Did you know that you don’t need a huge, electric kiln to make your own pottery? You can build your own furnace right in your backyard! The only thing is that you need to use low clay, that is, clay that does not need extreme temperatures to harden. This is the old way to create pottery.
To make your furnace, you will first need to dig a hole. It should be about 2 feet wide at the top, 1.5 feet at the bottom, and about two feet high. Make sure the stove is not located under any trees or near roots that could catch fire. Clean the area around your pit, leaving a circle of dirt at least three feet from the pit.
Fill the first 3″ of the oven pit with charcoal. This will be your oven. You need to put a rack on top of this, a nice round BBQ-style rack, over the charcoal. A narrow pit, as the food should sit on top.
Now you can add it to your pots. Flattering pieces work best, such as tiles, shards, etc. These will be made from a yellow low fire, which will normally be under low heat fire conditions. Make sure they are separated in minutes on the rack. If you have enough pieces and another rack, you can add a second layer by placing a four-inch piece of wood over the first layer of pottery and placing the next rack on top of the layer.
Fill the pit with at least another foot of wood. Now is the time to set the whole thing on fire. Use a secondary fire starter, such as pitch hammers or twisted paper to start the fire. Wait until the set of flames are burning very well. The fire must take wood.
When you have completed this step, you will need to place four flat rocks or bricks around the edge of the pit and place metal waste on top or piece of metal, resting the edges of the bricks so that there is a bit of space. below This allows oxygen to flow in. Wait for the flames to die down (about five minutes) and see if there is smoke coming out from under the lid. If not, it will be necessary to repeat the fire at the beginning of the business. Otherwise, let the furnace burn overnight.
The next day, when the fire has burned itself out, gently remove the burnt wood with a shovel and remove the pieces of shell. Be careful when they are still warm. oven mitts or tongs to remove pieces from the grill.
Pottery can be blackened and hammered in this simple kiln. Use the back of a spoon to rub the pieces and apply to the black gloss.
