Sorcery

I reckon if you get a large enough batch of ash, it could make it worth it to test it for actual composition. But it kinda ruins the interest of the Ash in the first place. Like, you'd quicker make the same glazes with equal additions of Calcium, Potash, etc, from clean sources without the Ash processing step. So it would seem you are running in a giant circle of wasted time just to play with "caustic" ashes! I think you'll find, as I have, that it's faster to fire tests and see, than make calculations and guess, fire then see. I had this thought yesterday.... I love the variables that pottery offers. It is through controlling these variables that we define our pallette. So finding these variables is key. So I can't argue your idea. You are controlling the variables. It's just that you can more quickly find the variables you wish to control with tests on cookies. Then you will also find YOUR variables, YOUR pallette, which is when the additional efforts should be allowed to take your precious time. Sorce

Reckon it's just too variable. Washed and unwashed can have 100 variants. Not to mention the thousands of variants from the tree, soil, blah blah..... Have you peeped the recent Washington Street Studios Youtube Vid on Woodash glazes? It's good! Sorce

I think it's counter productive to think looking at pots is counter productive. That's the mindset I stay in. Sorce

Have you had problems with crackles and outdoors? Breaking off problems? I have been worried about these crackled outdoor planters. Sorce

In regards to figuring why it happened.... Many more info? Fire schedule blah blah... That looks like an odd happening. Sorce

A compressor with a 30gl holding tank. Is it possible more folks are using the spray guns on that line? Not that this has direct relation to your glaze... But you can possibly install small "satellite" holding tanks at each station, this way pressure won't change if everyone is on em. My argument to the community would be that eventually, your inconsistent sprays will lead to ruined shelves and Kilns. Make em spend that $! Sorce

All the pitfired cooking vessels of old I've watched videos on are dug local clay. These are mostly civilizations that probably have guts that can still handle the bacterias produced, where we basically drink hand sanitizer and bathe in bleach. Keep seperate your information on modern flameware bodies, and these old porous vessels. They "work" for different reasons. Sorce

Amen Diesel! What do the Elders say? Without their blessing your energy levels, if not directly compromised, won't be as powerful. I feel like you're looking at the wrong side of this ...... Buffalo Nickel. Sorce

Wire type matters too. Something braided or like the Mudtools Squiggly wire will create a better gap to lift off. A thin smooth wire will just keep it stuck. Sorce

Glaze makes the interior a little "wetter". Especially as opposed to a porous terracotta. I wouldn't glaze the interior. Sorce

I've used a fine tipped slip trailer. Can be drawn with, or sometimes you can angle the piece and flood the line. Sorce

Pic! Sorce

Watch for snakes when you're opening it! They'll find that heat while it's cooling. Sorce

Definitely level the kiln so the sitter or cones work. Sorce

People act crazy with just TALK of supply shortages! You can be selling grams of Cobalt for $100! Lol! Is that Queen or Kingpin!? C.J. Frosty Crystal! Really, there are PEOPLE that are my faves! Folks who do good tests and take good pics and notes. Sorce