Done for Now

Just this weekend I put the final touches on the cross draft salt kiln for Kyle Carpenter, handing over the keys to Kyle who is ready to take it for a test drive any day now. For the last few years I’ve been working with Shane Mickey as he designed and built kilns, working my way up from deckhand to shipmate.  This kiln seemed like more of an all round team effort.  Shane designed the kiln, working with Kyle to tear down the old kiln, and make sure the new and improved design would fit in the same place as old one.   Then Shane handed over the plans to me and I did the moving and lifting, cutting and fitting. One of the many things I've learned from Shane over the years is that kiln building clients really appreciate a little assistance with the first firing, and it has become part of the package.  Typically, when the kiln is finished I would plan on being around for the first firing if at all possible, to make sure everything works as it should and that the new owner has a grasp of what 's going on.  This is of  course even more helpful if the new owner is not very experienced firing kilns, or if the kiln is salt or soda. In this case, Kyle has been firing his own salt kiln for many years now so we've left it in his hands for now with some reminders and things to watch out for.  After the first one is done and unloaded, we'll have a look and see what further advice needs dispensing.