Afterburn

After 39 1/2 hours we brought the wood firing to a close. We were able to soak for close to 7 hours allowing the back of the chamber to reach a solid ∆ 9. If there is one human trait that often trumps all others, it is patience. "Heat work," that critical, almost magical element is the reward for letting the kiln do its work without pushing and prodding.

It is particularly satisfying to show students this mystical process, after talking about it so much. The pyrometer and cones in the rear of the chamber confirmed our trust in the kiln and rewarded our commitment to continue stoking.

For our "soak" we decided to stoke to keep the rear at a steady 2100º F (not wanting the front to run away) and let the kiln do the rest. We finished stoking with pine bark for color. We shut it down after reaching cone 9 in the rear with the pyrometer still reading 2100 plus or minus.

Just as the lighting of a wood kiln is quiet and ceremonious only to the degree we want to confer, the end of a wood firing is equally so. Simply stop stoking and close up the kiln. No switches to turn or burners to shutter. The very instrument of all our constant and tiring attention simply winds itself down with no fanfare other than any we might wish to perform in front of it, assuming the energy is still there (and more likely to happen if given some thought before the lighting).

Once again we fired the salt kiln on the last night of the wood firing. Smoke and vapor everywhere. And it would not be complete without a visit from the UFD. They are always gracious and even curious at times. We are always very thankful they show even if we give them a heads up. You never know.