November  2006    Issue #44
Published by
Gary R. Ferguson – Raku Artist
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In This Issue
* While the Smoke Clears 
* Smokeless Alcohol Raku
* Pac-Man Fever
* Shelf Eating Glaze Again
* Inherited Clay
* Flame On
* Raku Links
* Workshops 
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Discover the secrets to creating multiple streams of income 
using the power of eBay. A Powerseller shows you how at: 
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* Flame On

Sandi asks:
I just got my own Raku kiln. I have done some Raku firing 
in classes I have taken but someone else was always in 
control of the burner. I fired my own kiln the other day 
and I realized I don't know how to set the burners or when 
to take the pots out of the kiln to put in the reduction 
buckets. I think since I'm new at it I'm a bit afraid of 
it. Can you help me?

Firing a Raku kiln does take a little practice but after a 
few times you be an "old pro."

When I fire my kiln I start out with the lowest setting I 
can have a still get a steady flame. I do this for about 5 
to 10 minutes to makes sure any remaining water in the 
glaze is driven off.

Then I turn the burner up so a have a fairly strong flame 
(but not roaring) until I get up to about 1000F. Then I 
turn it up higher (to the roaring level) until the glaze is 
mature.

I basically set my burner more based on sound than 
anything.

I would recommend using either a pyrometer or standing 
cones to give you an idea of maturity. The best method, at 
least with glossy glazes, is visually inspecting the piece 
in the kiln to see if they glaze is shimmering.

So my recommendation is to fire some of your test pieces, 
or seconds for your first few firings. Then as your 
experience grows start firing your better pieces and you 
should have better results.

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"It's all your fault! I was up all night reading "Raku 
Secrets". I have been Rakuing for about ten years, and 
still so much to learn. Your Raku Secrets gave me a lot of 
new insight. Thanks so much". - Elaine S.
http://www.rakusecrets.com 
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Gary R. Ferguson - Raku Artist

(c) Copyright 2006, Gary R. Ferguson