Clearing the throat arches during firing

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When firing this kiln recently with Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) the throat arches tended to become obstructed with embers and it was necessary to unblock them periodically with a steel rod as shown. If there was a problem like this the result of clearing was an immediate temperature increase.

Because of the prodigious amount of persistent embers produced by Red Gum we try to have a supply of Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) on hand to use while burning down the Red Gum embers. Blackwood has its own problem: it produces a lot of pale wood ash glaze effect, which does not change the saltglaze to our liking. We prefer to use Red Gum for the bulk of the stoking.





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