I thank my lucky stars today; I found a used Olympic torchbearer kiln for a very reasonable price. The propane fueled raku/reduction kiln is about 18 x 27 inches with two burners. It came with the shelves, the tongs, the pyrometer, and a rolling stand. Not only that I now have a renewed energy for clay to boot. Even Gary is excited. He didn't even balk when I ran into the garage and said hurry, let's get going, we're going to look at a raku kiln.
The purchase of the kiln was bittersweet because the person I got the kiln from, Gary Finfrock, lost his vision in 2004. He said he can no longer safely do reduction and raku. But Gary is an inspiration because he still makes pottery on his wheel and fires in an electric kiln and sells his work in local art fairs. The kiln is still in the back of my car. We'll unload it today, and prepare for a firing very soon. I have a few little plates in the drying cabinet I can use for a test firing, so stay tuned.
What great news! Happy day for you!
ReplyDeleteoh well done! nice pick up :)) happy rakuing
ReplyDeleteWonderful news, Linda! I'm excited too! I can't wait to see your new Raku pieces after firing!
ReplyDeleteI have the big brother to that one, can't say it's the greatest for reduction but it is a great Raku kiln. Just don't call Olympic for any help, they are useless! Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteYAY -- can't wait to see your work coming out of that kiln.
ReplyDeleteyou are going to be having fun!!! and gary will love the process too.
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith, thanks, yes a very happy and lucky day.
ReplyDeleteHi Ang, thanks, I don't know why I happened to look under art category on craigslist, but just did and there it was just posted.
Hi Sapphire, thanks I can't wait to fire it.
Hi Tracey, thanks, Olympics number is written on the front of the manual, but I know someone around here who fires raku so I'll call them. I'll be re-looking at all your test glazes in a whole new light. I have a few Cone 10 dry glazes and wonder if I can adapt them to Cone 6, I'll have to do some research on that.
Hi Judy, thanks, I am really excited. I'm already looking at what I have drying to see which ones I'll fire raku.
Hi Michele, thanks, we just got it set up with only two rings so it isn't so tall since it's on a stand and a rolling dolly too, Gary is already polishing it up - Ha! I know he'll be doing some firing with me for sure. We're going to get a propane bottle and some metal trash cans today.
Congrats! Looking forward to your first firing.
ReplyDeleteHi John, thanks, I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky ducky!! how exciting -I can't wait to see what you will be making! ...I think your positive outlook, kindness and generosity came full circle :o)
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, thanks, yes I really am lucky, but also persistent looking through the craigslist ads and then driving as quick as I can to look before anyone else has a chance to. Ha.
ReplyDelete