Lay out the ceramic fiber on a clean surface. Set the can on the fiber to make an impression for the bottom piece and the lid. Remove can, cut out circles and put aside. Next cut a door opening (about 6") in the side of the can at the bottom for the burner inlet with a jig saw. Now cut out a flue in the lid (about 8"-9" in diameter) on one side of the handle. Using your previous cut out lid circle attach with ceramic buttons. To do this drill two holes for each button in the lid and sew the ceramic buttons to the lid with a high temperature wire, bending the wire in the outside of the can. Now you're ready to install the ceramic fiber into the can. Cut the fiber to fit the inside of the can using a newspaper pattern made by wrapping the garbage can. Drill holes around the rim, middle and bottom of can about every 6" - 8". Line the can with the fiber and sew the buttons into the can as you did the lid. The wire, as well as, the buttons will hold the fiber in place. Now place bottom fiber into the can, this will help secure the walls. Cut fiber away from the lid hole and the burner hole with a long retractable blade. You will need to get a small kiln shelf and some bricks ( hard or soft) for the bottom of your new raku kiln. This will raise the pieces above the burner flames. The shelf should have about 1"-2" space around it for the heat to rise into the kiln chamber.
Next you will need a venturie burner for your kiln from your ceramic store. You will need a gas grill propane tank with a high pressure regulator, a high pressure hose and you will be doing your very own raku firing. Be sure you always ware the goggles, gloves, & mask when working with the ceramic fiber as it may cause respiratory and /or skin irritation. Learn more...