Soda introduced on wood?

[Paul Fricker]

Anyone tried applying a soda solution to wood then using that as fuel? Either as an addition to a gas firing or as part of a wood firing. Interested to hear any experiences of doing that.

[Crawford Horne]

Paul - I apply a salt/soda mixture to my wood-fired kiln by spreading the mixture onto wide strips of wood and stoking the strips of wood into the salt/soda chamber of my kiln. I'm still trying to figure out the best proportion of the salt/soda mixture in addition to the total quantity of the mixture. I've typically used from 6 to 10 pounds of the mixture and have used proportions of 60/40 soda/salt and then 50/50. I'm leaning toward more soda than salt on the next firing in October.

[Paul Fricker]

Salt and soda - is there a benefit to using both?

[Crawford Horne]

The salt is a bit more corrosive to the interior of the kiln than the soda which is why I've started to use it, and also to the atmosphere from an environmental standpoint. As infrequently as I fire the kiln (twice a year) and as little salt as I use I don't believe I'm being too much of a nuisance. From an aesthetic perspective, they do give different results. I tend to like the look of salt a bit better but the soda is nice too - personal preference. There is much to be found in books and on line regarding the two alternatives.

[Paul Randall]

I believe that Rutanne Tudball (UK potter) does this. Her pots are just beautiful!

Her kiln was designed and built by Joe Finch and is detailed in his book "Kiln Construction - A brick by brick approach" You will find information about that book on my blog.

I am currently in the process of building my soda fire kiln which is modeled after her kiln. I plan to use the same technique. You are welcome to follow my blog if you want:

[Paul Fricker]

I plan to do much the same - I'll certainly look at your blog. I'm using the same design with maybe some modifications. Be interested to compare notes :)