How to Build a Raku Kiln Using a Garbage Can
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- Hi there! In this video I go through all the steps I took to build my own Raku Kiln out of a *galvanized steel garbage can! The materials I use are listed below. Thanks so much for watching!
Please note Heating up galvanized steel can release zinc fumes that can be harmful to breath in. I made this kiln with that material prior to understanding the potential health risks. If you are building one similar I would recommend using un-galvanized steel.
If you would like to skip the introduction to the materials the building begins at 5:30.
Materials:
31 gallon galvanized steel trash can(s)
Venturi propane burner
Propane tank
Gas line (10-12 foot)
Ball valve
12 feet of ceramic fiber (inswool)
Tin sheers
Wire cutters
High fire wire
Soft brick (2600 degree)
Ceramic buttons (made my own but can be purchased)
Respirator
Drill
Safety goggles/heat resistant goggles
Welder's gloves
Regular gloves for safety
Thermocouple
Pyrometer
Tarp
13" circular kiln shelves
6" kiln posts (3)
Saw
Tape measure
Marker
Raku tongs
Instagram: / dougierubes
Etsy: www.etsy.com/s...
Music: Epidemic Sound-- 1. Strapt 2. Jacuzzi 3. Picture Sleeves
Camera: Canon G7X Powershot
Thanks for this! I’m putting together my list of supplies and getting as much info as I can on this approach. I can’t wait to do some raku firings this summer! This was very helpful.
Oh that makes me so happy to hear! While I was in the process of learning about different approaches and gathering my gear I found that not all of the information was in the same place so I'm thrilled to hear that it was helpful!
One additional piece of information I'll offer is that I have since learned more about the potential dangers of using a galvanized steel trash can, as it can apparently release some toxic fumes from the zinc. So if you do go the galvanized rout, as an added precaution I would recommend wearing a good mask and not standing close by when possible. I'm still not 100% sure about all of the risks but it's work looking into.
In any case, happy firing! Wishing you all my best.
To minimize fumes from heating galvanized steel, you can strip the zinc off with any number of household acids. I've seen it done with both vinegar and citric acid, and much stronger industrial acids like muriatic. though something the size of a trash can might be a bit more problematic just due to size and surface area. Also, I'm curious how hot the metal parts get through the insulation. because if the metal stays below certain temps, you could also treat it with high temp paint like Krylon high temp max, stove bright, or POR 15 to protect the metal from rust.
Hmmm very good thinking 99
Typical new user. That brew is stranger than I thought. Interesting.
Please answer me is that firing safe food if i wanna firing mugs ?
Hi there! Raku ware is almost always not food safe, unfortunately. There are ways to make it potentially safe but without any large efforts made all low-firing processes like this do not yield food safe pieces.
Which is better to wrap the kiln ceramics fiber Or thermal bricks?
Hi there! Great questions. It depends on the set up that you will be using. I used the ceramic fiber on this kiln because it has a flexible nature and suits the geometry of a trashcan better. Ultimately I would imagine high-fire bricks to be much better because they retain heat much more efficiently and emirate it back within the kiln. But if you are using ceramic fiber it also does the job quite well, just as long as it is within a shell of some sort, like a trashcan for example. If not contained a good wind could blow by and whisk away some of that heat you've built up!
Doug I am lost. I am trying to start a small hobby business doing pottery. I loved following your video and definitely interested in building this for my kiln. I do have a question though. Where might I find these soft brick and shelves?
Scott, that is great! Congratulations on starting the whole process!
If you look into local pottery supply stores in your area that would be where to find those items. I am sure you can also order some online through theceramicsstore.com (or others) but definitely cheaper and quicker to buy them locally at a clay supplier in your area if possible.
Can I use normal gas instead of propane gas? Please answer me
Doesn't galvanized metal gas toxic vapor when it is heated / burned? Wouldn't a stainless keg be a better setup possibly?
Hi there! Yes, absolutely! You are correct-- I didn't know about the fumes it releases going into this plan but learned more about it after the fact. Have to use a mask if I want to fire that one up next time. Using a stainless keg sounds like a much more sound plan. Hope you get a chance to make your own too!
Hi! I would love to ask some questions to you. I wonder if I can make a kiln with the tank in parallel ? Because I want to make glass painting art. And round shape doesn’t give me much space. So I wonder if I can make it side way ? Does it give the same effort? thank you
I've never seen that before I've never seen anybody drive their garbage down to the end of the street and bang hell out of it with a stick. I've never seen that before
Super heated zinc? What are you crazy?
Loved this, you make it seem really doable. Do you have a supply list posted anywhere?
Thanks so much! Glad you liked it! And yes, the list of supplies is in the description below attached to the video. Hope the items listed is helpful!
Currently building this... how many firings do you expect it'll survive?
Oh great! I hope it goes smoothly for you too! Not sure how many to expect out of it-- I have used it about 5 times and it has begun to show some wear on the outside from the heat but nothing breaking down. I also recommend using non-galvanized steel if you can. I learned that galvanized steel releases some fumes when heated!
Ahhh fab, glad I read this!!
Please does lack of space makes the temperature not to rise above 700 degree Celsius?
Hi, there! Great question- since it is a fairly large space it does take some time to heat up. It will heat up to 500 degrees Celsius pretty quickly, actually, and it will climb to 700 and even 950 Celsius in about 45 minutes for me. Just takes some patience and care when placing the burner in the bottom opening and carefully keeping the top opening slightly covered but open enough to receive enough oxygen. It’s a real dance!😂
would it be possible to set this up for wood firing?
I was thinking the same thing.
Hi, getting ready to build mine! 😊 Could you please tell me what thickness did you use for the ceramic fibre?
Hi, there! Congratulations on starting the process! It is a ton of fun. The ceramic fiber I used was 1 inch in thickness. You can purchase it thicker than that but 1 inch is sufficient for our purposes. Good luck and thanks for watching!
Can you use this for bisque firing?
Great question! In theory I suppose you could, however, since greenware is pottery at its most fragile state I would expect it to be quite difficult! Clay goes from clay to ceramic (a chemical change on the molecular level) at a little over 1,000 degrees, which is called the quartz inversion. And in addition, if there is any moisture left over at the beginning of the bisque firing the water will turn to steam and explode around 212 degrees. Anyway, there are a lot of steps to insuring the ware wouldn't break in this trashcan kiln but I suppose with good conditions and care it could work out!
Not sure if you knew that info or not, just thought I'd outline that a little bit. Hope that helped and hope you have fun with your next firing! Thanks for watching!
@@dougrubenstein so you need two kilns ? One fir bisque one for raku ???? Ughh lol
@@lisalovelylpa Haha, pretty much!
Where did you find your burner?
The burner I used is called a Venturi burner and I got it from a local clay store. But The Ceramics Shop sells the burner along with the other accessories as well! Here is the link if interested:
www.theceramicshop.com/product/12323/raku-propane-burner-kit/?gclid=CjwKCAjww-CGBhALEiwAQzWxOlRmqqIwLiQbSB3Bfwlkakog_5wDV9-Kdxl2loqP8FTAlMCP3TXC2xoCg4YQAvD_BwE
@@dougrubenstein
Yeah, good video, but DIY'ing a burner, is the info I was looking for.
Im trying to improvise a small kiln on a minimal budget. What I really need is some scrap bricks, but there's apparently nowhere within 50 miles, for me to get any.
@@springbloom5940 How did you build your DIY burner? I have some Fire bricks I was planning to use to build a pizza oven but I think I'll use some to build a shelf in the Raku kiln as well as hold up a burner I think. I'm still learning so hopefully you are further in this journey than me.
sorry I you have the wool.