Metal that can handle a cone 10 firing

[CourtneyJohnson]

Hey there!

I'm trying to make something new. I would like to implant some wire into some pieces. I fire in a wood kiln to cone 10. I've heard of using old kiln elements, but was hoping for a smaller gauge. 

I did some searching online at the ceramic supply company I normally buy from, but only found wire for sculpture armature and was wondering if that would work. or ideally I could find something in a local hardware store. 

I would appreciate any information or ideas. Hope everyone is holding up. 

[JohnnyK]

Hi Courtney and welcome to the forums...Here is a list of most metals and their melting points...You might find something here that will work for you depending on what you want to do.

Metal melting points.pdf

[Bill Kielb]

They make high temp wire for the occasion. Kanthal, nichrome etc.....  many ceramic supply sell in various gauges. Search  high temp Kanthal A1 wire.   Here is a link to one such: https://shop.clay-planet.com/high-temp-kanthal-a-1-wire-for-kilns.aspx

[Chilly]

I've used stainless steel bicycle spokes at ^6 as support rods for xmas decs.  After a few firings, they are too thin to use.  Something in the metal spalls.  I also used it for a hanging loop in something.  They polished up nicely with a wire brush, but were slightly thinner after 2 firings - bisque and ^6.

Have you tried using the old kiln elements to see what actually happens?.  

[neilestrick]

You can get kiln element wire in many different gauges. Call Euclids and see what they've got.