"Buidheachas" Wood Kiln
Construction of my third (Buidheachas - meaning Gratitude in Scots Gaelic) wood fired kiln, which was located outside my home studio in Hillsborough, was completed in summer 2018, was fired for the first time in September of that year and fired for the last time in September of 2023. The construction effort took approximately 10 weeks, not including the kiln shed which I designed and had built by Jeff Allred, a local contractor. The kiln had approximately 30 cubic feet of stacking space and featured a Bourry-style firebox which could be fired with minimal chimney smoke - a beneficial attribute when living in a suburban residential neighborhood setting. It was similar in design to the "Cothrom Eile" kiln depicted in the photo essay below but smaller in size.
Below are sequential photos of the construction of the "Buidheachas" kiln - hover over any image for additional description...
Below are sequential photos of the construction of the "Buidheachas" kiln - hover over any image for additional description...
Here are some of the kilns in which I've fired pottery...
Great Cacapon "Foighidinn" Wood Kiln
My first wood kiln, a dual chambered kiln that I designed and constructed was located in Great Cacapon, WV. I christened it "Foighidinn" (Scots Gaelic word meaning "patience"). It was a cross-draft sprung arch design with a Bourry-style downdraft firebox. The kiln had about 86 cubic feet of total stacking space within the two parallel ware chambers and took from 39-44 hours to reach temperature (just under 2400 degrees Fahrenheit). The kiln was fired 10 times between April 2006 and October 2009. it was deconstructed in autumn of 2010 as a result of our move from Great Cacapon.
Updraft Gas Kiln
This 7 cubic foot updraft gas kiln is fueled by propane. The kiln fires to Cone 10 in approximately 10 hours (this includes an hour soak) and is fired about once a month outside my home studio in Hillsborough. Images of work fired in this kiln are included on the "Gas Fired Gallery" page above.
"Cothrom Eile" Wood Kiln
The wood kiln at my former home studio in Berkeley Springs was designated "Cothrom Eile" (corom ayli) which is the Scots Gaelic phrase meaning "another chance" - that being my second wood kiln, giving me the opportunity to make design changes based upon lessons learned from the first experience. The cross-draft kiln had a single ware chamber with approximately 40 cubic feet of stacking space and a down-draft Bourry-style fire box. The kiln shed measured 18' x 26' with space for the kiln and several cords of stoking wood. See the construction photos under the "Kilns" tab above.
The kiln was fired for the first time in October 2013 and for the last time in March 2017.
The learning curve associated with wood firing can be quite steep. The 19 firings of my first two wood kilns provided me with a reasonable foundation but there is so much more to learn. I'll continue the journey with my third wood kiln in Hillsborough!
Here is one of the construction drawings of that wood kiln...
The kiln was fired for the first time in October 2013 and for the last time in March 2017.
The learning curve associated with wood firing can be quite steep. The 19 firings of my first two wood kilns provided me with a reasonable foundation but there is so much more to learn. I'll continue the journey with my third wood kiln in Hillsborough!
Here is one of the construction drawings of that wood kiln...
Evolution of the Berkeley Springs "Cothrom Eile" Wood Kiln
Construction of the single chambered sprung arch cross-draft kiln with Bourry-style downdraft firebox was completed in autumn of 2013 - see the photo essay below. I designed this kiln based upon lessons learned from my first wood kiln and from information contained in a number of wood-fired ceramics and kiln design publications. The construction included a shed and took approximately 9 months. I did most of the work by myself with occasional help on an as needed basis from my wife Leigh, my son Graham and my friend and fellow potter Bob Craig. Click on the individual photos for an accompanying description.
Naming the Wood Kiln
I’ve always liked the idea of potters designating a name for their wood kiln or posting a message or statement of import on the kiln arch. Having now constructed three wood kilns I've done that with each of them. In all instances, I’ve used a word or phrase in Scots Gaelic. It’s my way of giving a nod to my heritage. My parents were Scottish born and I would also have been, had they not emigrated to Canada months before my birth. I’ve always had a love of Scotland, nurtured by our frequent trips there to visit family as I was growing up.
My first wood-kiln was named “Foighidinn” which translates to “Patience” – a not so subtle reminder every time I looked at and fired that kiln. My second wood-kiln was named “Cothrom Eile” which translates to “Second Chance” or “Another Opportunity”. This also seemed appropriate as it was my opportunity to design and construct another wood-kiln while integrating “lessons learned” from the first kiln. In 2018 I completed the construction of my third and presumably last wood-kiln. I decided to use the name “Buidheachas” which translates to “Gratitude” or “Thanksgiving”. I had disassembled my second wood-kiln and transported most of the brick 300 miles to Hillsborough. At the same time, I was dealing with a couple of medical conditions that had me wondering if the third kiln would ever become a reality. As it turned out, the health concerns were addressed successfully and the kiln was built and is in use. Under the circumstances, “Gratitude” seems like an appropriate designation for my last wood-kiln.
My first wood-kiln was named “Foighidinn” which translates to “Patience” – a not so subtle reminder every time I looked at and fired that kiln. My second wood-kiln was named “Cothrom Eile” which translates to “Second Chance” or “Another Opportunity”. This also seemed appropriate as it was my opportunity to design and construct another wood-kiln while integrating “lessons learned” from the first kiln. In 2018 I completed the construction of my third and presumably last wood-kiln. I decided to use the name “Buidheachas” which translates to “Gratitude” or “Thanksgiving”. I had disassembled my second wood-kiln and transported most of the brick 300 miles to Hillsborough. At the same time, I was dealing with a couple of medical conditions that had me wondering if the third kiln would ever become a reality. As it turned out, the health concerns were addressed successfully and the kiln was built and is in use. Under the circumstances, “Gratitude” seems like an appropriate designation for my last wood-kiln.
Skutt KM-1027 Electric Kiln
I am in the process of making the transition from firing primarily in reduction (wood and gas) to electric. There will be a period of experimentation before I am completely satisfied with the results. Having said that, I will still have the opportunity to continue firing with wood through an invitation to participate in firings of the Highlander wood kiln in Ligonier, Pennsylvania...
The new Skutt KM-1027 electric kiln...
Highlander Wood Kiln
The Highlander wood kiln in Ligonier, Pennsylvania has approximately 90 cubic feet of stacking space and is currently fired 2-3 times per year. I've been fortunate to be invited to participate in future firings of this kiln...
Highlander wood kiln in Ligonier...