RAKU

Students wanting to use the Raku kiln must have had or be currently enrolled in the Raku class and have the approval of either Area Head or the Graduate Assistant. Please be sure to sign up on the calendar on the Raku locker, including the time you are using the kiln.

Safety Precautions:

1. No loose clothing or clothes made of synthetic fibers. Long hair should be tied back. You must wear closed‑toe shoes in the kiln room. No sandals.

2. Always wear gloves when lifting the lid of the Raku kiln or pulling pieces. A limited supply of leather gloves is available in the Raku locker.

Advanced students are encouraged to buy their own gloves and tongs.

3. No more than four people can fire at once due to limited space.

4. No Raku firing on weekends or after 5:OOpm since the Health Service is closed. Any firings after 5:OOpm or on Saturday must be approved in advance by the Graduate Assistant.

5. Use only equipment authorized for Raku use. This includes reduction barrels provided by the studio. Do not ever use wood as a lid for barrels. Never put hot ashes in a non‑metal container. Do not use any other gloves for Raku. Always open reduction cans away from you. Assume everything is hot and use FIRE SAFETY at all times.

Procedures:

1. Sign up on calendar on Raku locker and get approval to use the kiln.

2. Put your glazed ware in hot box for one hour to preheat.

3. Load your pieces into the kiln on cool chunks of kiln shelf.

4. Light pilots. Always have the lid off when lighting. Replace lid and start firing cycle.

5. When glaze has fluxed, turn off burners and carefully remove lid. Pull pieces.

6. Reduce in provided containers.

7. Turn off pilots and main gas shut off.

8. Clean area COMPLETELY. Sweep up thoroughly and dispose of all non‑hot ashes, paper, etc. in metal dumpster outside.