[Molybdenum and tungsten glazes]

On 11/1/2022 at 1:23 AM, glazenerd said:

Hi Terra:

Moly crystals as they are more commonly known as fall under the Crystalline Glaze category. Molys are complicated, and there is a step learning curve in learning how to develop the glaze, and firing them. Like crystalline; the glaze is bought up to a peak temperature: then lowered to a specific temp and held for several hours. (Called a ramp hold). I have been firing crystalline for awhile now; and still pull my hair out when firing molys. So be forewarned: you are about to dive down a very deep rabbit hole.

If your kiln does not have a programmable controller, and if your kiln does not hit cone 10: no point in trying. You will spend several months educating yourself, and a few more months of trial and error before you get these dialed in. You will not find information on this site, and as you have already found out- or find information anywhere. Crystalliziers as they refer to themselves, closely guard their favorite recipes and firing schedules. I do know where we happen to hang out: Facebook- Working Crystalliers.

Tom.

Thank you both Tom and Min for the rabbit holes indeed. Ive managed to find materials and recipes for cone 6 that have produced some positive results.  I need to dial in holding temp and time to get more rainbows and crystals and start developing my own base to work with.  There is quite a lot of convoluted info out there actually so i think this problem is about refining the various technical threads into a smaller number of variables to pin down. One things for certain about this rabbit hole, I’m definitely in it.

side note for those who might be following:

an older book by one Sanders called “glazes for special effects” has some info including recipes with Lead and some homemade frits. Ebh pottery on instagram sells tungsten and bismuth (sisters to moly) on etsy. Theres also a wild and confusing page on the matter on puttgarden, as well as various academic papers to sift through. Again I think the problem is making sense of these various sources and refining the avenues worth testing.

[Molybdenum and tungsten glazes]

Hello network,

ive recently come across some incredible glaze work and the creator is very secrety so I’m turning to you brilliant folks to try and dig up some leads/recipes. As far as I’ve gleaned these effects are achieved with molybdenum/ powellite and tungsten. Does this ring any bells? Thanks.

[Gas kiln flue flame]

On 6/4/2022 at 1:06 PM, Bill Kielb said:

The infra red radiation out of the top of the kiln will be basically your firing temperature so 2000 degrees or so. The flames / flue will be very hot as well, properly diluted  diverted flue temperatures are 400 - 600 degrees so a guess for the top of your patio would be 800 degrees or more.

Always supervising is important, especially for a gas kiln which basically needs full supervision. Fire is a life safety thing, erring on the side of safety is IMO realistically always the thing to do and should not be dismissed. 

Textiles generally catch fire at 450 - 500 degrees, not having combustibles around the kiln is pretty simple really.

I never heard of a studio burning down because they were too safe and responsible.

I appreciate the replies here. I realize ive conflated two questions as in terms of unsupervised firing i meant with electric kilns specifically and should i go through with gas conversion im moreso avoiding rain as id be supervising a torch type raku situation and was wondering about the flue on that question. Anyways thanks again!!

[Gas kiln flue flame]

Hello all,

newish potter here. I have the opportunity to convert an old electric kiln to a gas kiln and am wondering how hot and or how large is the flame or draft that exits the kiln? I would be firing it outside in a patio with a small leaning roof about 10 feet above and am wondering if its too risky? Ive seen videos of people firing indoors in a garage and generally people put kilns closer to their materials than i would think is ok but maybe im being too cautious?

In a way I’m wondering how practical and realistic the recommendations of “always supervising” your kiln really are. Of course everyone says that but also I’ve gathered many a potter just fire overnight(while they sleep) and often times indoors or next to wood shelves, papers, etc

i appreciate any feedback on this, thanks!