[Clayart] turbulence in the flame way

[mel jacobson via Clayart]

On all of our fuel kilns we have a piece of broken kiln shelf sitting at a 45 degree angle at the end of
the flame way. If we have a big load of pots
we often put half way down the flame way a 5 inch shelf support with a small piece of kiln shelf on top. It just kicks the flame
around a bit.
mel

website: www.melpots.com
WWW.clayartarchives.com

[Paul Randall via Clayart]

In my original gas/wood fire kiln I built 45-degree ramps with firebrick midway down the flame path to create turbulence. Seemed to work well.

When I rebuilt the kiln 14” shorter (1 kiln shelf width) I built ramps again in the same way. But with the kiln being smaller I got hot spots midway in the kiln chamber just above the flame path. And, at the end of the flame path, by the kiln door I got a cool spot.

So now I have moved the ramps to the end of the flame path/ash pit. I use two burners one on each side of the chimney. Like Ron says, move the flame to wherever you need it.

Future firings my reveal the need for additional flame disruption. I like Mel’s idea of using pieces of kiln shelf, very simple. I also have an old tile saw (original Harbor Freight model!) with a sliding bed that works great for cutting hard brick.

Tuning a big kiln takes some time and attention, and cone packs everywhere.
Paul

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________________________________
From: Clayart <clayart...@lists.clayartforum.com> on behalf of mel jacobson via Clayart <cla...@lists.clayartforum.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 12:46:10 PM
To: clay clay <cla...@lists.clayartforum.com>
Cc: mel jacobson <mel...@mail.com>
Subject: [Clayart] turbulence in the flame way

website: www.melpots.com<http://www.melpots.com>
WWW.clayartarchives.com

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