Update on kiln unloading

Well, from what I can see right now I wasn't able to get complete reduction in the bottom of the kiln on my copper purple. The body reduction seems to be right on and the glazes all appear to have behaved well, with the exception of a few green pieces that I tried. Next time around I'll have to make some better doors to close off the firebox and make the damper a little tougher.

Still, for the first wood firing in four years and on a new kiln I'm pretty pleased. The kiln ran even from top to bottom and I've remembered a little more from my old wood training. I'm sure I'll get the reduction on the bottom decks next time.

You can find my photos here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/44494989@N05/

Wood firing is complete

After staying up for more than 48 hrs straight the wood firing is finally completed. We sealed the kiln at 3AM this morning and now the wait begins. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for us.

After the kiln is opened I'll post all of the photos of the event.

Wood Kiln Day 4

Wow, I've managed to get a lot done with the help of my wife, but there's still a bunch to do before tomorrow. I need to add water to all of my dry batched glazes, make wadding, mix up kiln wash and wash the shelving.

I'm still a little nervous about trying a trick I learned a while ago involving silver paint (not luster) on the rims and seats of lids as a resist. Supposedly the pigment is Al2/Al2O3 and when fired the paint burns away leaving only Al2O3. Can anyone confirm this?

Anyway... I'm off to get my list done for tonight!

Looking forward to my first wood firing

I'm super excited... My wife and I have an amazing opportunity to live in a house for at least a year with its own pottery studio and wood kiln. The kiln is a little smaller than I've fired before, but that should be a good thing as there's only one person loading it.

Hopefully I'll be posting some photos of the loading and prep work this week.

Right now I need to find a supply of 5 gallon buckets for glaze and I'd rather not spend $5 a piece for them. Any suggestions, please feel free to leave them.