Mini-pit firing
Sep. 12th, 2006 06:13 amI unloaded a mini-pit firing I had done the day before. Came out well. Among other pots was a beaker for Torfin and will see them this weekend.
I was nervous about the firing, I'm certain they are safe but for these mini-pits I use a lot of sawdust & wood shavings which sends out billows of smoke for a few hours. I half expected to see the county fire marshal. It has been my experience that local county, city, and state officials don't know much (anything) about kilns and firing. But some are very officious and have, a couple of times over the years, shut down my kiln and firings I have done. Usually in more public settings than my home. "Uh, look sir, my hand is touching the bricks, how can it be flash-point hot?" At school a couple of years ago I had five (5) different inspectors from different agencies all of whom told us different requirements for firing the school kiln. One would say the floors were fine but the vent needed fixed, the next guy would say the reverse.
All is well though, this firing is complete.
I was nervous about the firing, I'm certain they are safe but for these mini-pits I use a lot of sawdust & wood shavings which sends out billows of smoke for a few hours. I half expected to see the county fire marshal. It has been my experience that local county, city, and state officials don't know much (anything) about kilns and firing. But some are very officious and have, a couple of times over the years, shut down my kiln and firings I have done. Usually in more public settings than my home. "Uh, look sir, my hand is touching the bricks, how can it be flash-point hot?" At school a couple of years ago I had five (5) different inspectors from different agencies all of whom told us different requirements for firing the school kiln. One would say the floors were fine but the vent needed fixed, the next guy would say the reverse.
All is well though, this firing is complete.