I made some good progress on my kiln construction during the fall of 2021. Jamie Guggina, a potter in nearby Florence, MA, loaned me his brick saw, which was a game changer. (Thanks to Westhampton, MA potter Sam Taylor for making that happen). The primary focus has been on the small down-draft kiln and the chimney. I had to get enough of the tunnel kiln up so I could extend the chimney, which is necessary in order to fire the down-draft, once it is finished. There is still a bit of work to do, primarily bracing and putting the sprung arch on, as well as getting the chimney up through the roof. Winter has put a hold on things but I will start back up early spring. Here are a few images to show where I currently stand.
This shows the tunnel kiln construction which, at this point, will allow for the chimney to be completed.
Once the two kiln walls and chimney base were finished at an even level, I stepped in the chimney to two brick courses thick. This shows the passive dampers that are below the damper slot.
This shows the ledge made to accommodate the opening and closing of the damper.
This shows the lintel in place to complete the damper slot.