Shirley Cadmus: RAKU FIRING!
Cadmus placing pottery to be Raku fired on a kiln shelf, lowers kiln on top
Cadmus removing hot pots with metal tongs
Cadmus shown placing hot pots in a reduction barrel where the magic takes place!
Cadmus waits about 10 minutes before moving them to the cold water Reduction (of oxygen) causes the oxides to react, sometimes miraculously
Cadmus firing a double walled pot. Extra care is needed as these usually only have a pinhole opening
Some are surprised to see the pots floating after cadmus places them in cold water which stops the reduction process
More about Raku firing. Explained by Cadmus
Cadmus. bisque fired, ready to glaze
Cadmus 1800 F, kiln lifted, ready for reduction barrel
Cadmus: cooling down which stops reduction.
Cadmus : Raku
A word about clay
The type of clay used for each type of firing is important!
RAKU: Clay meant for Raku firing should contain a good amount of sand or grog. This should prevent the piece from shattering during the rapid temperature change during the firing process. My favorite was Soldate 60. This is a good strong plastic clay that can also be fired to cone 10
PIT-FIRE: I like to use a white clay for this type of firing to achieve a contrast from white to black, to Smokey gray.a low to mid~range firing temp should work well. If a smooth texture is desired, burnish before firing
WOOD-FIRED:Any stoneware clay that appeals to you-I usually usually used Soldate 60 for this also but many stoneware clays and porcelains are available
