Frank Cormier on sun 11 jul 99
Arnold,
When I started playing around with these glazes during the firing process I
would sometimes over fire the load (intentionally of course,Ha).^6 or so, OK
maybe ^7. This would create sm.bubbles or pin holes. At this point I would
take a deep breath or express my frustration in so many words. Then I would
say, Chalk it up to a learning experience and carry on.
At this point I would bust the bubbles and fill the craters or pin holes up
by smearing some of the original glaze on the pot. Just enough glaze to fill
the holes in the glaze, with a little smear of extra for fun. I can't always
be anal.
This holy load would then be placed back in the kiln and fired to a hard ^6
and soaked for 45 mins.to an hour at the top temp.
The success rate was normally 100% !! Yes, really! Also you couldn't tell
were the bubbles, pits, craters or holes were. If you looked really hard you
may be able to tell were the extra glaze was applied, but this is only if you
have the anal qualities as myself.
As you well know, the kiln must have plenty of oxygen to fire in
oxidation. I have also had trouble with the kiln being close to tightly
sealed, which caused pin holes. Now I fire with the top spy hole open and the
others lose enough that they want to fall out. And yes with normally 100%
success rate.
I believe that if you have your glazing down, firing down and also
dependable glazes that anyone's success rate will be very high. This success
rate can be achieved in an electric, gas or wood kiln. I never could
understand a 50% loss, as some claim.
I hope this helps!
We have a cold front passing though tonight in Delaware. Temps in the 80's
and 60's at night. This Louisiana boy loves this Delaware weather. In LA the
temps are normally 80's at night and high 90's during the day, with no break
all summer.
Frank Cormier
Cormier Pottery LLC.
http://www.cormierpottery.com
Arnold Howard on tue 13 jul 99
Hi Frank,
I enjoyed your letter and your sense of humor. Thanks for writing.
I have also had trouble with the kiln
> being close to tightly
> sealed, which caused pin holes. Now I fire with the
> top spy hole open and the
> others lose enough that they want to fall out. And
> yes with normally 100%
> success rate.
What do you think caused the pin holes when the kiln was closed
tightly?
Arnold
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