What is a soda firing?

Soda firing is an atmospheric firing technique where “soda” is introduced into a kiln when it’s above 2300°F. It is sprayed in with a garden sprayer or dropped in wrapped in newspaper. The soda that we use is: sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, and sodium carbonate, which is also known as soda ash.

Where was the soda fire?

Idaho
During the summer of 2015, the Soda Fire burned nearly 280,000 acres of sagebrush ecosystems just southwest of Boise, Idaho, along the border of southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. This lightning-caused fire spread rapidly, affecting vegetation, wildlife, ranchers, and local communities.

How big was the soda fire?

The Soda Lake fire was discovered yesterday at about 3 p.m. Photo: Courtesy of U.S.F.S. Update: According to BTNF, as of 12:35 p.m., the fire has grown to 80 acres. The fire is burning near South Cottonwood Creek on the Big Piney District.

Can you do soda firing in an electric kiln?

What kilns can I soda fire in? Any kiln that uses carbon fuels (propane, gas, wood…) Soda is corrosive, and will destroy elements in an electric kiln quickly. Any kiln design that fires well (catenary or sprung arch, top loading, up draft, down draft, cross draft, etc…)

What is low fire soda firing?

Low-fire soda firing has been gaining momentum in recent years and it’s no wonder. It is more energy efficient than traditional high-fire soda firing, has a faster turn-around time, and can yield exciting results that aren’t possible at the higher temperatures.

Can you soda fire at Cone 6?

​Soda Firing Opportunities Clay Bodies recommended for cone 6 soda: Any cone 6 clay will survive the kiln, but some look more interesting than others. Dark Clays: Naranja, or SMY*. We do not recommend Oregon Red* or Oregon Brown because they will bloat if kiln gets even a smidge too hot.

Can you glaze in a pit fire?

Glaze your pots with a low fire glaze (cone 04/05). The pit firing is a reduction firing, so you can get metallic reduction. Pre-fire your glazed pieces to cone 04 to bind the glaze to the piece. This will make sure the glaze doesn’t rub or chip off while you are packing the pit.

How much does it cost to build a soda kiln?

Building a kiln is a lot of work and considerable expense (about $6,000) but the rewards are worth the effort.

What Cone range is mid fire?

cone 5-6
Clays and glazes fall into 3 main ranges: Low-Fire (cone 06-04) Mid-Fire (cone 5-6) High-Fire (cone 10+)

What is reduction firing?

Reduction firing is typically done in a gas or other fuel burning kiln, since the corrosive effects wear out the elements on an electric kiln. In reduction firing, oxygen is prevented from interacting with the glazes during glaze maturation. The atmosphere allows pieces to get a glazed like finish without glazes.