ronfire Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 Do you find that one area in you kiln tends to have more pots break than the other. For me it seams the lower part of the kiln is nastier but I think it is that the single large bowl or platter is usually on the full shelf on the bottom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 I try to never put the large pots low as they heat last and cool first. I put smalls down low. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatthewV Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 The middle of the bottom shelf usually has the least air circulation. I never put thicker or wetter pieces there. Be sure there is a layer of elements between before the 2nd shelf is put on. Pieces with heave bottoms can be loaded with the bottoms up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babs Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 How close to the elements do your big platters go? Could play with the level of the shelf in relation to the element. Grog or silica sand under platters, bowls. Also a soak at various times to level the temp of kiln.. Slow start, up to 600dC, slow to finish, slow cool.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronfire Posted November 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2016 My platters are placed on a smaller shelf so there is lots exposed to the 3 or 4 that are on shelves, usually about the bottom 1/3 of the kiln with a minimum of 2" on the ends from the elements. After that I place long stilts to the bottom shelf that bypass the shelves the platters are on and continue to fill the kiln. The biggest challenge is being able to keep a good sight line to the cones that are placed on the far side of the kiln so the can be viewed with the elements behind them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugaboo Posted November 20, 2016 Report Share Posted November 20, 2016 I too have learned never put large, especially flat pieces on the bottom shelf... doom is sure to follow. So I usually just fill it full of spoonrests then start the good stuff one shelf up. T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Beller Diesel Posted November 20, 2016 Report Share Posted November 20, 2016 I was having issues with large bowls (12" wide, 6" tall) cracking on the bottom shelf. I started placing the bowl dead centre on the bottom shelf with grog underneath, and placing taller cups all around the rim so there was even thermal mass al the way around. I haven't had issues since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted November 20, 2016 Report Share Posted November 20, 2016 As you can see folks have learned to put the large wares up in kiln to help them survive . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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