How to make Sri Lanka’s anagi II stove
Practical Action
heavier firebox. If thrown in the morning, some of the smaller pieces may be too dry for
assembly the following day.
Description of the Thrown Pieces
None of the thrown pieces has a bottom.
It is important to have an even wall thickness on the pieces, between 1/2" and 3/4" for the
tunnel and second pothole, and up to 1" for the firebox. Skill and practice is necessary to
be able to throw the pieces so that the bottoms are not thicker than the tops. During the
training period cut the thrown pieces in half vertically, using a string to inspect the wall
thickness.
Note the thick, sturdy folded rim on the firebox. There is a smaller, but still significant rim on
the second pothole. Thick rims are necessary to prevent warpage and give strength to the
stove.
While the potter is learning to throw the pieces it is useful to weigh the clay so that there is
sufficient clay on the wheel to make the pieces. Once the potter has a sense for the
necessary amount, weighing the clay is not helpful.
Start with 4 kg clay for the firebox, 1.5 kg clay for the tunnel, and 3 kg clay for the second
pothole. Three tunnels can be thrown in succession from one lump of clay once the
technique is mastered.
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