New Raku Kiln Lid

Since I had some extra Kaowool, I decided to build a new lid for my raku kiln. Believe it or not, I couldn't find one store that would sell me just the garbage can lid. So, I had to buy the whole works again. I had heard from many sources that I should put the hole in the center, so I did. I cut the hole in the lid with a pair of tin snips, painted a coat of sodium silicate on the inside of the lid, set the Kawool in place and further secured it with 1-1/2 inch squares of rigid fiber board buttons threaded with nichrome wire.

New Raku Kiln Lid

I'm not sure if this kiln fires any more efficiently with the hole in the center. I didn't notice any difference in firing times for finished product. But one thing for sure---it is a lot easier looking into the kiln with the hole off-center. My favorite addition to the new lid is the two heavy-duty handles, which makes removal much easier.