In the past almost all of my work was reduction cooled in a soda vapor kiln.  I mix the soda ash, and baking soda like plaster with whiting and water, and place it in the firebox to volatilize slowly and be carried through the kiln by the flame to promote a more atmospheric type of glaze and flashing on the pots.  I don’t use a sprayer as I never liked how it interacted with the clay.  The past 6 years I have only fired with wood, but have thought often about returning to the soda glazing process I had developed, and admired so much.  With the new anagama built, I knew it was a good time to build the small soda kiln I had envisioned for so many years.

    I built the anagama chimney with extra flues to accommodate a small caternary soda kiln.  This design is very similar to a small kiln I fired back in graduate school at Indiana University built by former graduate student Todd Burns.  I fired that kiln on average 2-3 times per month, and it taught me more about soda, and firing than any other kiln I have ever fired.  It was the perfect size and design for a kiln at my studio that I could fire often, and with ease.  I also want to be able to have the option of using propane, oil, or wood so I altered the firebox and dimensions a bit.

    First, I had to pour an additional slab.  My good fly fishing buddy Chad has done extensive masonry work in the past, and is a perfectionist.  He offered his assistance, and I quickly put the plan in motion.  Tuesday we poured and finished the slab.  Wednesday, I picked up the block and laid it.  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I laid the floor, arch, and walls.  Sunday I begged my wife Andrea to help me apply the cast-able insulating skin coat, and Chad stopped by to try to get me to go fishing.  I said I really needed to get this done, as the semester was starting the next day.  He graciously said, “all right, let me go change and get some tools.”  Several hours later it was done, and it had the nicest looking skin coat I have ever seen on a kiln.  Late Sunday night, in the near freezing temperature, I finished the ports, and look forward to firing it later in the week.

    Thank you Chad and Andrea for all your help, and your support!