Steve Slatin on tue 7 dec 04
Judie --
Just my opinion, others may think differently, but
IMO, a standard pottery kiln's no place for metal.
Most glass kilns are shaped differently, and they're
better for getting things in and out, but even they
have weaknesses (heat distribution, etc.) that you
probably don't want to deal with.
Metals can be softened by bringing them up towards
their melting points with a torch (silver about 1640
F (sterling), copper 1980, etc.) and they have a
different look when they soften. They conduct
quickly, so you don't need to worry about 'even
cooking' as with pottery.
If you want to play with metals, I'd suggest buying
a used oxy-acetylene outfit (they're dirt cheap used,
and if the regulators & valves are in good shape
they'll last for ages and need little maintenance).
It's fun, it's easy, it's the right tool for the job.
And when you're done playing, you can braze and
cut and weld with it and build stuff.
If you're trying to make do with minimal cash, I've
found it possible to melt small amounts of silver (2
oz. or less) quickly using a Bernz-O-Matic torch, and
you can soften/anneal, etc. pretty sizeable pieces.
Best wishes -- Steve Slatin
--- Judie wrote:
> Has anyone ever attempted to manipulate metal in the
> kiln.
=====
Steve Slatin -- Did you know there is schools
Where Bop -- and nothing but
Bop -- are taught?
Well, there am!
Sequim, Washington, USA
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Judie on tue 7 dec 04
Has anyone ever attempted to manipulate metal in the kiln. I would like to
know melting points and different variables and which metals would work
best for this. I'm interested to get any feedback from anyone who has
worked with this technique and medium in the past. Thanks. Judie
Mike Gordon on tue 7 dec 04
Judie
Are you talking about slumping metal as one would do with glass in a
kiln? Mike Gordon
On Dec 7, 2004, at 3:39 AM, Judie wrote:
> Has anyone ever attempted to manipulate metal in the kiln. I would
> like to
> know melting points and different variables and which metals would work
> best for this. I'm interested to get any feedback from anyone who has
> worked with this technique and medium in the past. Thanks. Judie
>
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Ivor and Olive Lewis on wed 8 dec 04
Dear Julie,
This is a whole new ball game.
Your best introduction and most comprehensive book would be Oppi
Untracht, "Metal Techniques for Craftsmen". ISBN 0-7091-0723-4 1975
If this is for electric kiln, remember, all metals conduct
electricity'
I use a small Muffle Kiln with concealed elements for enamel work.
Best regards,Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
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