[Resources for Firing]

2 hours ago, Callie Beller Diesel said:

Laguna 50, and any other clay body with manganese speckles tends to experience bloating if you go much hotter. It’s not the clay itself, it’s the manganese granules breaking down and creating gasses that form pockets in the clay, or may contribute to pinholes and blisters in glazes. 

If you want to understand what happens to clay inside the kiln, start with this digitalfire article. Any terms highlighted in blue are outbound links to definitions or other articles that will explain things in more depth. There’s also more links and definitions stuff at the very bottom of the page. Cannot recommend this one enough to beginners. 

Thanks! Very helpful!

[Resources for Firing]

15 hours ago, Hulk said:

Resource favs:

Tony Hansen's site, a treasure of detailed info; here's the articles list Ceramics Technical Articles (digitalfire.com)
See also blog, recipes, glossary...

This Forum!
Note, any closed/archived discussion topic isn't included when using the internal search feature*.

Susen Peterson's book, The Craft and Art of Clay
 

Functional smoke detector(s), fire extinguishers;
Kiln glasses;
Be home any time the kiln is over 452°F (or so)...

*"External" search, from your favorite search engine casts a wider net; try including https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/ in your search string, e.g.
https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org and Hulk and "kiln schedule"

will return open and closed topics...

 

This is great! I will check these out; thanks so much! 

[Resources for Firing]

11 hours ago, Min said:

Could you be a little more specific in what you are asking for resource recommendations with? It's a fairly broad question so if it could be narrowed down a bit it might help get more specific replies.

Bisque firing, glaze firing, firing schedules, down firing, drop and hold schedules, preprogrammed schedules versus using a custom schedule or something else? For glaze reactions are you looking for commercial glaze reactions resources, recipe resources, reactive glazes info,  or something else?

Type of clay you are using at cone 6, is it a dark claybody or a light firing one etc.  Do you need info on why some claybodies and/or glazes are more prone to glaze faults or how to troubleshoot glazes or ? Are you making functional pots, using commercial glazes or mixing your own? Need help choosing some recipes? Does the kiln have a controller or is it manual?

Congrats on getting your own kiln!

Thanks for your response! The clay body I use is a stoneware; Laguna #50. I’m using commercial glazes for now, I make functional ware, and my kiln has a controller (Skutt KMT 818-30A-3). 

I'm mostly looking to gain knowledge on glaze firing and how different techniques affect the glazes (like holds, temps, and learning what the techniques even are!) I am currently firing with Skutts pre-programmed settings. 

In general, I am just curious to learn more about this subject, but something that has triggered my research is a glaze I’m using that is turning out much different than expected AND Laguna recommends not to fire the cone 6 clay past cone 5.5. 
 

I hope this narrows down my question a bit more… Overall, my knowledge on glaze firing is very limited and I think any resources that cover firing techniques and how they affect glaze will be helpful! 

Thanks so much! 

[Resources for Firing]

I’m mainly a hobby potter; I’ve been throwing for about 12 years and have always had my worked fired for me by professors or friends with kilns. I’ve recently purchased an electric Skutt kiln and am testing things out. While I’m doing lots of trial and error and know that’s the best way to learn, I’m also looking for some resource recommendations on firing/glaze reactions/etc. I’m looking something just above beginner level (something that covers some basics still while diving a little deeper, but not too heady yet). The clays I’m currently using are cone 6. 
What are some favorites that have helped you all? 

[Laguna #50 - Green Glaze]

My go to clay has been Laguna #50. I’ve made a set of bowls and plates for someone and I’m looking for a deep, more natural looking green glaze (nothing neon or too bright) to finish off the set. I’m currently playing with Amaco PC42 Seaweed (see attched screenshot) on the Laguna #50 but it has turned out quite brown each time. Wondering if anyone who uses Laguna #50 has some recommendations for a deep green glaze that pairs well? 

[Firing Range]

This is very helpful! Thank you! 

[Firing Range]

The link to  the clay I’m referring to is below. It’s from a local vendor. https://rovinceramics.com/products/ro-82m-terracotta-with-fine-grog?_pos=1&_sid=94c8d131d&_ss=r

[Firing Range]

Great! Thanks for the recommendations!

[Firing Range]

Hello, I have a new clay I’m trying and the firing range is cone 04 - 6. I’ve never used a clay that states a firing range” before. I’m wondering if this means I can firing the clay anywhere from cone 04-6 or if this means the bisque is 04 and glaze can be 6? 
 

thanks in advance!