• For a Better Bonfire, a nine-hour firing duration is recommended. This slow firing process helps to
prevent cracking in the two critical temperature ranges.
• All unfired pottery contains some residual water which will vaporize at 100°c. If this happens too fast
the pottery will crack.
• At 580°C the quartz in the clay and expands. If this happens too fast the pottery will crack.
Unloading the kiln
After 20-24 hours the stoves should be cool enough to handle. Remove the mud dome and the supporting
pottery pieces, and carefully unload the stoves or pots.
Figure 5.7 Unloading the kiln
If you open the kiln too early it will cool too fast. This may cause breakages.
Repairs and maintenance
1.
•
•
•
After each firing inspect the kiln for:
Bricks that are beginning to sink.
Joints which have become loose or fallen out.
Cracks.
2. Repair any of these defects immediately.
3. Replaster the kiln regularly.
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