Salt Fired Pieces In Electric Kiln

[fergusonjeff 44]

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

[Marcia Selsor 1,786]

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

[fergusonjeff 44]

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

[pmeredith 0]

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

[Evelyne Schoenmann 264]

Jeff, why not use saggars in the El. kiln with the salted mugs? No damage to the elements!

[neilestrick 3,344]

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.

[Evelyne Schoenmann 264]

That goes without saying Neil...

[Magnolia Mud Research 591]

 

 

 

Assuming the saggars seal tight enough that no vapor escapes.

 

 

Neil, what is the source of the vapor?  

[neilestrick 3,344]

 

 

 

 

Assuming the saggars seal tight enough that no vapor escapes.

 

 

Neil, what is the source of the vapor?  

 

 

The salt glaze re-vaporizes .