The Kiln Book is the definitive guide to pottery kiln construction. Since this breakthrough book was first published more than thirty years ago, it has shown generations of ceramicists how to build safe, economical, and fully functional kilns that meet their specific creative needs. The revised fourth edition continues to cover all aspects of kiln construction through step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, with new information on alternative fuels and the latest designs. In The Kiln Book, master potter and kiln builder Frederick L. Olsen thoroughly describes fundamental kiln construction methods and design principles in clear, straightforward language. No one has made more custom kilns in more countries than Olsen. His kiln bible explains the inner workings of crossdraft, downdraft, updraft, and multidirectional draft kilns. It discusses the importance of proper masonry work and gives insights into the variety of refractory materials and their applications. The book also offers expert guidance on firing techniques and optimal firing schedules for various kiln styles. In addition to providing building guidance for the three major types of fuel-fired kilns, The Kiln Book includes information on electric kilns and other specialty designs. The practical instructions and illustrations are supplemented with tables, technical specifications, and other practical data. Richly illustrated with color photographs, building plans, and diagrams, The Kiln Book is an essential text for professional potters who want the freedom and control of firing works in their own kiln and for ceramics educators who wish to share the kiln-building experience with their students.
If you enjoy the adventure of alternative firing but have only an electric kiln, this is the guide for you. Learn how to use an electric kiln to attain the natural earthy colors and spontaneous patterns of alternative firing methods. Step-by-step instructions together with nearly 200 photos show how to get good results with saggar firing in an electric kiln, without damaging your kiln. Understand every aspect, from making the saggar and understanding your work's requirements to using terra sigillata, firing the kiln, and more. Along with clearly supplying the exact parameters you need to succeed, the guidance here also allows you the space to experiment and use your own creativity. This resource helps you extend your work with the colors and freedom of alternative firing.
Frederick L. Olsen’s practical guide to the construction, maintenance, and repair of kilns is now bigger and more comprehensive than ever. Olsen’s bible for kiln builders now includes chapters on multidirectional and specialty kilns, fired in place kilns for large scale ceramic sculptures, and offers a few suggestions on what kilns may look like in the future. The Kiln Book covers the principles of efficient design, building methods, refractory materials, bricklaying procedures and instructions, fuels and firing systems, arches, flues, electric elements, and general safety. Olsen includes plans for firebox systems; coal, oil-drip, forced-oil burners; butane, propane, and natural gas burners; and installation of pressure regulators and safety shut-off controls. The complete guide on how to design and build any size, shape kiln for the potter. About the Author Frederick L. Olsen has been a ceramic artist for over sixty years and is very well known as a kiln builder. He often demonstrates kiln building at conferences and workshops around the world and is generally regarded as the authority on kilns. As a young ceramist, he had the good fortune to study under National Treasure ceramic artist Tomimoto Kenkichi and Kondo Yuzo in Japan for two and a half years. Since that time, he has traveled the world doing his ceramics and studying and building kilns of all shapes and sizes. He is well known for his Fastfire wood kiln designs. He has designed and patented the Olsen kiln kits, which have been sold worldwide. His first book, The Kiln Book, was published in 1973, and it has been continually revised and expanded ever since.
The purpose of this book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23" or 28" electric kiln to a TDI propane gas fueled downdraft kiln. The book provides a detailed description of the theory, construction process, parts required with sources, and the basic tools needed. The idea is to promote at-home or small studio reduction firings that can produce very reliable and repeatable results. For those who want to continue exploring and learning in an environment of less certainty, reduction firing can be a fun path. Reduction firing requires gaining experience with firing schedules, reduction techniques, and glazes - commercially available or your own mixing.
Gas Fired Kilns is for people who want to take their pottery firing to the next level with their own kiln. Whether you have made a kiln before or not, or if you need to learn how to fire an existing kiln, this book will help you reach your objectives. Live flames bring the magic of reduction firing, raku, saggar and soda firing within reach. A clean firing gas kiln is a cost effective alternative to buying an electric kiln, and it has much more to offer the ceramicist. Gas can also be used in urban areas where wood firing is prohibited. With the emphasis on practical innovation and clear explanation, this book gives step by step guidance for making three types of gas fired kiln, including an electric kiln to gas conversion, each with a detailed description of how it is fired. In addition to kiln plans and information on the types of burners to use, there are chapters on how to get the best from your gas firings. Finally there are glaze recipes to try, that exploit the capabilities of live flame firing. The book has numerous technical drawings and photographs to illustrate the kiln builds. With Gas Fired Kilns providing conceptual insight and suggesting practical approaches, the reader will have the confidence to take the next step on their journey into ceramics. Chris Barnes is a selected member of the Craft Potters Association UK and a teacher of pottery to adults and children.
Clay body additions can introduce remarkable new forms and textures in ceramic work. With an emphasis on creativity and experimentation, ceramicist Kathleen Standen reveals a range of possible effects, and profiles the extraordinary work of contemporary makers using additions in their practice.Beginning with an introduction to collecting local clay and making your own clay bodies, the book moves on to cover the array of additions being used by artists today, from hard materials like stones, glass and rust, to combustible matter and fibre, metals including wire and mesh, and colour in various forms. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with both unique making methods and the beautiful finished works of ceramic artists from around the world.Additions to Clay Bodies is an inspiring introduction to the art of using additions and an essential companion for any artist wishing to expand their practice.
According to Ceramics Monthly, most potters glaze their pieces at mid-range temperatures--and this complete studio guide eliminates the guesswork from the popular process. Along with hundreds of recipes, it explores mixing, application, specific firing and cooling cycles, and much more. See how to boost colors, achieve results that equal high-fire glazing, and stretch your boundaries with new techniques.