Potters Tails: the Raku Kiln

earthenware , stoneware is all fine but i want to try something a little more asian style, so a japanese raku kiln sounds good.

A barrel/incinerator becomes the kiln. using ceramic fibre i coat the inside of the lid and barrel. this allows heat to be retained inside the kiln. a small'ish hole bored into the bottom will allow my propane burner to flame into the can. the heat and air will rise inside the kiln and exit the top like a blast furnace.

so we place our pot inside the raku kiln, and heat it with the propane burner, we are aiming to get the item super red hot, this will be bisque. next we remove pot and plunge it into sawdust shavings in a barrel and cover. this gives the pot smoke patterns and flame marks.

you are reaching very hot temps using a propane torch and run the risk of exploding pots, so take care when transfering a super hot item.