Firing #19 - Local Clay and Side-stoking

Lots of local clay in this load

Side-stoking area between Alphi (rooster) and
the middle stack

Got up at 5 a.m. today to start the kiln. Levi and I loaded yesterday, adding a small area between two stacks of shelves to accept small sticks loaded from a small hole in the side of the kiln, hoping for some increase of temperature in the back of the kiln and some ember effects on some nearby pots.

We loaded this kiln with mostly local clay - high in iron. I've decided to fire a little lower in temperature for this firing and try to keep away from a reduction atmosphere in the kiln as much as possible. Reduction - lack of air producing heavy smoke (stating it simply) - likes to produce pockets of gas in my local clay.

I better get back out there.

Hope to see you at the R.D. Mahan Turkey Roast and Kiln Opening this Saturday at our place.