Olsen fast fire kiln - firing and results.

This is the first firing and results of my Olsen fast fire kiln. It was not a full load, probably 1/4 to 1/3 full but I wanted to test fire it to see if it needed tweaking. I got it to temp according to my pryometer however cone 10 didn't move in the back of the kiln. I lost the cones in the front because a shelf broke early in the firing.
sorry for the poor quality. shot on iPhone and edited on PC. I actually have a new video camera for future videos.

[@aljoyal928]

Great! Thanks for doing what I want to do, and sharing all results. Good info. Yes to quick wood fire, Simon L, and funtional. But i gottta say I like the broking mistake, haha. good for for finding time, to giving shape and design to mud, good work.

[@mordanthamster2753]

I understand the idea of a 'fast-fire' kiln, in terms of time and fuel efficiency, but I have to say that the results in this video look pretty pasty compared to pots fired in slower firings. Longer firings - including those that soak at a lower temperature for long periods - seem to produce richer results. For example, I used to work for a factory that - at one time, produced reduction-fired pottery: they fired stoneware clays up to 1160c, but would soak at that temperature for 4 HOURS, resulting in heat work ( and effects) equivalent to cone 8/9. So, I believe soaking to be key to firing; even if the initial rise is quick. Hold that top temperature for a while and I think the results will be better. Just a thought... Thanks for the video: I wish I had the know-how to build a kiln in the way you have. All the best with it!

[@coopart1]

Looks great!

[@simkok3142]

Great video, thanks for documenting. Im about to buit one myself. I love the molten pot... cheers!

[@sandanaheem7127]

Good job , best of luck

[@TimLynchewenwa]

This was a beautiful kiln for me and produced great results but eventually I got relly tired of stoking two fireboxes.

[@really2345]

I like the celadon and clay. Can you tell me what clay you used? Thank you for mentioning Simon Leach's celadon glaze recipe.Thank you for taking the time to respond and for making the video.

[@alilahofmeyr4350]

Hey, did you ever make any more videos? I'd love to know if you ever got better results/ were able to force the kiln to fire for longer?

[@shanemilehi]

Well I’m looking forward to more firings. How many hard bricks did you use?? Do you feel that you can get some good ash melt in this kiln?? I’m looking to build a kiln around this size but no building experience. So I’m interested in your project moving forward

[@tripanfal]

shanemilehi I can't remember the brick count but you can probably take a quick count from the vid and get close. I think ash melt from the fireboxes is difficult due to the quick firing. I'm going to dip some pots in ash or spray them and see if I can get some ash glaze effects. Probably fire in a month or so.

[@sharonolsen6579]

cool video... ( I admit the name is the reason I initially clicked.. ) Glad I did .. : D

[@sharonolsen6579]

ps ... beautiful pots as well !

[@brandonlangties2120]

I'm curious if you referred to a book or blue print that show how to build you're kiln.looking to build one just like this one.im sure I could figure it out,but if you did refer to a builders guidebook i,d apricate the title.

[@terrydunn8504]

Brandon Langties you will find the plans in “The Kiln Book” by Olson

[@jakefry752]

Is it possible to contact you Chris? I'm planning the same kiln and have a few questions

[@terrydavies7300]

looks very oxidised , you should do a body reduction at 900. I fired many olsen kilns, and you may think you are in reduction with flames coming out of the port holes, but dont be fooled

[@jonsawyer87]

Maybe you know the cause by now but do you think it's possible the kiln shelf was wet? I've heard Advancers that are damp on the inside will explode due to the low porosity as the steam tries to escape.

[@tripanfal]

Jonathan Sawyer definitely not wet. I heard the same thing. I believe it was cracked. These shelves were seconds given to me by a friend.

[@chrisarensdorf19]

I don't think Olson designed these kilns to achieve Woodfired results. They were designed for potters who wanted to fire with alternative methods other than gas or propane. If I had to fire this kiln I would probably use some ash glazes, and orglazes that work well in reduction or oxidation. If I were to build a wood kiln I would build a train kiln.

[@patrickbass3542]

How many brick?