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b-mix problem update

updated mon 25 may 98

 

AElena4234 on sun 24 may 98

First of all, thanks to those who responded with ideas on our B-mix problem.
We spoke to Jon at Laguna, and his idea was that our temperature rise was too
fast for the B-mix to handle, which would explain why it doesn't bloat in our
reduction firing. So we fired at a slower rate to see if this would help. It
did reduce the amount of flaws caused by the clay, but did not eliminate the
problem. Also our crystalline glaze came out really rough.

Now, this problem has not been apparent with our previous firing with B-mix,
so we are thinking that the installation of our new elements, causing the kiln
to work like a rocket, plus the fact that we may have gotten a batch of clay
that acts differently than the previous ones. Out of 5 tons of clay, we have
different batch numbers. So off to experiment some more.

My John really likes the properties of the B-mix and is hoping to be able to
continue using it for our oxidation glaze.

Annie ---- who is off to Montana to try some low fire stuff.