Like all aspects of the clay process, how you fire your work (atmosphere, glazes, temperature, etc.) can have a big affect on your finished results. When it comes to a large wood kiln, where your work is placed within the kiln can have a bearing on the final results. FireSong has three sections (front to back) which each create distinctly different finishes on the work. Additionally, height placement (whether on the floor, shelves or at the top) can also have a limited effect.

Areas of the Kiln

Salt Section – Back of the Kiln

The back third of the kiln is the Salt Section. There is a small fire box directly in front of the salt section and stoking ports on both sides of the kiln. Once the kiln has reached 2200°F, salt is introduced in the form of salt burritos (course salt wrapped in damp paper) or using a salt cannon. Like the ask, the salt melts, then settles on the artwork creating a unique glaze surface. People often describe it as an orange peel texture.

The salt section of the kiln is the coolest section, with maximum temperatures ranging from cone 9-11. This is a good area for soft glazes as well as bare clay. The salt will interact with the glazes creating different surface effects. Bare clay in this section of the kiln tends to get a little darker tones than in other areas of the kiln.

Middle of the Kiln

The Middle Section of the kiln reaches cone 10-12 consistently. This is the ideal section of the kiln for glazed, functional works. Since it is a little further into the kiln, it is protected from the harsh ash accumulation, but still gets plenty of heat to melt and flow the glazes. Bare clay also flashes very nicely in this section.

Front of the Kiln & The Wall

The Front of the Kiln is the hottest part of the kiln and collects the most ash build up. Shino glazes are perfect in this section, as are glazes which interact well with ash. Runny glazes must be used with caution, as the potential of cone 14 level of heat may cause the glazes to run completely off the piece. “The Wall” is literally the wall of pots that faces the main firebox and acts as a block for the rest of the kiln. It collects heavy ash accumulation, which can be nice on both glazed and bare clay.

Firebox

The main firebox is at the very front of the kiln and is stoked through the main hole in the brick door, as well as stoke holes on either side of the kiln. Channels are built into the door and along the floor, which allow extra air flow to come up through the wood pile, encouraging ash and heat to rise and flow through the kiln.