How do I Raku?

Here are the steps I use when doing a Raku firing:

I start with a piece that has been bisque fired and glazed with a raku or low fire glaze.  Heat the kiln to about 1800 degrees and look to see that the glaze has become "glass like".  Then turn the gas off and remove the top of the kiln.

Pulling the pottery from the kiln at about 1800 degrees.

Transfering pottery to the reduction chamber (I use a steel trash can filled with shredded paper).

After the pottery is in the reduction chamber, the lid is placed on the can and allowed to cool.  This step (reduction) also burns most of the oxygen out of the can and is how you get so many different colors from a single glaze.  I will leave the pieces for about an hour before removing them.  Finally, clean with steel wool, rinse and dry thoroughly.

Please visit the Raku Gallery and see the final products.