The Kiln Book: Materials, Specifications & Construction (Hardcover)

by Frederick L. Olsen (Author)
Key Phrases: crossdraft kilns, combustion channel, downdraft kilns, Les Blakebrough, Takichi Kawaii, Thermal Ceramics (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This updated third edition is the definitive guide on kiln design and construction for artisans and artists worldwide.

Author Frederick Olsen draws on 40+ years of experience to offer complete plans and instructions for building kilns of all sizes and purposes.

Includes principles for the design of highly efficient kilns, newly available refractory materials, building methods, flue types and construction, curved and common walls, bricklaying courses and arches. Updates include construction techniques, new kiln designs, as well as new safety equipment.

Hundreds of photos and illustrations detail design and construction of all types of kilns.
Advice on building materials and methods.
Indispensable information for all ceramists.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 3 edition (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873419103
• ISBN-13: 978-0873419109
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,813 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE one and only GOOD book about kilns, February 21, 2004

By	"wiredlain" (Madison, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This is a fantastic book, even if you are NOT going to build a kiln. This book is packed with cool stuff and good pictures. When I built my kiln (a 4.5 foot gas raku) this was the only book I used. All the other kiln books I have ever seen (a lot I sadly assure you) are complete garbage. This one on the other hand is a gem. Well worth every cent of the cost and very well written, this book is in my top 3 for ceramics books. It is an great book for begginers and ultra experienced potters alike. My one and only problem is that they barely even mention doors. Doors are not terribly important, compared to the other info, but this is a MAJOR fault with this book. I don't know if it will be revised, but that is one thing that is very bad.

the good= comprehensive, well written, cool pictures, good reading, covers all aspects, good resources, all around excellent book.

the bad= NO INFO ABOUT DOORS!!!! god I hate that...

the ugly= more color would be nice but... cheaper=better.

So, in spite of this books one glaring failure there is no better book for everything else covered. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone who is even interested in firing kilns. Great book, good buy, get it!

82 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent review of the methods of kiln building, February 4, 1998

By	"realitybites2" (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kiln Book, Materials, Specifications and Construction (Hardcover)

This book is the best reference for pottery kiln builders and operators. I have built and operated Olsen's Fast Fire Wood Downdraft kiln form the book and converted it to gas with excellent results.

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book, May 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Kiln Book, Materials, Specifications and Construction (Hardcover)

If you are thinking about building, firing or repairing a kiln, this is the book. With a fair amount of firing experience, but little knowledge of building, this book gave me the info and guidance to help build my own wood kiln. Get this book.