March 10, 2010
The Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln: A Wood Kiln that Produces Little Smoke and Great Results
Wood firing is done by a relatively small number of potters because wood kilns are labor intensive and sometimes not practical for highly populated locations due to air quality regulations. But what if you could get the results of firing in a traditional anagama kiln in a quick-firing, compact kiln that produces very little smoke? I’m thinking a lot more people might give wood firing a try.
In today’s post, an excerpt from Japanese Wood-Fired Ceramics, Masakazu Kusakabe and Mark Lancet explain the concept behind the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln. Plus, we’ve thrown in a couple diagrams in case you’d like to build your own. - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.
| The Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln features several unique characteristics. The finished pieces are of a quality associated with a much longer firing than in a traditional anagama kiln. The kiln fires almost effortlessly and quickly climbing naturally, sustaining high temperatures and achieving dramatic wood-fire effects in 24 to 36 hours. As the name implies, the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln produces virtually no smoke during firing. |
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Kusakabe first became interested in smokeless firing when invited to build a kiln for Burnaby City in British Columbia, Canada. One of many requirements for the kiln was that it could not produce smoke, since the kiln was sited in a very populated area. Kusakabe met the challenge by producing Umbu (piggyback) kiln, a large, double-chambered, smokeless kiln.
Click to enlarge
The Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln begins with two features employed in the Umbu kiln: a large bourry box and a large chimney typically associated with bigger kilns.
The large bourry box is a double-chambered, downdraft fire box that burns efficiently. Wood is stoked in the top chamber and rests on a grate above the second chamber, which catches the ash and embers from the firing. Air drawn down trough the burning wood results in a fire that burns upside down.
The Sasukenei ware chamber is compressed and measures slightly larger than a cubic meter. The ash and firing effect also are compressed, and the results are dramatic and beautiful. Kusakabe’s insight here was that rather than spread ash and firing effects over a large kiln space to produce good wood-fire results, he would compress the ware chamber and concentrate ash and firing effects on in small chamber for dramatic wood-fired results.
Some of the subtleties found in larger kilns with longer firing cycles are less likely to occur, but the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln concentration of ash and firing effects produces work so inundated with natural ash glaze that it appears to have been fired over 10 days, rather than the actual day and a half. In addition, work fired under the bourry box and in the flues leading to the ware chamber exhibits qualities unique to the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln.
Click to enlarge
The short firing cycle of the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln makes it an ideal kiln to use and learn, develop and experiment with wood-firing. Since the kiln’s typical firing lasts only one-and-a-half days, the kiln consumes less wood and requires fewer people to fire it. It may easily be fired 10 to 20 times a year.
By comparison, the Dancing Fire Wood Kiln typically can be fired three to five times per year due to its firing cycle, wood and crew.
Another difference between the kilns is that the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln ware chamber is less than 25 percent of the size of the combined ware chambers of the Dancing Fire Wood Kiln. The opportunity to fire more frequently and the range of effects unique to the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln compensate for the size differences.
The ease of operation, stellar results and smokeless firing combine to make the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln one that lives up to its name. Sasukenei is a work from the dialect spoken only in Miharu, where Kusakabe lives. It translates as “No problem!” or “No worries, mate!”
Tags: Kiln Plans and Diagrams, Marc Lancet, Masakazu Kusakabe, wood fire, Wood Kiln Firing
Louise | March 10th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Hello,
One thing - the name of the city in which this was built is Burnaby - those who live there (or close by like me) care about this sort of thing - especially when the mistake makes the city named after the goofus in Hello Dolly!
Jennifer | March 10th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Sorry Louise! I corrected the spelling! - editor.
Erika | March 10th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Would it not be wonderful if it really worked. My Husband is prepared to give it a go. It may take a while, however, I will inform you about the progress. Speak to you then. Erika
David | March 10th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Sounds really valuable for us who live in suburban areas! Does the book contain plans and information on firing? David
Aaron | March 10th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I am potter that lives in the city limits of Jackson, MI, and this is a answer to my prayers. I have wanted to start firing with wood for some time now but was too concerned with smoke. Where can detailed plans be obtained? The pictures in this article are great but I would love some more instructions and possibly a materials list.
Jennifer | March 10th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Yes David, the book actually goes into a lot more detail on this kiln and another kiln (the dancing fire kiln). In addition it has guidelines on safety, working with local regulatory boards, wood fire recipes, and a step-by-step guide through the six stages of the wood firing process. You can download an excerpt here:
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/bookstore/japanese-wood-fired-ceramics/
Genevieve | March 10th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
HI, I am a friend of Kusakabe in Japan, and I have fired his sasukenei kiln with him several times. It’s a really great kiln which gives you very good results resembling those of an anagama but I have to say that it does smoke when doing the side stoking towards the end of the firing, for reduction in the main chamber.
derek | March 10th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
I am confused on what makes this kiln different from a John Neely designed Train Kiln. Trains have been used in Utah (usa) as well as Australia (Steve Harrison) for decades.
These kilns do smoke. Just maybe not as much as an ineffecient anagama.
This design seems to have a taller chimney, probably for use in its original canadian location at higher elevations.
There is however SMOKELESS anagama type kiln research ongoing….in the past few years by Australian Ray Cavill.
Many University kilns in America and Australia have been shut down due to smoke pollution.
linda | March 11th, 2010 at 2:22 am
I am a ceramic tech at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby BC and helped to build the Ombu kiln. (Ombu is the correct name)
I have fired it smokeless over 40 times. On the rare occasion that we get smoke we have eliminated it by tossing in a cup of water with the stoke. It may be because of the good draw from the tall chimney or that the second chamber acts as an after burner. The diagram shown is of the sasukenei kiln. The Ombu has 2 chambers with the chimney in the centre of the two. The flue from the first chamber passes under the second chamber and the flame then passes over the second chamber into the chimney. Jack Troy and Robert Barron are coming to fire it with us next week.
I would be happy to send diagrams to anyone interested. I also have a powerpoint presentation on the building of the Ombu.
For those local viewers there is an exhibition called “Out of the Ombu” presently showing work from the Ombu at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery in Maple Ridge, BC
Eric | March 11th, 2010 at 3:20 am
why can’t kilns be heated with charcoal? This is a very hot fire, and produces little smoke when the charcoal is fully heated. has this been tried? ewsartist@embarqmail.com
derek | March 11th, 2010 at 3:48 am
“I would be happy to send diagrams to anyone interested. I also have a powerpoint presentation on the building of the Ombu.”
Dear Linda, an Ombu kiln diagram and would be really appreciated and nice. Thank you so much!!
dezzalarsen@yahoo.com
dereklarsenceramics.com
Do you stack work/pots in the 2nd chamber???
I think you are right…there are ways to use a second chamber as a reburn chamber to burn the smoke clean, a gas burner in the botton of a chimney can do this …sometimes. This technology is used in modern wood stoves and furnaces.
I do not think the chimney has anything to do with the lack of smoke. But with that tall of a chimney i am sure you have pleanty of draft.
I work out of a 5 chamber noborigama, and it is smokey.
someday we will all have to go smokeless,
Thanks from Japan!
-D
Ian | March 11th, 2010 at 5:06 am
Dear Linda,
I also would be very grateful for copies of the diagrams and the PPoint presentation.
Many thanks
chystie.ian@googlemail.com
Ian | March 11th, 2010 at 5:07 am
Dear Linda,
Apologies - I’ve just seen that I cant spell my own e-mail address!
chrystie.ian@googlemail.com
William | March 11th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Dear Linda,
I would love to get copies of the diagrams and PP presentation. I am in a location that allows recreational fires but this looks like a great way to fire without POing my neighbors. Thank you so much. Bill
wsempel@aol.com
P. Jaine | March 11th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Linda, I’d also appreciate receiving the diagrams and PPT you kindly offered. Many thanks. Jaine
ebbyjake@earthlink.net
Mary | March 11th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Linda,
add me to the list of people wanting diagrams and the PPP.
Mary
maryonthelake@gmail.com
Rena | March 11th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Linda, please also email me the Ombu PPP and diagrams. Thanks!
Rena
artndirt@hotmail.com
DebraRay | March 11th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Linda,
Please include me on your list for Ombu diagrams! Thank you!
DebraRay
poudrepots@comcast.net
steve | March 11th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Linda,
Please include me on your list for the Ombu diagrams and the PP.
Thank you very much.
Steve
sromans@sbcsc.k12.in.us
Ron | March 11th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Linda,
Please include me on your list for the Ombu diagrams and the PP.
Thank you very much.
Ron T.
Ron | March 11th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Ron T. email (sorry)
rtsyt@zoominternet.net
Becky | March 11th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Diagrams and PP also please!
Thanks, Becky
pagerebekah@gmail.com
Lorna | March 11th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Hi, Linda,
I will be very interesting to see the Diagrams and PP of your Ombu also please!
Thanks,
Lorna
lorna.mao@gmail.com
Edit | March 11th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Linda,
Living in France I can not order the book, so this is a very good altrnative.
Besides one is only allowed to have small kilns and fires, so this kiln sounds like a good alternative.
Please include me too in your mailing 4 the diags and graphs
Would it be an idea to redimension the kiln into a somewhat smaller size? One qubic meter seems like a bigg one to me.
thanks
cornelis.robat@neuf.fr
joan | March 11th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Hi Linda,
Another request for any info you can share about the Ombu kiln including the powerpoint presentation on the building of the Ombu.
Thanks very much for the offer.
Joan Scot,
Gore, Quebec
joan | March 11th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Hi Linda,
Another request for any info you can share about the Ombu kiln including the powerpoint presentation on the building of the Ombu.
Thanks very much for the offer.
Joan Scot,
Gore, Quebec
Sorry forgot my contact info
joanlizscott@gmail.com
derek | March 11th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Hi Linda, Looks like you will be busy emailing kiln diagrams as well as your upcoming symposium! I searched the Shadbolt Centre webpage for a photo of the kiln but no such luck, however the center looks amazing!
good luck with your upcoming firing and I really appreciate your sharing this diagram!
Michael | March 11th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Hi, Linda.
Please send me the info on the Ombu kiln, too.
Thank you very much.
Michael Hannah
mbphannah@gmail.com
Leena | March 12th, 2010 at 2:44 am
Dear Linda,
Please include me on your list for the Ombu diagrams and the PP.
Thank you very much.
Leena
mleena.juvonen@gmail.com
Richard | March 12th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Linda,
please include me on your list for the Ombu diagrams and info. I have been looking at building a wood kiln but the smoke offending the neighbors has been a concern. Thanks
Richard
richmausolf@yahoo.com
Bill | March 12th, 2010 at 10:24 am
Please forward Ombu diagrams and power point to bill(a)strayclay,com we may be looking into a would kiln and this one or the Sasukenei are great size and smoke less…
Thanks
Cheryl | March 12th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Dear Linda,
Please include me on your list for the Ombu diagrams and the PP.
Thank you very much.
Cheryl Green
carpetbiz@sbcglobal.net
john | March 12th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Dear Linda,
Please include me on your list for the Ombu diagrams and the PP.
Thank you
John
jbrien145@gmail.com
Jason | March 12th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
If anyone in the portland, OR area is planning on building one or already has, I would love to help in any way possible. Being able to make use of something like this near the city would be amazing.
jborders.1@go.ccad.edu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eBdBlwuBM
Scott | March 12th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Linda,
Please include me in your emailing of the Ombu drawings and Powerpoint presentation.
Thanks!
scott.hrrs@gmail.com
Dan | March 12th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I’m wanting to build a new kiln and would like to see the Ombu kiln diagrams and power point on it. Would you send a copy out to me as well?
Thanks
Dan
danbutkowski@gmail.com
Janice | March 12th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I would like to see the pp and the plans/diagrams for the Ombu kiln.
Thanks
Janice
Claudia | March 12th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Hi Linda,
Me too! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Claudia
hcole77@aol.com
Beverly | March 13th, 2010 at 9:47 am
I would like to see the diagrams and power point for the Ombu kiln. Thanks.
Bev
matthewstreefarm@tbwifi.ca
Sandy | March 13th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Thank you for sharing the diagrams. I would like to have a copy and power point also
Sandy
sandyjames88@gmail.com
Donald | March 13th, 2010 at 10:41 am
I too would appreciate receiving the power point and diagrams. It’s very generous of you. Thanks you.
Don
dr_900@hotmail.com
anna | March 13th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Hi Linda,
You have sparked a flame for our pottery. My highschool art students and I would also appreciate diagrams and PPT. Thank you for time and helping to keep this art form so interesting and fun!
Anna
annalane@mac.com
terry | March 13th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Yet another request for the power point and diagrams. It’s very generous of you to share this info.
Thank you.
odayt@pacificu.edu
chloe | March 13th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
And again a request for the power point and diagrams.
Thank you so much, and…, keep up the good work!
belhassen | March 13th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
hi linda,
another request for the power point and diagrams for the ombu kiln
thank you so much
kbelhass@yahoo.fr
Stephanie | March 13th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
I finally have my own house and land and would love the power point and diagrams for the Ombu Kiln as well. Thank you for your generosity!
frenchfly17@gmail.com
Carol | March 14th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Hi Linda,
I would also appreciate receiving the diagrams and the PowerPoint presentation. Many thanks. Carol
cam723@sonic.net
richard | March 14th, 2010 at 12:29 am
i too, would like the essentials on building this kiln. and any additional information regarding scaling it up or down. thanks in advance!
atb,
richard
richardsan@mac.com
Carmen | March 14th, 2010 at 5:34 am
Hi there, I would appreciate the information for the building of the likn. I live in suburbia and this may inspire me to do some smoke free alternative firing. My club pulled down its anagam and have never rebuilt due the white ant relocation. A small salt kiln was built instead. thanks
inadvance for the data.
maybankscp@hotmail.com
Liz | March 14th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Dear Linda,
Please include me on your list for the Ombu diagrams and the Power Point presentation.
Many thanks for your generosity!
Liz
emostello@yahoo.com
Andrew | March 15th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Hi,
looks very popular - any chance of putting the Ombu diagrams on this site to save all those emails?
Andrew
Jesse | March 15th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Please include me also for the kiln diagrams and ppp.
Jesse Martin
jesse@truckeeriverpottery.com
Richard | March 15th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I have ordered the book, but would also be appreciative of the diagrams and the PowerPoint presentation.
Thanks You, Richard
Richard | March 15th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Yikes! I forgot to include the email for request for diagrams and powerpoint (for Richard)
Thanks again for informative article
rfraser@newnorth.net
ORVILLE | March 16th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Linda, I’m interested in the information also. Thank you Orv
ORVILLE | March 16th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
ojones721@gmail.com Thanks Linda
bill | March 17th, 2010 at 3:05 am
hi, linda,I’m Bill from Taiwan,pls include me also for the klin diagrams and powerpoint ,Thank you very much.
bill7838189@hotmail.com or bill.pkchen@msa.hinet.net
bart | March 17th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
hello linda, please include me in the exceptionally long list of interested people. we have built a version of the train- this kiln design is interesting as it resembles as has been said, the train. and deserves comparison. thank you in advance.
bart fetz
Stacy | March 18th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Sign me up too! I’ve been dreaming about my own wood kiln for some time, and really like the idea of a smokeless wood firing, obviously many others do too. Thank you in advance for sharing this info with all of us who prefer to keep our neighbors on good terms. :)
Power point & plan info would be awesome, thanks!
tigerlilysls@aol.com
Katherine | March 20th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I would love diagrams as well! Thank you!
kdkkey@aol.com
Kim | March 21st, 2010 at 6:52 am
I would also be very interesting and grateful to see the diagrams and PP of your Ombu please!
Thank you for your kind offer!
Best regards, Kim Nygaard
kimonito2@yahoo.co.uk
Marilyn | March 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
Hi Linda~
If you still have the time to send out your kiln diagrams and power point presentation, that would be terrific.
~A potter in north eastern BC
farrows6@xplornet.com
Greg | March 22nd, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Linda,
I feel awful adding myself to this list but since you didn’t offer your e-mail address to us…. Greg Schultz
gregssa @ gmail.com (please remove the gap to prevent SPAM bots)
Jim | March 23rd, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Hi Linda
Can you please add me to the list for diagrams & presentation
Thanks
James
14me@eircom.net
David | March 24th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Hi Linda,
I bet you never imagined the response to your offer of Ombu diagrams and ppt! Please add me to the list. Thank you!
David
david_clay@mac.com
joanne | March 27th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Linda,
I’m so excited! I live in Queens, NYC,NY where I have many kiln limitations. This might work. Please send the diagrams, PP and anything you think is necessary to build this beauty! May the Kiln Gods shine on you. My email address is wizbicky@verizon.net
Thanks,
Wiz
Aaron | March 31st, 2010 at 10:12 am
please send me the ombu diagrams and ppt pres.
potter in mountains of NC…
aaron
aaron@throwandsew.com
jon | March 31st, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Please send me the diagrams of the ombu and the ppt. I live in MN and have dreamed of a wood kiln that would smoke less.
gilby@comcast.net
jon
jurgis | April 2nd, 2010 at 6:24 am
Dear Linda,
I live ni Europe, I plan to build this kind of kiln this summer.
if possible, please send me the diagrams also
jurgis.zagorskas@gmail.com
jurgis
diane | April 3rd, 2010 at 1:20 am
hi linda
Please send me the PP presentatios and the diagrams of the ombu kiln. Many many thanks!
Diane
chen-kw@att.net
Donna | April 3rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Linda,
Can you also send me a copy of the PPP and diagram of the ombu kiln. This would be very exciting to build and use.
Thanks.
Donna
potterybydonna@aol.com
deborah | April 3rd, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Linda,
Please add me to the (long) list for the kiln diagram and Power Point. Thank you so much!!
Deborah
deb@kaivalyadesigns.com
George | April 5th, 2010 at 3:31 am
Shalom Linda,
Could you email me the diagrams and PP?
Many thanks in advance,
N from Israel
Michelle | April 10th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
If you could add me to your list of people that you send the diagrams and PP I would appreciate it. I live in a subdivision where smoke would definitely be a problem.
potterskorner@msn.com
Linda | April 14th, 2010 at 12:53 am
Linda,
I would very much appreciate being added to the list to receive the diagrams and presentation.
linda3214@comcast.net
alan | April 20th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Hi Linda,
Your Ombu kiln sounds like the answers to my prayers. Could I be added to the list for the diagrams and PPP? Thanks in advance.
Alan @
alanwmaitchison@yahoo.co.uk
Dan | April 30th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Please send the diagrams and power point to me at danvigna@yahoo.com
Thanks!
amy | May 12th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
I would love to build an Ombu Kiln. Will you please add me to your list for diagrams and ppp?
Thank you-
amy
amy001@gmail.com
Lauge | June 8th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Hi,
If Lisa is still listening or if there is anybody else out there with the diagrams and presentations I’d like a copy as well
Thank you.
Lauge@
brix.vold@gmail.com
Jiawen | July 3rd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Please can I have the diagrams and presentation too? Looking into a kiln to build in Malaysia. Thank you!
jiawen.loo@gmail.com