How to Make a DIY POTTERY KILN

I built this primitive convection kiln from bricks in my backyard for only $110.50. This video shows how I did it, discusses the details and other considerations for those that are interested in making their own DIY kilns.

📖 CHAPTERS:
0:00 Why build a convection kiln
3:07 How I built my kiln
6:30 Measuring the temperature in my kiln
8:23 Primitive kiln FAQ

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Andy Ward PO Box 43601 Tucson, AZ 85733

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[patrickbodine]

Hint: dip the bricks in water before laing them up. The wet bricks won't suck the water out of your mortar and thus the bricks will stick together better.

[andyanderson]

Thank you for being a down to earth commonsense person and not showboating it like everyone else does

[montyferguson]

I made my first piece of pottery last night, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.

[skleem]

ah man you're underrated. Hope more people catch on to this

[immrtalitypassin]

I'm buying a little house in a regular western PA neighborhood this month and was planning to figure out a way to fire in my yard without freaking out the neighbors. Perfect timing on this video! I'll likely double the size but build the same structure, just up on some blocks to combat moisture. 👍🏼👍🏼

And John Olsen was a dear friend of mine, so I've made a promise to myself and to him, that I'll be getting back to making pots this year, so the plan holds a lot of meaning for me. I look forward to digging into your video tutorials as well, and truly appreciate how much you share with the community. ❤️‍🩹🦋🏺

[annarook]

Thanks so much for sharing! I bought a wheel a year ago and got discouraged because I couldn’t fire anything. These last few months it occurred to me to make my own kiln..duh! I just couldn’t find the right plan till now! So grateful! I will be trying this out very soon.

[edmorris]

The discussion at the end is quite important. Most backyard DIY projects I see on the internet don’t discuss modifying how one has to adapt the build to different climates. In my case I would have moisture, snow, and deep frost (=frost heaving) to contend with. So a DIY kiln would cost much more after you factor in the cost of a stable base, and a weather-proof and heat proof enclosure.

[sarahale]

I just found your channel and I’m happy I did. I live in Georgia, and have clay everywhere. It is extremely wet her, so thank you for the wet climate advice. I can’t wait to get started.

[DaDunge]

I'd build double walls an inner and an outer wall with air between and then interlinked with a certain frequency, that should massively improve heat retention.

[wesliearah]

I really love Andy Ward- Such great knowledge of a very specific subject, and he just owns it. He has videos on every subject. Thank you Andy and hello from central Nevada. 😊

[TheKjoy]

I'm glad that you addressed ways to protect it from moisture in wetter environments. I live in Washington state and we see a lot of rain where I live. I would build mine on a cinder block platform. Another challenge I would face is the summer burn bans. The burn bans can get so strict that you can only burn in a wood stove and only if it is your primary source of heat for your house.

[EXARCWithGrandpop]

You are always one step ahead of me (lol). This has been on my "to do" list all winter. I need just a few weeks more for the weather to warm up to build mine. I have built a coal forge in almost the same way. I am going to make a few adjustment to your version and add what I learned from building the coal forge on my kiln. If it works, I share with everyone on Instagram. If not, I'll just remake it the way you have done it.

[russellsmith]

Hi Andy. I think your kiln looks very functional and quite sturdy.

I noticed that your kiln looks very close to your cements block wall.
A piece of sheet metal should reflect enough heat to prevent any heat damage to the block.
It is amazing how much heat even a little kiln will produce when you are cramming every spar BTU you can find into it.
I looked into paper kilns and was surprised at how well they insulate.
So, was thinking thin layers of adobe with lots of straw on the outside of the kiln might help retain more heat and shield the block wall.
I am wondering what you are going to put on top of the kiln?
Two plates of something will allow you to throttle the fire and retain more heat. As well as put the kiln into reduction at the end of the firing.
A piece of flue pipe will also improve the draft. But I don't know how far away from your original thought you may want to go.
When I referred to your kiln as little I was by no means trying to slight it in anyway.
I think your kiln will be a real work horse and you will be able to pull an amazing amount of pottery through it.
I hope I don't sound like too much of a know it all with a lot of unsolicited advice.
I am really meaning it to have a conversation.
Thinking is nice, but doing is better. And you seem to be doing very well, cheers.

[manariiteh]

Hello, I can’t wait to see the result. How long does firing a kiln should last ? Also How long after pottery looks red hot should the fire continue? Thank you for your videos it is vers inspiring.

[nlellison]

This is so amazing! Thank you for sharing I cannot afford a kiln but I want to make pottery so bad I'm going to try this asap!

[HecateNoctis]

Informative and relaxing to watch. This seems very doable especially for a beginner. I love it!

[mandybell]

What a fantastic video ! Thank you - so glad I found your channel ! Going to binge watch, subscribed and couldn't be happier ! Thx again !

[russellsmith]

The last comment I made was reproduced from my failing memory when I hit cancel instead of comment on the very first one.
So I just realized that I had left out this part.
When you are first starting up the kiln, if you place a temporary grate on top of the kiln and build a small hot fire, it will burn away all the smoke coming out of the top. Since smoke is just unburned fuel.
This should help with having a stealthy urban kiln, cheers again.

[Lady_of_Ishpeming]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I will be building one on my new homestead for my hobby shop.

[WorthlessGhoul]

Thank you I’m thankful for your design will be building soon in my backyard 5grand for a kiln is a joke 😂