fergusonjeff 44 Report post 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marcia Selsor 1,783 Report post 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 1 Pres reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fergusonjeff 44 Report post 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmeredith 0 Report post 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evelyne Schoenmann 264 Report post Posted July 24, 2017 Jeff, why not use saggars in the El. kiln with the salted mugs? No damage to the elements! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neilestrick 3,335 Report post 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evelyne Schoenmann 264 Report post Posted July 25, 2017 That goes without saying Neil... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Magnolia Mud Research 589 Report post Posted July 25, 2017 Assuming the saggars seal tight enough that no vapor escapes. Neil, what is the source of the vapor? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neilestrick 3,335 Report post 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 . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites