Suzana Lisanti

Hi, I'm beginning to use reduction cooling in a ^10 gas-fired soda kiln, and looking for best practices. The goal is to develop more crystals in the glaze and more color on the clay surfaces. We're especially looking for advice on how to enhance the raw clay/flashing slip surfaces. So far we have positive results firing to cone 10, and down firing around 100F per hour until 1850F. We put wet soft bricks in the spy holes to introduce water, control the cooling with the gas and air, nearly closed damper. What firing schedules and techniques do people use on reduction down firing? All advice appreciated! Suzana Lisanti

Thank you for these two answers! Very helpful.

Hi folks, Any suggestions for filling in the gaps between bricks on the floor of my wood kiln? I have a two-chambered Noborigama and through time some bricks on the floor of the loading chambers have developed small gaps, maybe 1/4" . My concern is that ash and soda can melt into these gaps to the sub floor. I use kiln shelves in the chambers. I have a vague memory about using brick grog (the residue from cutting refractory brick) to fill in the gaps. Any suggestions? Including "don't worry." Thanks, Suzana