Gas Fired Kilns is for people who want to take their pottery firing to the next level with their own kiln. Whether you have made a kiln before or not, or if you need to learn how to fire an existing kiln, this book will help you reach your objectives. Live flames bring the magic of reduction firing, raku, saggar and soda firing within reach. A clean firing gas kiln is a cost effective alternative to buying an electric kiln, and it has much more to offer the ceramicist. Gas can also be used in urban areas where wood firing is prohibited. With the emphasis on practical innovation and clear explanation, this book gives step by step guidance for making three types of gas fired kiln, including an electric kiln to gas conversion, each with a detailed description of how it is fired. In addition to kiln plans and information on the types of burners to use, there are chapters on how to get the best from your gas firings. Finally there are glaze recipes to try, that exploit the capabilities of live flame firing. The book has numerous technical drawings and photographs to illustrate the kiln builds. With Gas Fired Kilns providing conceptual insight and suggesting practical approaches, the reader will have the confidence to take the next step on their journey into ceramics. Chris Barnes is a selected member of the Craft Potters Association UK and a teacher of pottery to adults and children.

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.

This book is a guide to the principles involved in firing kilns. In The Art of Firing, Nils Lou reflects on his lifetime passion for kilns, helping us to understand how kilns work, and giving us access to that chamber of mysteries. He also discusses the structure of various fuel-burning kilns and explains how kilns work. While he accepts that potters tend to fire kilns by 'the seat of their pants', he firmly believes that a sound knowledge of the science involved is necessary to underpin the intuitive approach. Looking into the spyhole of a kiln through a safety lens is a captivating experience. At temperature, molten glazes can reflect as mirrors do. For predictable and reliable results we need to know how pots react to atmospheric changes both inside and outside the kiln, how to diagnose problems so results can be improved and how to eliminate poor firings. Inconsistent reds and other fugitive glazes, stalling just before maturity, propane gas freeze-up, and inefficient fuel consumption are among the common problems, but all are solvable. In this book you will find the kind of working information you can use to make your kiln perform properly and efficiently. Nils Lou's unique curiosity about the behaviour of kilns makes this book a treasure trove for a newcomer to firing, as well as to an experienced potter with a yearning to push past old myths and blind spots about kiln firing.-- 9. Lan.

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.

A comprehensive detailed, artistic approach to the art and technique of soda firing in contemporary ceramics.

Building one's own kiln can be a daunting prospect, with the potential for numerous missteps along the way. This book aims to give confidence to those who seek to build their own kilns. Kiln Construction is a user-friendly guide that offers a thorough grounding in the basics of construction and also in-depth examinations of three kiln types—gas, oil, and woodfired—with diagrams and photos showing every step in the process. These designs have been thoroughly tried and tested and are in regular use by well-known potters. Comprehensive information on methods, materials, fuels, and kiln furniture is provided as well. Emphasizing practicality at every step in the process, this book will aid potters who are ready to build their own kilns and wish to gain both a greater understanding of kilns and more control and flexibility in their work. This approach will help readers navigate the difficult but rewarding process of kiln building.

Potters everywhere will welcome "Copper Red Glazes", the ultimate reference for this tricky but stunning glaze. Finally potters can master ancient secrets without expensive and frustrating experimentation. 50 color photos.