What is stack oven?

A stack oven is a type of kiln that is used for firing pottery and other ceramic materials. It is a cylindrical structure that is divided into two chambers, the firebox and the kiln chamber. The firebox is located at the bottom of the oven and is where the fuel is burned. The kiln chamber is located above the firebox and is where the pottery is placed. The heat from the firebox rises up through the kiln chamber and heats the pottery.

Stack ovens are typically made of brick or stone and can vary in size from small, one-person ovens to large, industrial-sized ovens. The size of the oven will determine how much pottery can be fired at one time.

Stack ovens are often used by potters because they are relatively easy to build and operate. They can also be used to fire a wide variety of pottery, from small bowls to large vases.

Here is a more detailed description of the process of firing pottery in a stack oven:

1. The pottery is placed in the kiln chamber. The pottery is placed on shelves that are located inside the kiln chamber. The shelves are made of fireproof material, such as kiln shelves or ceramic fiber.

2. The fire is lit in the firebox. The fuel used in a stack oven can vary, but it is typically wood or gas. The firebox has a door that is used to control the amount of air that enters the oven.

3. The heat rises up through the kiln chamber. As the fire burns, the heat rises up through the kiln chamber. The heat causes the pottery to gradually heat up.

4. The pottery reaches its peak firing temperature. The peak firing temperature for pottery varies depending on the type of clay that is being used. Most clays are fired to a temperature of between 1,800 and 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. The fire is extinguished and the oven cools down. Once the pottery has reached its peak firing temperature, the fire is extinguished and the oven begins to cool down. The cooling process can take several hours or even days.

6. The pottery is removed from the oven. Once the oven has cooled down, the pottery can be removed. The pottery is then allowed to cool completely before it is handled.

Stack ovens are a versatile and efficient way to fire pottery. They can be used to fire a wide variety of pottery, from small bowls to large vases. Stack ovens are also relatively easy to build and operate, making them a popular choice for potters of all levels.