Steve Harrison kiln 2
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Wood is prepared for stoking using a hydraulic log splitter. He uses the local eucalypts known as Stringybark and Bloodwood, and some Acacia elata. He says hardwoods produce heavy ash giving localised effects and compensates for this in packing.

Click on any image below to reach an enlargement

Stoking wood ends up 500 to 600 mm long, and sidestoking wood is reduced to about 50mm in diameter. He frequently uses the flamethrower sidestoking technique, and side stokes at the level that needs the heat.

Of the three sets of removable bricks on the right of the rear chamber in this photograph, the lowest ones are part of a grate/mousehole system. This is used to control the height of the ember bed, usually so that the lower parts of the pots under the side stoke ports covered with coals, while the upper surfaces are exposed.

The damper is usually about one third open and is closed down as the temperature rises to control the draft

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