September 8, 2009
Electric kilns are used by contemporary ceramists more often than kilns of any other type. They are produced in large numbers and are sold at relatively low prices. Their economy, simplicity, reliability, and relatively benign impact on the environment guarantee their great popularity. They are somewhat limited in the eyes of many ceramists because they do not lend themselves to the rich effects of reduction and flashing that characterize fuel-burning kilns. On the other hand, they have many virtues - they lend themselves to a wide color range, are simple to load and fire, and are reliable and efficient.Already Registered? Please sign in.
January 5, 2009
After moving from a rural to an urban area, potter Bruce Bowers realized that, in order to continue to feed his passion for wood firing, he would have to get creative. And get creative, he did. With the cooperation of the studio where he was teaching at the time, Bruce converted an old electric kiln into a propane-fueled wood-burning kiln, with great results. Today, Bruce shares the process for converting the kiln and, on Wednesday, he will discuss how he fires the kiln. Good stuff!June 18, 2008
Electric Kiln Success: How to Get Exciting Ceramic Surfaces with Cone 6 Glazes
Jonathan has developed some methods with which he tweaks his glazes and his firing schedule to add some oomph to his ceramic surfaces. Today he shares his techniques for enlivening Cone 6 glazes and some of his favorite Cone 6 ceramic glaze recipes.May 14, 2008
From High Fire to Mid Range: Changing Kilns Leads to New Decorating and Glazing Techniques
After high firing in a gas kiln for 25 years, Wickford, Rhode Island, potter Harry Spring was forced by circumstances to switch to electric. This was quite an adjustment, as Spring had come to depend on the serendipitous effects that are part of the magic of reduction firing. But, adjust he did. Today he shares with us some of the adjustments he made that have made switching to oxidation firing a fun challenge rather than a burden.
