WOOD FIRED CERAMICS = CONSTANT POTENTIAL FOR DEATH
Wood firing ceramics is fun and rewarding because it is extremely dangerous, constantly life-threatening and very time consuming. Wood firing consumes lots of time and wood. 24 or more hours of constant stoking and several cords of wood are normally required to produce the completed ware. Because of these factors, the process is very long and therefore, more life threatening and dangerous. And more fun.
To fire ceramics in a wood-stoked kiln, temperatures of 2300 F or more must be attained (most steel melts at less than 1800 F). At 2300 F, the ashes from the burning wood adhere to the clay surfaces and melt to form a hard, natural glaze. If glazes are applied to the ware prior to firing, the wood ash mixes with these glazes, creating composite textures and colorations which can only be achieved through this extremely dangerous and life-threatening process.
Why is wood firing so dangerous and extremely threatening to human life?