Jeff shows us how to fire up a gas kiln efficiently. During the firing of a gas kiln there are a trio of atmospheres that have to be controlled to achieve both a rise in temperature and the desired glaze results. The first, and most important, atmosphere is neutral. It is only in a neutral atmosphere that perfect combustion can be attained. A neutral atmosphere is the most fuel-efficient firing possible.
Quartz Inversion and Other Important Stages of Firing Pottery
Richard Zakin and Frederick Bartolovic • June 18, 2021
What Happens when Firing Clay: From Quartz Inversion to Cooling Cracks
Clay undergoes a remarkable transformation when fired in a kiln, changing in molecular structure as the kiln heats up and cools down. Perhaps one of the most important stages is quartz inversion, which affects ware in the bisque and the glaze firings as the kiln temperature rises and cools back down.
Obviously, these changes can be hard on ware so there are guidelines to avoiding problems that you can follow when firing clay. In today’s post, an excerpt from Electric Kiln Ceramics, Frederick Bartolovic and the late Richard Zakin explain three important stages in kiln firing and share their advice on steering clear of problems. – Jennifer Poellot Harnetty, editor.
