More Information:
You must protect yourself from the heat when you open the kiln at that
high of a temperature. Therefore, wear heat and fireproof protective
clothing, use high temperature gloves and an appropriate respirator to
protect from smoke. If you are using an electric kiln, never pull
material out of the kiln unless the kiln is turned off.
RAKU is a very unpredictable medium and is affected by many variables.
The effects achieved with these or any other RAKU glazes may not always
be the same. Even after you have done RAKU for a long time you will see
that it is almost impossible to have complete control over the result or
a consistent glaze effect even if you are using the glaze from the same
jar. However this is a spontaneous technique and all the varied effects
are usually acceptable. Tong marks and other marks from reduction
material is considered a characteristic of RAKU, not a defect. Warning:
Firing RAKU is an action filled procedure. Two or more persons are
needed to unload and reduce the Raku piece. Whether you are firing in a
gas or electric kiln you are being exposed to heat, fire, and smoke. You
must be aware of this environment at all times, be prepared for it and
act accordingly. You must wear heat and fire protective clothing, fire
proof gloves and a mask appropriate for smoke. A NIOSH approved mask
like 3M’s 3600 or a comparable quality mask is recommended. Make sure
you cannot smell any smoke when you have the mask on. Never open an
electric kiln when the switches are in the on position. All switches
must be off before you load or unload the kiln. Always use tongs to
carry hot pots from the kiln or from the reduction bucket. The reduction
bucket must always be outdoors. RAKU gas kilns are usually outdoors but
even if you are using an electric kiln you still have to take the pieces
outdoors to reduce them. Do not be concerned about the piece cooling in
the process, because it will still be hot enough no matter how far you
have to carry it outdoors.
RAKU can be safe and exciting when the right precautions are taken. RAKU
is not for children. This technique is for adults or college students
only.
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