Soda Kiln is READY!!....

So Here is how this came together...

As discussed, it was to damn cold lately. This is propane that will be used as fuel. Now propane "freezes" up due to it being cold, so the longer you run it the more cold to the point it doesn't leave the bottle efficiently. So, logically, if we start out cold outside... well it doesn't take long to get to this stuck spot.  Further, even when it isn't super cold the colder outside is the less efficient the firing.

Based on this and how cold it has been in general, so we put off the firing till next sunday.

So cold as hell I got myself motivated to get the kiln itself fixed.  We planned on this and we simply could not get it done. Other things screwed with the time, and when it is both cold and dark it is hard to get moving. But finally we had it set... then Zeke had to go into work at 2am...

All the same, it had to get done. I am very flooded at work and this was really the only time that still bough us wiggle room to fix any problems. So I fired up the old wood stove.  My studio is still chaos due to the remodel moving so slowly.

I then kidnapped the creator of the chaos in the studio and he helped me get this going.  Here you see him just finishing up with the flue.

Here you can see where I added some brick to have a much broader base than is offered simply by the burner unit. The burner unit really is the same size as the original base. But with the kiln outside, well extra stability seems to be a good idea.  Here you can also sort of see the burners and you can see the gas connection.

Here is the inside.  The odd square you see is actually the stain from the original frame. This was flipped when we put it together. No, this actually makes no difference.  You can look carefully in the holes and see the burners.  You can also see the posts created by cutting the holes. This will be used as the post for the addition of the bottom shelf.  I must create enough space between the burner and the bottom of the shelf to circulate the air and flame.  I will add one large shelf rescued from an old gas kiln for this purpose (I think, I think it fits... I really need to pick it up...)

Here is the flue. I will add soft kiln brick to cover the top to regulate the air. This allows the flue to have a dampener. So this allows some control over secondary air. This is how you control the oxygen and therefore set the kiln into reduction and to what degree. Larger is better because if the source of secondary air (the flue) is not equal to or larger than the source of primary air (the burner ports) then you can not place the kiln in neutral or oxidation. This places the kiln in constant reduction causing it to fire very inefficient. 

If the flue is too "large', well you simply cover the hole more.  So that you can fix, too small you only can fix by cutting a larger hole.

Here you see the hole kiln.  If you look at the holes on the middle portion of the rings, see the double holes? Those are "peep holes".  Ignore the holes to the right. Those actually are only large enough for a wire and therefore not an issue.

Now in some designs you seal up these peep holes... only to knock larger holes into the side of the kiln. These are the soda ports and peep holes.  Well, by using the existing peep holes and making the hole larger (we did this, it is hard to see) there is less damage done to the kiln helping keep it stable. Another reason holes are added is to get to both sides.. but by spinning the ring.. well it took care of itself.  

I think my design will work just fine.  From brick built versions the soda ports are few and far between and so I think I have plenty going on here.

I think we are ready to fire.