Denison -- Ever consider building your own kiln to fire raku pottery?

If so, hopefully you had a ringside seat at Grayson College recently to learn from some of the best in the region.

Officially titled A Raku Kiln Building Workshop & Potluck, the workshop featured the expertise of Alan Burris, Steven Phillips, Paul Pfhrem and Grayson College ceramics instructor Kristin Vilbig.  Burris teaches at Murray State, Phillips teaches at Goddard Art Studio in Ardmore and Pfrehm is a retired instructor from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Let's cut to the chase: What does it cost to build your own raku kiln?

"It costs $150 to build one kiln, $150 to build two kilns, maybe $150 to build three kilns," Burris says with a mischievous grin before explaining the reason for that statement is that the heat-resistant fiber must be bought by the box and it is possible to construct three relatively small kilns from the amount of fiber in one box.

How long would it take a novice to build his own kiln?

"Less than a day," Burris says with a shrug.

So, just when it looks as though a first-timer could build a raku kiln for under $200 in less than a day, you find out a reduction chamber will also be required.

Surely this is the fly in the ointment, huh?

Relax. A metal trash can makes a mighty fine reduction chamber.

One portion of the workshop involved the actual construction of a raku kiln; then it was time to fire pottery and talk technique.

If this article makes raku pottery sound like fun, you should have seen how much fun the actual workshop was. Raku pottery is simple enough that a beginner can enjoy immediately, yet complex enough that a lifetime can be dedicated to developing this ancient art form.

This informative and entertaining workshop was sponsored by Grayson College Clay Club.

Materials needed

One box 8 lbs. density fiber, rated 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, 1 1/2" thick, 12' x 24" - can be bought at Thorpe Industries.

Kiln base - best to find old kiln lid, but can use firebrick

Several clay buttons to hold fiber to kiln sides and lid, can be bisqued stoneware, 1/4" thick by 1 1/2" around, with two holes in the buttons to run wire through.

Nichrome wire (Trinity)

Fencing frame for kiln sides and top - metal grill works well and available at hardware stores.

10-gallon propane tank (not 5 gallon), with hose orifice designed for propane, 25-pound regulator

Misc. supplies

Heavy-duty wire cutters

Facemask

Gloves

Long-sleeve shirt

Utility knife or heavy-duty shears