Backyard Kilns is a fully illustrated E-Book on Kiln Building. The Backyard Kiln, based on the brick kiln, has been tested in several locations, and has proved very efficient indeed, reaching very high temperatures, and capable of being fired both quickly and very slowly, and leaving a virtually ash-free firebox at the end! For the potter who likes to plough his or her own furrow, and who, although welcoming help from friends with firings, prefers not to have to rely on a team in order to get their work finished.

Frederick L. Olsen’s practical guide to the construction, maintenance, and repair of kilns is now bigger and more comprehensive than ever. Olsen’s bible for kiln builders now includes chapters on multidirectional and specialty kilns, fired in place kilns for large scale ceramic sculptures, and offers a few suggestions on what kilns may look like in the future. The Kiln Book covers the principles of efficient design, building methods, refractory materials, bricklaying procedures and instructions, fuels and firing systems, arches, flues, electric elements, and general safety. Olsen includes plans for firebox systems; coal, oil-drip, forced-oil burners; butane, propane, and natural gas burners; and installation of pressure regulators and safety shut-off controls. The complete guide on how to design and build any size, shape kiln for the potter. About the Author Frederick L. Olsen has been a ceramic artist for over sixty years and is very well known as a kiln builder. He often demonstrates kiln building at conferences and workshops around the world and is generally regarded as the authority on kilns. As a young ceramist, he had the good fortune to study under National Treasure ceramic artist Tomimoto Kenkichi and Kondo Yuzo in Japan for two and a half years. Since that time, he has traveled the world doing his ceramics and studying and building kilns of all shapes and sizes. He is well known for his Fastfire wood kiln designs. He has designed and patented the Olsen kiln kits, which have been sold worldwide. His first book, The Kiln Book, was published in 1973, and it has been continually revised and expanded ever since.

Demonstrating four different clay-firing techniques, this book illustrates the diverse results that each can produce.

The purpose of this book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23" or 28" electric kiln to a TDI propane gas fueled downdraft kiln. The book provides a detailed description of the theory, construction process, parts required with sources, and the basic tools needed. The idea is to promote at-home or small studio reduction firings that can produce very reliable and repeatable results. For those who want to continue exploring and learning in an environment of less certainty, reduction firing can be a fun path. Reduction firing requires gaining experience with firing schedules, reduction techniques, and glazes - commercially available or your own mixing.

The Kiln Book is the definitive guide to pottery kiln construction. Since this breakthrough book was first published more than thirty years ago, it has shown generations of ceramicists how to build safe, economical, and fully functional kilns that meet their specific creative needs. The revised fourth edition continues to cover all aspects of kiln construction through step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, with new information on alternative fuels and the latest designs. In The Kiln Book, master potter and kiln builder Frederick L. Olsen thoroughly describes fundamental kiln construction methods and design principles in clear, straightforward language. No one has made more custom kilns in more countries than Olsen. His kiln bible explains the inner workings of crossdraft, downdraft, updraft, and multidirectional draft kilns. It discusses the importance of proper masonry work and gives insights into the variety of refractory materials and their applications. The book also offers expert guidance on firing techniques and optimal firing schedules for various kiln styles. In addition to providing building guidance for the three major types of fuel-fired kilns, The Kiln Book includes information on electric kilns and other specialty designs. The practical instructions and illustrations are supplemented with tables, technical specifications, and other practical data. Richly illustrated with color photographs, building plans, and diagrams, The Kiln Book is an essential text for professional potters who want the freedom and control of firing works in their own kiln and for ceramics educators who wish to share the kiln-building experience with their students.

Drying Hardwood Lumber focuses on common methods for drying lumber of different thickness, with minimal drying defects, for high quality applications. This manual also includes predrying treatments that, when part of an overall quality-oriented drying system, reduce defects and improve drying quality, especially of oak lumber. Special attention is given to drying white wood, such as hard maple and ash, without sticker shadow or other discoloration. Several special drying methods, such as solar drying, are described, and proper techniques for storing dried lumber are discussed. Suggestions are provided for ways to economize on drying costs by reducing drying time and energy demands when feasible. Each chapter is accompanied by a list of references. Some references are cited in the chapter; others are listed as additional sources of information.