fergusonjeff Posted July 11, 2017 Report Share Posted July 11, 2017 I recently fired my new wood kiln for the first time. Had a few issues (now solved - I think) that caused excessive reduction throughout the firing. The pots came out with almost no flashing despite the extensive use of flashing slips. At the end of the firing we added about a pound of salt for just a little extra shine. Most piece got very minor or no salt effects. Just as a test I have been sticking a small piece or two into the center a bisque firing in my 10 cubic foot electric kiln. The color change is pretty dramatic with a strong shift to oxidized reds and oranges. I am bisque firing to around cone 05. I am also using a down-draft kiln vent throughout the firing. The attached photo (if I get it attached correctly) shows two pots that looked just like the one on the left after the wood firing. The one on the right went through the electric bisque. QUESTION: Is there likely any significant damage to the electric kiln through the introduction of a small (about 2 mugs per firing) amount of slightly salt-glazed pieces in a bisque firing? What temperature is needed to re-volatize the salt enough to possibly cause problems? Thanks, Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted July 11, 2017 Report Share Posted July 11, 2017 it can re-volitalize at bisque temperature which would be destructive to bricks and elements, at least that has been my experience when firing salt kilns. You can smell it at low temps. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fergusonjeff Posted July 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2017 Marcia, Thanks. I have only done it twice, so hopefully not too much damage. I plan to refire some of the better pieces in the wood kiln, so I will stop torturing the electric. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmeredith Posted July 23, 2017 Report Share Posted July 23, 2017 i have read about a lady adding oil, unknown kind, to her electric kiln to get a better color to glazes. wouldn't that be harmful to the kiln. i would love to have more color esp. in reds but not ruin my kiln Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evelyne Schoenmann Posted July 24, 2017 Report Share Posted July 24, 2017 Jeff, why not use saggars in the El. kiln with the salted mugs? No damage to the elements! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted July 24, 2017 Report Share Posted July 24, 2017 Jeff, why not use saggars in the El. kiln with the salted mugs? No damage to the elements! Assuming the saggars seal tight enough that no vapor escapes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evelyne Schoenmann Posted July 25, 2017 Report Share Posted July 25, 2017 That goes without saying Neil... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnolia Mud Research Posted July 25, 2017 Report Share Posted July 25, 2017 Assuming the saggars seal tight enough that no vapor escapes. Neil, what is the source of the vapor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted July 25, 2017 Report Share Posted July 25, 2017 Assuming the saggars seal tight enough that no vapor escapes. Neil, what is the source of the vapor? The salt glaze re-vaporizes . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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