Christine Laginess on thu 9 dec 99
I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I have
a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry student
the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type of
glaze program?
Thanks
Christine
chris1clay@aol.com
Lawrence Ewing on fri 10 dec 99
Hi Christine,
Keep your eye on the Matrix website.
URL: http://www.tekotago.ac.nz/art/matrixgoweb/default.htm
I am currently putting the finishing touches to "GlazeTeach" which as an
HTML version of a small application designed as a self instruction
introduction to glaze technology. It will be freely available which you can
run on line or download.
Regards
Lawrence Ewing
Senior Lecturer
Ceramics Department
School of Art
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin
New Zealand
email: lewing@clear.net.nz
URL: http://www.tekotago.ac.nz/art/matrixgoweb/default.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU]On Behalf
Of Christine Laginess
Sent: Friday, December 10, 1999 5:14 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: good book on glaze?
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I
have
a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry
student
the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type of
glaze program?
Thanks
Christine
chris1clay@aol.com
Jeff Campana on fri 10 dec 99
I would suggest either the standard: Rhodes's Clay and Glazes For the Potter
Or, there is the exceptional, more acurate, but slightly less freindly and more
narowly focussed Stoneware Glazes by Ian Currie. The latter is an experiment -
based book, writted (I think) as a home correspondance course. If you have no
knowledge of emperical formulas and the like, go with Rhodes, though i will warn
everyone that his math is alm ost all wrong. I would read that just for the
conceptual value of it and learn the math from a glaze recipe given in all
forms, and convert them, check your answers.
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I have
> a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
> Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry student
> the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
> chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
> understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
>
> Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
> background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
> offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type of
> glaze program?
>
> Thanks
> Christine
> chris1clay@aol.com
Paul Lewing on fri 10 dec 99
Christine Laginess wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry student
> the basics of glaze formulation?
Hi, Christine,
The best book I know of about the Seger formula way of looking at glazes
is Tony Hansen's "Magic of Fire" which is part of the Insight software.
But keep your eyes open in Ceramics Monthly. The American Ceramics
Society is coming out with new books all the time, and there should be
one on glaze calculation about next spring. I was sent a manuscript
copy to evaluate and it looked very good. Easy to understand, thorough,
and the only glaze calc text I've ever seen (except for the manuals that
come with the programs) that deals with the Si:Al ratio and expansion
numbers that a program will generate. That's because doing it longhand
the old way didn't generate those numbers. And right there is the major
benefit to a calc program. That and the fact that there is much more
information to be gleaned from a molecular formula than there is from a
recipe.
However, if you don't already have a firm understanding of the materials
approach to glazes, I'd recommend you attack that body of knowledge
first from several of the many good books on that subject.
> Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
> background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
> offers?
Knowing how a program is arriving at the numbers it generates is a good
thing but not absolutely necessary- sort of like knowing how to use a
calculator but not being able to do long division. And an understanding
of the concepts behind the math is pretty essential, but the manual of
any program should give you that. As to a chemistry background, it's
probably really unnecessary. This is such specialized chemistry that
what is taught in, for instance, high school chemistry, hardly applies.
In my own case, high-school chemistry is the only formal chemistry
training I've ever had. If I'd known how much chemistry I'd be into,
I'd have paid more attention. Typical, right? I knew I was going to be
an artist, and artists don't need chemistry!
And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type of
> glaze program?
The real benefit is being able to fix flaws like crazing, or
substituting materials yourself.
Good luck,
Paul Lewing, Seattle
Dave Finkelnburg on fri 10 dec 99
Christine,
You wrote: >Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a
chemistry
>background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
>offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type
of
>glaze program?
In my totally humble, absolutely open-minded opinion, the answer to
your first question above is YES. You need to understand glaze formulation
first.
I feel there is only one really right way to understand and appreciate
glaze calculation software. That is to calculate at least one glaze recipe
the hard way. Use a hand-held calculator, of course, but follow the method
laid out in a book like "Clay and Glazes for the Potter," by Daniel Rhodes.
Calculate the recipe out on paper by hand and calculator. Once you see how
glaze calculation works, then automate it with some software and save a ton
of time.
If you go straight to the software, I fear you may not understand when
you have made a mistake, when things aren't really making sense. You won't
really grasp what it is the software does.
You can, of course, learn glaze calculation from the software, IF you
are willing to take the time to do your homework.
As for purpose, if you want to use someone else's clay and glaze
recipes, it may not be helpful. If you want to develop your own glazes,
make them fit on different clay bodies, the software can be very useful.
Excellent questions you are asking!
Dave Finkelnburg
dfinkeln@cyberhighway.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Christine Laginess
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Thursday, December 09, 1999 9:15 AM
Subject: good book on glaze?
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I
have
>a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
>Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry
student
>the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
>chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
>understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
>
>Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
>background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
>offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type
of
>glaze program?
>
>Thanks
>Christine
>chris1clay@aol.com
>
Bill Williams on fri 10 dec 99
Chappell's book "The Potter's Complete Book of Clay and Glazes" is my
favorite. Connie
-----Original Message-----
From: Christine Laginess
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Thursday, December 09, 1999 10:15 AM
Subject: good book on glaze?
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I
have
>a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
>Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry
student
>the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
>chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
>understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
>
>Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
>background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
>offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type
of
>glaze program?
>
>Thanks
>Christine
>chris1clay@aol.com
>
Don Prey on sat 11 dec 99
In a message dated 12/9/99 4:16:13 PM, Chris1clay@aol.com writes:
<< I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I
have
a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry student
the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively. >>
Chris,
If you have access to a decent library, see if they have a copy of "The
Ceramic Spectrum" by Robin Hopper. This is one you might want to own. It
would certainly be a good staring point for a collection of books on glazes
and would serve you well even if you never get to the "calculation" stage.
Don Prey in Oregon
Ron Roy on sun 12 dec 99
Hi Christine,
I think "The Magic of Fire" would best answer your initial questions - you
can order it at the DigitalFire site. I also recommend "The Potters
Dictionary of Materials and Techniques" by Frank and Janet Hamer.
I have no chemistry background - except for the little I learned in high
school - it can be learned. Especially if you have the two books I
mentioned.
I think everyone can benifit from learning to use a calculation program -
in fact most of what I know is the result of using one. A better question
is - do you have the time and interest to "get into it." I have always
wanted to know how things work so, in a way, it was easy for me.
RR
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I have
>a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
>Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry student
>the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
>chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
>understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
>
>Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
>background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
>offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type of
>glaze program?
>
>Thanks
>Christine
>chris1clay@aol.com
Ron Roy
93 Pegasus Trail
Scarborough
Ontario, Canada
M1G 3N8
Evenings 416-439-2621
Fax 416-438-7849
Chris Schafale on sun 12 dec 99
Just one more opinion on this book. I don't particularly like it,
because it's just a huge compendium of recipes with not very much
information about the individual glazes or about how to go about
making and/or adjusting glazes for yourself. If you want
eighty-zillion recipes to try, go for it. If you want to really
learn how to make glazes, get Insight or another glaze calc. program,
then get Ian Currie's book and do the experiments.
My two cents.
Chris
> Chappell's book "The Potter's Complete Book of Clay and Glazes" is my
> favorite. Connie
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Christine Laginess
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Date: Thursday, December 09, 1999 10:15 AM
> Subject: good book on glaze?
>
>
> >----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> >I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I
> have
> >a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
> >Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry
> student
> >the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
> >chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
> >understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
> >
> >Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
> >background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
> >offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type
> of
> >glaze program?
> >
> >Thanks
> >Christine
> >chris1clay@aol.com
> >
>
>
Light One Candle Pottery
Fuquay-Varina, NC
candle@intrex.net
Ron Roy on sun 12 dec 99
I'm not sure I agree - I teach using the software about how to use it and I
have never made anyone do the math. Perhaps those who have taken one of my
courses will add to this.
I did know how to calculate a long time ago but when I started with the
sofeware I did not remember much about it. The software does the
calculation - what is needed to be able to use the information is what each
oxide does in a glaze. Each oxide in a glaze performes a function and has
atributes and the manipulation of the amounts of different oxides can lead
to say higher or lower expansion - the changing of the expansion of the
glaze, or the viscosity, or surface tension , or the melt, or the surface,
etc.
I think just about everyone can do this - it's not rocket science - but it
takes interest, time and study - the good part is we all have kilns so we
can actually see the results if we fire em.
RR
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> In my totally humble, absolutely open-minded opinion, the answer to
>your first question above is YES. You need to understand glaze formulation
>first.
> I feel there is only one really right way to understand and appreciate
>glaze calculation software. That is to calculate at least one glaze recipe
>the hard way.
Ron Roy
93 Pegasus Trail
Scarborough
Ontario, Canada
M1G 3N8
Evenings 416-439-2621
Fax 416-438-7849
Paul Taylor on mon 13 dec 99
Dear Christine
Nigel Woods book Oriental Glazes is a good way to get into Glaze
Chemistry
There are two schools of glaze calculation proportional percentage analysis
and Seger formulas Nigel woods describes the former which I also prefer. The
book describes The evolution of the high fired Glaze and you can pick up the
chemistry as you go along. Glaze chemistry is different from other
chemistry. So not knowing any does not put you at much of a disadvantage
over those that learnt at school once you are familiar with the dozen or so
chemicals involved and their notations.
Paul
----------
>
>
>>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>>I am trying to get a knowledge and understanding of glaze technology. I
>have
>>a hard time understanding all the conversation on this list about glazes.
>>Can anyone recommend a book out there that will teach a non-chemistry
>student
>>the basics of glaze formulation? I am not a dummy, just don't have a
>>chemistry background as of yet. I would eventually like to be able to
>>understand this "magic" so that I might be able to use glazes effectively.
>>
>>Also, do you need to understand glaze formulation or have a chemistry
>>background to use and benefit from the computer programs like digital fire
>>offers? And is there a purpose for the average ceramist to have this type
>of
>>glaze program?
>>
>>Thanks
>>Christine
>>chris1clay@aol.com
>>
Jim Cullen on tue 14 dec 99
Remember...the software (Insight, Matrix, Hyperglaze, etc.) is JUST A TOOL.
It is not the holy grail.
You still have to think.
In fact you must think harder, because now you can actually see the change in
the recipe when you make it.
Ron Roy and several other of our CLAYART resident glaze gurus have the
advantage of knowing what these changes are BEFORE they make the change. We
novices have to make the change, interpret the analysis, fire the test, and
then evaluate the results against the expectations. Sometimes they're one and
the same. Sometimes they're new found suprises (that can be good too).
Books are great. Software is super. But don't expect to buy Microsoft WORD
and be able to write the Great American (or whatever country) novel.
It's a tool. Put it to work.
KEEP CENTERED and have a HAPPY HOLIDAY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
Cullen
Naperville, Illinois
Tony Hansen on mon 10 jan 00
The Magic of Fire II book has also been available for a couple years on
line at http://digitalfire.com/magic/toc.htm
Lots of tutorial information there on understanding glazes and
formulating and fixing them. Also at
http://digitalfire.com/education/glaze
> I am currently putting the finishing touches to "GlazeTeach" which as
> an HTML version of a small application designed as a self instruction
> introduction to glaze technology. It will be freely available which
> you can run on line or download.
====================================================
T o n y H a n s e n thansen@digitalfire.com
Don't fight the dragon alone http://digitalfire.com
Calculation/Database Software for Ceramic Industry
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