Yesterday we fired Judy, my soda kiln. Our first time after the rebuild.

Last summer I began rebuilding the firebox, tearing it right down to the foundation and building it back up with a recessed ash pit, larger cross section, reinforced throat arch, more grate bars and more space about the stoke hole.

I learned there's still a bit more work to do. I want to pour a couple castable sections to really frame around the stoke hole, some of the bricks are loose and it was troublesome when one of them got knocked loose at 1200C and flames were shooting out a couple feet.

Also, I believe when I pulled a lot of the metal work off I opened up space where flames are sneaking out when we shut down. We plugged them with fibre but I think a more permanent solution will be required.

Thanks to Megan Tarris, Neidin Prout, Mona Ali, Clive Tucker and Tammi Vilchis for all the help.

#woodsoda
#canadianceramics
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#woodfire