New Baso for Bertha

Bertha / yankee style roof including cement block for wind proofing.

Blog post or children’s book title? I’ve fired my phoenix kiln (aka Bertha) thrice and am still in process of getting consistent results from the firings. I loaded the kiln yesterday and fired today just before the severe weather rolled in. Earthenware at cone 1 or 2 with some soda ash tossed in gets such a vitreous satin chocolate surface. I’m looking at layering surface and adding terra…digressions…save for other posts.

Over the years I have hoarded burners, pipes, valves, bricks, old kilns and kiln furniture in preparation for having a legit home studio. I patched together my system from an old raku burner system and two venturi burner systems from 10 years ago. Ward Burner Systems is the place to go if you have questions or problems. The new Baso valve and most of my purchased kiln supplies have come from Ward.

The resulting kiln isn’t a pretty arch or masonry masterpiece (and my wife reminds me of this since it sits in our back yard) but gets the job done and only cost $250 (kiln was $50 and new Baso $179).   

The key is getting the maximum amount of grunt work done since our last week of daycare is next week! The kiln needs to be running on all cylinders! Balancing family, studio, and work is my greatest challenge. During the summer months work is at a minimum but I’m making up for the family time I miss out on for work. Seems studio is the middle child and needing more attention.    

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New Baso valve before connecting pilot line.