MadDog Mike's Platterful of Pupule - Pele Fence Hanger - Other Crafts

4 4WDtiki Tiki Socialite Omao, Kauai Joined: Aug 03, 2004 Posts: 2004	4 4WDtiki Posted posted on Thu, Jun 4, 2009 5:10 AM Mike, I used to do raku back in the 90s. I had a medium sized basic electric kiln, and would raku in my backyard. I am no expert, but it seemed to me that all the action in the process took place in a very short time, say less than a minute. Sounds to me like part of your problem may be "the chunks of wood" etc in your firing container. I used sawdust, wood shavings, dead leaves, shredded newspaper, etc. Quick burn stuff. When the raku piece was placed in the container, the combustibles would burst into flame, and I would slap the lid onto the container. That action would cut off the oxygen for the fire, which I was taught was a key to raku. Also, I was only firing up to bisque temp for raku, I forget what cone that is. Maybe you're going too hot? I've been wanting to get back into raku, so I'm hoping someone nearer to me (Babs!) might start doing it. :wink:

Mike, I used to do raku back in the 90s. I had a medium sized basic electric kiln, and would raku in my backyard. I am no expert, but it seemed to me that all the action in the process took place in a very short time, say less than a minute. Sounds to me like part of your problem may be "the chunks of wood" etc in your firing container.
I used sawdust, wood shavings, dead leaves, shredded newspaper, etc. Quick burn stuff. When the raku piece was placed in the container, the combustibles would burst into flame, and I would slap the lid onto the container. That action would cut off the oxygen for the fire, which I was taught was a key to raku.
Also, I was only firing up to bisque temp for raku, I forget what cone that is. Maybe you're going too hot?

I've been wanting to get back into raku, so I'm hoping someone nearer to me (Babs!) might start doing it. :wink:

Post #458979 by 4WDtiki on Thu, Jun 4, 2009 5:10 AM