in order.

     4.  I'd be scared to death that the embers would catch the ceiling on fire, and fall across the exit.  I don't fire traditional pottery inside.  Why not start fires for each person outside and let them fire one per fire?   Trying to fire all together would be less controlling.

     You might have to find a school or person to teach handbuilding with coils then adust the training to your needs.  Some people roll coils out on a board,

table, leg(thigh), or in the air and allow it to reach the length you need (like I normally do.)  Try not to bisque first for once you do, its hard to wean yourself

off the kiln and go back to the traditional methods.  Read some books, start a notebook, discuss your wants and goals with a handbuilding person.

Its never too late to start researching like now.

Good luck.

Alabama

[Babs]

If notbisque firing first, select your clay with care. Neds to be able to handle thermal shock in a pit.