Process: Soda Firing: Experimental Sprung-Arch Kiln
Here are photos of a small soda kiln I built at my studio in 2005. It is an updraft design, fires with propane gas on one Venturi burner, and has about 7 cubic feet of stacking space. This is enough to hold about 20 of my pots, which allows for more frequent firings and for experimentation with the firing parameters without too much at stake in any one load. This kiln was partially funded by a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.
Concrete block foundation completed, and laying floor bricks
Building up walls
Completing metal frame and roofing
Setting arch bricks onto the arch form
The finished kiln
Ready to load pots
Loaded for firing, with door bricked up and pyrometer
Burner at full output
Despite squinting into the sun, that's a look of relief!
Good firing...
Dome jar
Oval basket
Pitcher
Two bottles