orion on sat 27 jun 98
A couple of years ago I switched from using standard large cones to
self-supporting cones. (I used to hate fiddling around with setting up
standard large cones in homemade cone packs and/or pre-cast plaques).
Self-supporting cones are fast and easy to set-up, and that's a real
pleasure loading days.
But I think the switch brought an unexpected bonus: greater general
reliability. Because self-supporting cones are always (a) fully and evenly
exposed to heat and (b) always set at the proper "tilt," I think we've
enjoyed much more predictable and reliable indication of heat work progress
during firings than we used to get from standard cones. Now I only use
self-supporting cones to keep an eye on progress in the electric and raku
kilns, too.
Although they're a bit more expensive, the cost doesn't amount to "a whit"
compared to the value of the pots in a firing! I think pinching pennies
when buying (and using) cones is not only false but very foolish economy.
Just one potess'es opinion! Happy firings, all!
Ellen Baker - Glacier, WA
orion@telcomplus.net
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