Adjusting the Soda Kiln

Seeking an even temperature (as much as possible) throughout the kiln:

We have fired the Soda Kiln three times since we got the gas line installed this spring. It’s been really fun and a lot of learning. Workshops and the Soda Firing Service (for those who have taken the workshop) are being developed!

We have a photo gallery of the soda kiln being built (HERE).

This has been such a fun kiln to fire. Even better are the people who have hung around, talked, added to the learning, and shared time at the kiln. A huge thanks to everyone who has pitched in!

FIRST FIRING:
The first firing was hot on top and cold on the bottom as well as the whole back of the kiln. We started with a 8” bag wall (two bricks stacked lengthwise) and a soap for a target brick.

This firing was really long. We had trouble with the pyrometer (as the wrong one was purchased). We added 2 pounds of soda made into a solution with 2 gallons of water.

SECOND FIRING
After the first firing, we raised the bag wall (to three bricks stacked lengthwise) and removed the target brick. We again sprayed in 2 pounds of soda made into a solution with 2 gallons of water. Then the kiln was hot on the bottom and cool in the back. There was more soda than we wanted. The underfired pots refired ok.

THIRD FIRING
For this firing, we kept the bag wall the way it was and added a bigger target brick (full brick) and that really worked! The top and bottom were hot and so was most of the back of the kiln.
It is still just a little cool in the bottom front and back of the kiln. Our next step (for the fourth firing in December) is to open up the bag wall just a bit. (meaning, making the spaces between the bricks an inch or so bigger. Stay tuned!

We also lowered the soda to 1.5 pounds in 1.5 gallons of water. This was a really good amount. We had great soft flashing in our neutral atmosphere. Now we are working to get the flashing slips to fit perfectly!

There is a workshop in December or if you have already taken the workshop, you may participate in the Soda Kiln Firing Service! (Learn MORE)

I will be adding to this as we adjust the kiln!