SBRANFPOTS@aol.com on sun 12 oct 97
Folks,
What's the point? Yes, wet firing can be done successfully. Gerry Williams
(of "Studio Potter" fame) wrote an article some time ago describing the
process. The theory is just as some of you have outlined: a wet, newly thrown
piece is put into the kiln and an envelope of steam surrounding the piece
keeps it from cracking, it dries from the inside out, blah, blah,
blah......or something like that. But really, what is the point? Are you
planning to increase your production output by firing your pots wet, before
they are trimmed? Are the finger marks and distortions that are caused when
you handle your wet pots putting them in the kiln desireable effects? Really,
what's the point? It is a trick, a technique for shock (no pun intended)
value only. If I am missing some valuable point here do let me know. Let's
get onto more productive conversation!
Steven Branfman
Greg Relaford on sun 15 apr 12
That makes a lot of sense; you can, but why? If it works for you, cool.
However, there are some well understood reasons to take it slower 'as a
rule.' Clay is a complex liquid crystal matrix, and locking it during
drying involves internal stresses.
When I worked in a glass factory, we often saw flaws when shortcuts were
followed. It may work mostly, but could also introduce hidden flaws you
never see with your own eyes. Things may break later, in the new owners
hands (so to speak.) Better to err on the side of caution on stress
inducing actions.
-GregR
On Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 5:41 PM, Bill Merrill wrote:
> Wet firing is not a new thing. Gerry Williams in an article about wet
> firing in Craft Horizons magazine (1969). Greg Cutshaw wrote an article =
on
> Wet firing in Ceramics monthly magazine in the December 1974 issue.
>
> I have never figured why the rush in drying and firing. Keeping a
> cyclical work session, firing, trimming etc. and potters won't have to ru=
sh
> anything. Dave Shaner fired his 60 cubic foot gas reduction kiln on the
> average of every two weeks.
> He had a great work ethic.
>
>
>
Bill Merrill on sun 15 apr 12
Wet firing is not a new thing. Gerry Williams in an article about wet =3D
firing in Craft Horizons magazine (1969). Greg Cutshaw wrote an article =
=3D
on Wet firing in Ceramics monthly magazine in the December 1974 issue. =3D2=
0
=3D20
I have never figured why the rush in drying and firing. Keeping a =3D
cyclical work session, firing, trimming etc. and potters won't have to =3D
rush anything. Dave Shaner fired his 60 cubic foot gas reduction kiln =3D
on the average of every two weeks.
He had a great work ethic.
=3D20
=3D20
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