Welcome to our new site. We hope you enjoy it. We are in our final testing to make sure everything is ready for you to come and SHOP. Look around all you like, we'll be officially open over here 12/26/24!
Removable discs allow for 4 different slab thickness options: 2 mm (1/16"), 6 mm (1/4") and 10 mm (7/16") disc sizes. Handles easily click on and off to adjust discs. Barrel made of solid Beechwood. Barrel width 12" Barrel diameter 2 1/2" Overall length including handles: 21" Plastic discs. Hand wash only
The trashcan lid that we have used for decades for our raku kiln has recently changed. We are testing the durability of the new lid. While we do not expect any problems with the new lid and anticipate returning to production with the new lid soon, we are not taking active orders. You may use the pre-order button and submit an order with no payment (use the NET 30 option at checkout) and we will put you on a list to contact when we have completed testing and are entering production phase.
The Bracker Raku Kiln is a lightweight and portable design for firing ceramic pieces in your own backyard. The kiln we make today was designed by Bill Bracker in the early 1970's utilizing the technology of ceramic fiber. The kiln is made by lining a cage of wire fence material and a metal garbage can lid with one-half inch thick fiber blanket. The fiber is then rigidized with a mixture of sodium silicate and water. The use of the fiber allows the ceramicist to have the insulating qualities of 2-1/2 inches of soft insulating firebrick, yet it is light enough that anyone is able to pick it up. A complete raku set-up would include the kiln, a burner, a propane tank, a pad of soft fire bricks (or an electric kiln lid or base), a posted shelf for inside the kiln, and tongs, along with the user-provided metal tub for water, a metal bucket or can for the raku tongs (which can be very hot after use) and a metal garbage can (with a lid) with reduction material. Setting up involves laying out the pad, posting the shelf on the pad, setting the pieces to be fired on the shelf, placing the kiln over the shelf and pieces, attaching the burner to the tank, placing the burner in front of the kiln's burner port, and lighting the burner.
Please note - the number one problem we hear about is people having trouble getting their kiln to temperature. This is almost always because the burner is too close to (or even inside) the kiln. Combustion requires oxygen, so allow plenty of space (6-10") between the burner tip and the burner opening on the kiln
INCLUDES:
2 FULL shelves
2 HALF shelves
3# Kiln Wash
Kiln Gloves
Post Assortment (Contains 10 -1" posts, 6 - 2" Posts and 12 each of 4", 6" & 8" posts)
We can also swap 2 halves for a full or vice-versa upon request at no additional charge
INCLUDES:
2 - 20" Hollow Core FULL shelves
2 - 20" Hollow Core HALF shelves
3# Kiln Wash
Kiln Gloves
Post Assortment (Contains 10 -1" posts, 6 - 2" Posts and 12 each of 4", 6" & 8" posts)
We can also swap 2 halves for a full or vice-versa upon request at no additional charge
INCLUDES:
1 - Solid Round High Alumina FULL shelf
4 - Solid Round High Alumina HALF shelves
5# Kiln Wash
Kiln Gloves
Post Assortment (Contains 10 -1" posts, 6 - 2" Posts and 12 each of 4", 6" & 8" posts)
We can also swap 2 halves for a full or vice-versa upon request at no additional charge
INCLUDES:
3 - 15" Solid Round High Alumina FULL shelves
1 - 15" Solid Round High Alumina HALF shelves
2# Kiln Wash
Kiln Gloves
Post Assortment (Contains 10 -1" posts, 6 - 2" Posts and 12 each of 4", 6" & 8" posts)
We can also swap 2 halves for a full or vice-versa upon request at no additional charge
The picture for this item is just one example of the Raku Crackle White glaze. This is technically a clear glaze (there's no opacifier in the recipe), but everyone refers to it as Crackle White. Feel free to experiment with underglazes, stains, and even non-raku glazes underneath this Crackle White glaze. You can also add stains or chemical colorants (like cobalt oxide, copper carbonate, etc) for dramatic results. You might really enjoy the experimentation!
As of Sept 29, 2023 this has been converted to use Gillespie Borate as Gerstley Borate is no longer available.
Mixing instructions: mix with water at a 1:1 ratio (pint of water to a pound of glaze) and apply two coats.
For more ways to use crackle white, check out Cindy's article https://www.brackers.com/cracklewhite/
The staff at Bracker's think we can put together a post assortment based on our own experiences as well as the knowledge we've gleaned from our customers throughout the years. So here's what we've come up with, based on using 3 posts per shelf (either half or full): Includes 1-1/2" square posts in the following heights: 10 - 1" posts great for supporting the bottom shelf as well as stacking with another post for a little extra space 6 - 2" square posts for very small items, tiles, or for stacking with another post for extra space 12 - 4" square posts a very useful size for smaller projects 12 - 6" square posts a very popular and useful post height for most people 12 - 8" square posts place tall pots on the top shelf in the kiln, but when that isn't enough, these posts will help 1 pair Leather Welder's Kiln Gloves *These posts are safe to fire all the way up to cone 10!
The trashcan lid that we have used for decades for our raku kiln has recently changed. We are testing the durability of the new lid. While we do not expect any problems with the new lid and anticipate returning to production with the new lid soon, we are not taking active orders. You may use the pre-order button and submit an order with no payment (use the NET 30 option at checkout) and we will put you on a list to contact when we have completed testing and are entering production phase.
OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS: 20-3/4" diameter, 27-1/2" tall (including the handle)INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 19-1/2" diameter x 24" Tall**please note that you will lose about 5" of interior height to the shelf and shelf supports.
The Bracker Raku Kiln is a lightweight and portable design for firing ceramic pieces in your own backyard. The kiln we make today was designed by Bill Bracker in the early 1970's utilizing the technology of ceramic fiber. The kiln is made by lining a cage of wire fence material and a metal garbage can lid with one-half inch thick fiber blanket. The fiber is then rigidized with a mixture of sodium silicate and water. The use of the fiber allows the ceramicist to have the insulating qualities of 2-1/2 inches of soft insulating firebrick, yet it is light enough that anyone is able to pick it up. A complete raku set-up would include the kiln, a burner, a propane tank, a pad of soft fire bricks (or an electric kiln lid or base), a posted shelf for inside the kiln, and tongs, along with the user-provided metal tub for water, a metal bucket or can for the raku tongs (which can be very hot after use) and a metal garbage can (with a lid) with reduction material. Setting up involves laying out the pad, posting the shelf on the pad, setting the pieces to be fired on the shelf, placing the kiln over the shelf and pieces, attaching the burner to the tank, placing the burner in front of the kiln's burner port, and lighting the burner.
PLEASE NOTE: This kit DOES NOT INCLUDE: a propane tank, kiln posts, garbage cans, or metal tubs.
First, firebricks provide an excellent way to post the first shelf. Cut two of the firebricks in half and use three of the cut half firebricks (2-1/2” x 4-1/2” x 4-1/2”) in a triangular formation. Second, the kiln’s atmosphere is easily controlled during the firing to modify the amount of oxygen your kiln load receives. The kiln is equipped with venting (or peep) holes directly above the burner port. These can be left open or plugged to oxidize or reduce the firing atmosphere. A bag of fiber scraps have been included with your kiln and can act as excellent peep hole plugs for this kiln. Third, the included burner is not a forced-air burner, so a good supply of oxygen to the burner head is imperative. The tip of the burner should be approximately 1/2” to 1” outside of the kiln, but you can also control the atmosphere and speed of firing by moving the burner slightly towards or away from the kiln. Initial firings in a cold kiln should take about an an hour and a half and successive firings should take approximately 60 minutes, depending on the glazes you might use and how many pieces you are firing (a tightly-packed kiln load could increase the firing time). The kiln is shipped with a bag of shredded paper inside. Not only does it provide crush resistance during transit without adding excessive shipping weight, but it can also be used as reduction material for your first firing. Also great reduction material: leaves, sawdust, excelsior, hamster/gerbil bedding, and pine needles (links to excelsior and small pet bedding are provided so you can see what we're referring to). Your kiln was also probably packed with some styrofoam packing peanuts or other styrofoam-like items to protect it. Do NOT use these for reduction material. In most cases (when you aren't using commercially available liquid raku glazes), raku glazes should be mixed dry, then prepared with water as needed for each firing session. This is particularly important in glazes with a high content of gerstley borate. Safety is of utmost concern when raku firing. Make all participants and spectators aware of the open flame and the layout of the raku set-up so that no one gets hurt. Also make them aware of the flurry of activity that will occur when the firing is complete and the pots are moved to the reduction material or water. A “dry run” of this is helpful in choreographing duties and requirements of the participants as well as making sure that reduction material and water is in a convenient location. An extra bucket of water on hand for safety is also recommended. We encourage you to experiment with how regular low-fire glazes work in a raku firing. Some will work great and some won’t, and you can only find out by testing.
The raku kit includes:
The raku kiln itself
a case of 25 soft insulating firebricks that are rated to 2600°F, commonly called K26 bricks
1 - 15-1/2” full round kiln shelf
1 - propane torch (or burner, depending on who is talking about it)
100,000 BTU torch that works best with smaller propane tanks, like you’d get for your BBQ grill
that 20 pound size tank will usually last for 2-3 firing cycles
or 500,000 BTU torch that works best with larger propane tanks
the tank visible in the video is a 100 pound cylinder because when we have raku firings, we fire at least 5 or 6 times in a row for each tank
I’d suggest using size torch with 40 pound or larger cylinders
1 pair of raku tongs, either the Kemper RK45 with teeth or the RK37 without teeth
in my opinion, the RK45 are the more versatile tongs
1 pair leather welders gloves
not appropriate for holding hot pots, but good for handling hot reduction chamber lids, etc.
The raku kit ships via LTL freight on one pallet. Shipping costs vary, but a rough estimate to ship from Lawrence, Kansas to a location on one of the East or West coasts is $255 as of Januaray 2023
This stainless steel fluting tool makes it easy to carve pots with beautiful designs and exacting control. The unique design includes panels on the side of the cutting loop that act as “runners” (like on a sled) to maintain a consistent depth as you cut. This makes for a fluid stroke. Each tool has two fluting designs: rounded and pointed.
Even before Covid-19 shut down many clay centers, we were often asked to provide unique and individual services to meet a variety of needs ranging from one on one throwing lessons to valuation services for estate sales or legal proceedings, to in depth analyses of glaze or clay body formulas or what raw material will best represent "wild old west" dust on a film set (no kidding).
We have always provided a vast array of free information and advice and we will definitely continue to do so. From maintaining a website full of resources you can read/watch/download/click on to providing answers in store or over the phone, we are still committed to excellent customer service and in most cases, a 5 minute explanation is all someone needs to solve their problem.
We have realized though, especially with the amount of home-studio work now happening, that some people want or need more in-depth and personalized answers, examples, demonstrations, or solutions. So here we are...
In order to continue to provide excellent service to all of our customers, we are asking that these more in-depth Q&A sessions be scheduled in advance, whether here in our store, via an electronic/remote (zoom, facetime, etc) connection. During your session, we will be completely focused on you and your needs.
Things we can’t do:Q: I broke an antique ceramic thing. Could you repair it?A: No, we don't do repairs on finished artwork. Ask yourself if it's dear to you because it's a sentimental object or is it something that is monetarily valuable? Sentimental repairs can often be made with Superglue, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, check out the Japanese technique “kintsugi.” For something monetarily valuable, search for art restoration services online.
Q. Do you buy or sell used equipmentA. No but we can help. check our list of things we can do at the left for information about our equipment valuation/assessment options. We can also help you find the best place to list your equipment or look for a used item to purchase.
Q. Do you buy used molds?A. No, sorry. We just don't have the space to store them.
Start your personalized service by filling out the form below and we will be in touch soon!
An empty 2 ounce jar with lid. Perfect for storage of glazes, slips, and other liquids or materials. All-purpose straight-sided jars for storing and portioning glaze materials. Translucent for product visibility. Wide mouth for easy filling and pouring. Chemical and impact-resistant polypropylene. FDA compliant. Caps included.
An empty 4 ounce jar with lid. Perfect for storage of glazes, slips, and other liquids or materials. All-purpose straight-sided jars for storing and portioning glaze materials. Translucent for product visibility. Wide mouth for easy filling and pouring. Chemical and impact-resistant polypropylene. FDA compliant. Caps included.
An empty pint jar with lid. Perfect for storage of glazes, slips, and other liquids or materials. All-purpose straight-sided jars for storing and portioning glaze materials. Translucent for product visibility. Wide mouth for easy filling and pouring. Chemical and impact-resistant polypropylene. FDA compliant. Caps included.
Is your equipment not working properly? Do you have questions and have no idea where to start? Don’t worry, our Repair Team is passionate about helping artists and schools like yours to keep their equipment up and running.
Just choose the type of service you need, Fill out and submit the form by clicking on it below. Once you complete your checkout, our techs will help you get back up and running as quickly as possible.
Pricing:Handling/kiln loading fee: 30¢/item for bisque, 40¢/item for glazeStilt fees: 25¢/stilt used
NOTE: There is a minimum firing fee of $1.50 per item and a $15 minimum firing fee per customer. You will be charged for actual costs, less the $15 minimum firing fee, when you check in your pieces for firing.
Pieces are generally fired within 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive automatic email updates of the progress of your piece throughout its visit to Brackers. Once you get that final email letting you know your piece is cooled and ready, plan to pick up you work promptly as our space is limited (despite the fact that our warehouse looks enormous).
See Online Booking Page
We now offer Glaze Mixing Services here at Bracker’s! Provide us with a recipe (in grams) and we can dry blend it for you.
Each dry blend glaze recipe will be returned in one clear plastic bag with the glaze name and date mixed written on it.
If you struggle with math and converting your recipe from parts to pound to grams etc. we can help with that as well, just select the box for "nerd service" above .
If not selecting nerd service, please provide your test batch recipe in grams with the total weight falling between 400-500g and the smallest amount no less than 1g
Full batch recipes should be in pounds with increments no further than 2 decimal places
Price Details:
Test batch $15.00 per 400-500 gram batch, includes materials
Full batch (approx 5000g) fee: $15 per 5000 grams*
Nerd Service (mathematic conversion of your recipe for mixing): $2.50
*Materials used in full batches are sold separately. Please add all ingredients to your cart along with your mixing service selection(s). Use the file upload for your reciepe, or type it in directly to the order comments at checkout or send it via email to mail@brackers.com or call us (888.822.1982) with it
Complete diagnostic of your kiln (or wheel), includes drive time within an hour of Lawrence. Just add this item to your cart, fill out the form below, and complete the checkout process to get on Dave's queue. If you have a specific, known-issue, you can help speed up the repair process by providing that specific information on the form in the 'What needs attention' field.
What to Expect:
Once your form has been received, and the checkout process has been completed, our tech will begin the process by gathering any additional needed information. They may ask questions of you via email, or provide directions for a test to be performed prior to the diagnostic trip. Our hope is that we can determine what the issue is without having to come onsite to perform diagnostic. IF we can quickly determine what needs to be done prior to coming out, then we can quote the full repair instead and apply the cost of this diagnostic to the required repair. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Diagnostic trips are scheduled as quickly as possible, but there can be longer lead times during the busier times of the year. If it is found that a simple, no-parts-needed, repair is able to be done during the diagnostic visit, we will get that done at that time at no additional charge. We do not, however, carry extra parts with us in the repair vehicle..there are simply too many different options out there. If we determine that we are going to need parts or further labor to do the full repair, we will email you a quote based on the diagnostic findings within the next 3 business days. The Kiln Diagnostic is complete once this quote has been sent.
