Another round of Macrocrystalline firing is under our belts! We had a lot more variation this time around which isn’t always as satisfying but we were able to learn a lot more than previous firings. We discussed pot shapes, kiln locations and firing schedules as we unloaded this morning and I wanted to mention them here for future reference down the road.
But first, photos! If anyone takes especially glamorous shots of your pots, please add them to the thread.
Future firing thoughts:
-
Bottom shelf needs to be taller, a short shelf in the coolest part of the kiln led to those pieces not getting as good a glaze melt.
-
Instead of leaving tall pieces open to the top, put on an empty capping shelf to help hold heat.
-
Bump the hold at 2250F up to 25 minutes.
-
Stagger shelves to help equalize heat.
-
Thoroughly stir between every single pot. Every time! Also, be sure to hold for full three seconds on dip.
-
The single largest factor in success is a bulbous, convex surface.
