RobustEnergies

I just discovered that I shouldn't use stilts for stoneware because it might cause the piece to warp. I understand the concept of "dry footing" but say I would like to glaze the bottom or just be safe, do you have recommendations for what to use?

Okay, great, thank you all! I am considering a pyrometer, which I agree might answer the question more definitively. I am keeping a detailed journal and going slower than probably necessary for now!

Yes, I do understand that they are like a stove that way but I assumed "medium" should mean 50% but if that were true it would be 6, not 4, right? On a stove, medium is in the middle. What do you mean by numbering them? The knobs are already numbered.

Oh, and it is an L&L J18 Econokiln

Hello, I've just started to use my first manual kiln with a kiln sitter, so it's a bit of a learning curve. One question: So, the temo knobs are as so: Low, 2, 3, medium, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, High Why is medium closer to low instead of right in the middle? Should I be be spending some time on a setting between medium and high to be safe? Any insight is welcome - thanks!

Hello! I want a slab roller but looking for a deal! Doesn't need to be big or high end as it's just for my personal use. I am located in Cleveland, Ohio. Comment or dm with and offers or suggestions. Thanks! Susie

Thank you!

Wow, this thread is great. I would definitely have gone with canvas before reading but now I am looking at some other options and will likely be building a table once I figure out what I want out of it. I have some leftover duron boards from a project. How does that seem as a starting surface? I need to lay something on top of my current studio table because the current surface is not suitable. Should I paint it or add oil, as I've seen in some other comments?

Hello! I'm trying to learn every detail about using my new/old L&L J18 Econokiln. I want to test the kiln sitter before use but the kiln sitter instructions are telling me to put a little kiln wash on the sitter before placing the test cone. I ordered some kiln wash but it hasn't arrived yet. Is it that important to wait to put the kiln wash on before I test it? The tutorials I've watched on YouTube seem to leave out the kiln wash step every time so I'm just kind of wondering if it's that important and if so, do I need to put kiln wash on it every time? Is it just to keep the c

Thanks so much for these helpful responses! I do realize that there is some range in both the bisque and glaze firings, I was just trying to get a general understanding of the differences between the different types of clay. I have done some research and am feeling much more informed. It looks like there are a lot of other conversations on this forum to will be helpful too. Glad I joined!

So, the recommended firing for the clay is 4-6. So, I guess what I'm figuring out is that I can still do a lower bisque firing, like cone 04 but then I need to fire it at cone 4-6. Is that correct? The bisque fire can be comparable to an earthenware bisque but the glaze fire should be at the higher temp?

Hello! I am pretty new to ceramics but learning quickly now that I just hooked up my new/old/free kiln! Don't worry, I figured out all the electrical and have a vent and everything. My question is - I've never worked with stoneware, only earthenware. How much hotter do I need to fire, in general? Or do I? I got some speckled stoneware clay to use for making coffee mugs. Thanks!