spangster Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 I have some copper wire that I would like to apply and fire in an electric kiln. I don't know whether the melting of the wire will contaminate the kiln environment or harm the elements. Does anyone have any experience with firing an electric kiln with copper wire embedded in the clay? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 I have fired it to 1600 F in saggars and it pretty much is toasted at that temperature. It does some nice flashing in green. I try to support a little bit away from the surface to avoid scarring the surface I use a variety of gauges. The heat severely oxidizes and sometimes fries the wire . Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura A Strike Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 We use copper wire in pit fires for color. You might try a soldering iron or blow torch to get a melted copper look. Other option would be a second firing at a very low temperature with copper, check melting point for copper. Good luck! Love to know what worked ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OffCenter Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 If you plan to fire to cone 4 or above be careful not to use too much in one place. I've had it melt into a puddle and eat halfway through a kiln shelf. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adele Posted July 25, 2012 Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 I don't know about the long term repercussions on your kiln, but I've done this a handful of times with no adverse results. I use 36 gauge copper wire - yup, that thin. At cone 5, it results in a line that's maybe 2 mm thick. I tried 24 gauge and it ran everywhere and melted into the shelf. I apply the wire when the pot's nearly dry and I bisque to 04 and glaze at cone 5. I am planning to try cone 6 soon, though. Depending on the glaze, the copper wire gets a nice green "halo". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spangster Posted July 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 I have fired it to 1600 F in saggars and it pretty much is toasted at that temperature. It does some nice flashing in green. I try to support a little bit away from the surface to avoid scarring the surface I use a variety of gauges. The heat severely oxides and sometimes fries the wire . Marcia Thank you for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spangster Posted July 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 We use copper wire in pit fires for color. You might try a soldering iron or blow torch to get a melted copper look. Other option would be a second firing at a very low temperature with copper, check melting point for copper. Good luck! Love to know what worked ! Thank you for that...I'm going to try the soldering iron!! Sounds like fun.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spangster Posted July 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 If you plan to fire to cone 4 or above be careful not to use too much in one place. I've had it melt into a puddle and eat halfway through a kiln shelf. Jim I usually only fire to 04, but that's really good to know!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spangster Posted July 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 I don't know about the long term repercussions on your kiln, but I've done this a handful of times with no adverse results. I use 36 gauge copper wire - yup, that thin. At cone 5, it results in a line that's maybe 2 mm thick. I tried 24 gauge and it ran everywhere and melted into the shelf. I apply the wire when the pot's nearly dry and I bisque to 04 and glaze at cone 5. I am planning to try cone 6 soon, though. Depending on the glaze, the copper wire gets a nice green "halo". Thank you for your reply. I hadn't given thought to the size of the gauge...good to know. I'm only firing at 04 however so maybe the melting onto the shelf won't be an issue. Better put it on a firing pot just in case! Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.