Two steps forward, One step back

Eric did another great day of work and got the second, ware chamber, arch in. We took the form out and within an hour we were putting it back because the arch started pushing out the wall. He thought he would have to rebuild the arch, but he just made adjustments and put a rubber mallet to work. It was saved. So now we know before we take the form out we make sure we have the metal frame in position. No problem, Eric is already on it.

I have to say sitting inside the ware chamber was pretty cozy. I may be arachnophobic and acrophobic, but I'm not claustrophobic.

So much progress

I've been neglecting my little blog and I do apologize. Eric has been working so hard on the kiln and it's going pretty well. We of course make time for socializing and other events. Life isn't just work, work, work ya know.

So the pictures here show what has happened in the last month. We got the refractory granola stuffed in tight around the firebox arch and then the ware chamber floor all nice and laid out. Then there is the flu shot, or it is flue shot? And of course the dampers. Things are moving along nicely and at a fairly stress free pace. Eric gets a little frustrated and loses sleep a bit, but that is normal for him and not just that his mind is on the kiln 23/7...somedays he takes an hour for Perry Mason.

Diamonds ARE a girls best friend!

I didn't realize I loved diamonds until now. Sure, most ladies like diamonds hanging off their ears...just ask Cindy McCain, but the diamonds I like are embedded into a 14'' circular blade and can cut through brick like butter. Eric has been cutting the channels off of some of the brick to make flats. This is a picture of the little brick crosses we end up with. Get thee behind me Satan.