In This Issue
* While the Smoke Clears - Poll was a Success, Finally
* Open Air Raku?
* High Alkaline Frits
* I Raku the Body Electric
* The Perfect Setup
* Sun Fired Raku?
* Raku Links
* Workshops
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* I Raku the Body Electric

Another reader provides feedback on firing Raku using an electric kiln…

In response to the questions about firing Raku in an electric kiln, it works just fine. I always turn the kiln on and get it red-hot (1800 F.) ahead of time, empty, and get a good charcoal BBQ going next to it, to use for preheating the glazed pots.

Another thing to think about, with respect to older kilns, is that when the elements finally do fail, and you can't redo them (or if someone is getting rid of a dead electric) it is a simple matter to poke holes in the brick walls, one or two at the bottom for gas burners, depending on size, and one on top as a flue.

Place a kiln shelf on a couple of brick pieces, to put your pots on, and to spread the flames out. A hole saw works well on the sheet metal, if you run your drill slowly and you use some oil or wax as a lubricant.

If it was a top-loader, you can turn it on its side first, to save heat each time it's opened. You don't really want to get rid of a kiln unless it's literally falling to pieces.