Kiln and Firing Tech Support
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posted by tjhspi at 5:41 AM
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10 Comments:
Hello! I just bought my first used kiln. I've taken many throwing classes over the last 15 years, but I'm venturing into slab building, sculptural work. I've made a few things with Sheffield Pottery's S14 stoneware clay, but as I've never fired on my own, I would like to reinforce my research before I fire. Is it Bisque fire to cone 05, glaze with high fire glaze,then fire again to cone 6? Am I on the right track? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
Hi,
This response is directed to your other posting which had more specifics:
S14 firing range is 02-10
So you may use low fire or high fire glaze with this body.
Your idea to bisque to cone 05, then glaze and fire to cone 6 is consistant with what we would recommend.
Doing a low fire glaze over a piece which has been bisqued to higher temp may give you a tighter piece but the glaze may not stick as well to the body.
Normally you want to bisque to a lower temp than your final glaze firing for best adhesion.
We recommend for your low fire glazes you would want to bisque low fire as well.
Also check the Velvet underglaze temp recommendations. They don't like to get super hot sometimes.
Hope this is helpful,
TJH
Very helpful! Thanks so much.
I am looking for a second-hand Bluebird Pugmill. (small one, solo studio, not full-time potter). Seems like a great way to maximize creative time in my studio. I have been looking for about a year and never, never see used equipment or significant sales.
Any suggestions?
MAG
Hi,
Pug mills don't seem to lose their value so they are still pretty expensive used.
There is a Shimpo that you can get brand new for the same or less than a used BlueBird;
Its :
SHIMPO PM-071 PUGMILL With Limit Switch and Vacuum
Cut and paste this link to check it out here:
http://www.sheffield-pottery.com/SHIMPO-PM-071-ADD-A-VAC-PUGMILL-p/spm071lsvspi.htm
Sheffield Pottery announces that it now is offering a greatly expanded selection of Olympic Kilns for online ordering!
Olympic offers an amazing array of kiln types and sizes. They offer Gas and Electric Kins for every need from small 120 v test/ doll kilns to some very large Commercial units for both glass and ceramics. Small studios who want a gas kiln may find it possible in the Raku and Torchbearer Series. The Freedom Series kilns are a great complete cone 10 package that includes the vent, furniture kit, some extra elements and more all in one price. Click on the links below to check out even more of their offerings including the special front loader packages designed just for Sheffield!
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Hi- I just acquired an ancient small kiln- it uses 110 power. I am experimenting with it to see how hot it gets. I bought cones in 05,06, 5 and 6. It appears that it will do a bisque fire, but doesn't get to 05 after about 12 hours. It is bare brick, with no insulation or outer shell. I am wondering if I purchased the wool insulating blanket and put a metal shell around it, if that would help it to get to higher temps or at least to cone 05 faster! What kind of metal can you use? I have Galvanized tin handy- does it take that kind of heat?
Wrapping it in blanket etc should help get to temp faster but the thing may not fire up to whatever it's rated temp is with some rehab like fresh elements thermocouple etc... but it's tough to guess what may be limiting it... can you find a model number on it?
t
No model number. The only markings at all are on the legs and they say LOMA
Jeeze... you got me there... can't find any reference to that as a kiln brand...
If the thing is useful to you then maybe just run with it but I would start saving up for a more modern kiln. If you can't find any markings on it, it is impossible to know if it is the right voltage and phase for your location.
A new or newer kiln with electronic controller that definitely is the correct voltage and phase, will be safe, easy and more efficient and less hassle in the long run... I would hate to see you sinking money into something that isn't right in the first place, so you might start squirreling away your extra pennies for something newer!
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