Got Wood?

The two main types of fuel use for firing clay are gas and electricity. I like to use wood. I source it from all over the Mendocino area (downed trees, neighbors cutting down trees in their yards, or word of mouth:
…. “ I Hear you need wood”…

Wood is plentiful where I live. I wish it were hard wood as it would burn longer than the soft Redwood and Pines. When I get wind that Eucalyptus is available, I pounce!

So, the Tan Oak, Pine and Redwood are collected, sawn to approx 24” lengths. It is split, stacked and seasoned for 6 months to a year or more (sometimes with the assistance of a commercial blower!)

I have a special shed, just for the wood that houses about 7 cords. A full cord is a large amount of wood. It measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by eight feet long .
It takes about 2-3 cords to fire my woodfired kiln to 2400 degrees F. Yes, I agree, it is a lot of work.

Why would I chose to do such a labor intensive firing?
The interaction between the clay, glaze and fire yields unique, one of a kind pots. These results are not easily repeated. I am often surprised and I like it.