Drill a hole, at center, into the bottom of a 55-gallon metal garbage can. Using the tin-snips, cut a round hole with a 5-inch diameter at the center point on the bottom of the can. Repeat this process for on the side of the can about 2 inches from the top rim.
The garbage can will be flipped upside down prior to use. The top hole (cut into the bottom of the garbage can) acts as a vent and the side hole will act as an access point to retrieve your art.
Line the inside of the can, top to bottom, with 2-inch-thick ceramic fiber blanket material. The blanket acts as the insulator for your kiln.
Loop 20 8-inch pieces of high temperature wire through prefabricated hooks on 20 ceramic buttons. Bend the wires into a "U" shape.
Position the ceramic buttons at various points on the front side of the ceramic fiber blanket and press the wire down into the backside to secure the buttons in place. The buttons act as weight to keep the blanket from collapsing or moving.
Flip the garbage can upside down and cut a hole into the blanket where it blocks the side hole. Be sure the can is centered over the pottery on an outdoor, concrete surface.
Position the nozzle of a propane source into the side hole. Turn propane source on and allow the kiln to reach between 500 and 1400 degrees, depending on the object you are glazing and/or drying. The process will take between 30 minutes and two hours. According to Corvus Moon, a Ward MR750 venturi burner is ideal for ceramic molding and can be purchased at any ceramics store. Be sure whatever propane source you use it possesses a high-pressure gauge to regulate propane intensity.
Turn off the heat. Allow one to two hours for the pottery to cool. Always remove and replace pottery with Raku tongs. Raku tongs are manufactured with extended handles and steel jaws.