[Long dried pieces exploding in bisque]

You can also try a "candling" program.  I run the kiln at 180 degrees for 8 hours.  Do not go above 212 degrees (boiling temperature), and be aware of any offsets your kiln may have.  Make sure your work is not too thick.  Sometimes I touch the piece to my face and if it feels cool I let it sit for a while longer.  It's humid now in Indiana, I can't imagine what you go through in Florida!

[Ferric Chloride; Dilute or Not?]

What Babs said, exercise extreme caution Ferric Chloride fumes are very toxic.

[QotW: I'm curious if anyone else uses "Kiln Gods" or Gremlins when firing their kiln?]

We always had "Clay Gods" or "Kiln Gods" tucked into corners, on shelves, near kilns, etc. when I was at Herron.  To continue the tradition, I have one in my studio sitting on a shelf overlooking a space where I work, as well as the kilns.  When I look at her it brings back fond memories.  Pres, those peep hole creatures are very neat....like them!!

 

[QotW: Do you make feminine, masculine or gender neutral work and is it a conscious decision?]

My work has been referred to as "Machoism" in the past. Not a conscious decision, I just made what my heart told me to.