search  current discussion  categories  techniques - cracking 

still cracking...more info

updated thu 4 jun 98

 

muddpie on wed 3 jun 98

These are onepiece frames. I roll them at 3/8" thick, flip and re-roll them
to 1/4" thick (in the same direction, not opposite nor perpendicular). The
slabs are then placed between 2 pieces of drywall to dry to a proper state,
then marked, inlaid with leaf imprints and cut. I am cutting the inside
corners with a 1/4" radius linoleum cutter and then cutting the inside edges
with an exacto knife. My latest ones were cut from the corner to the
middle, thus making 8 total cuts (cutting away from the corners). They are
then dried on wire racks (linen shelves) with 3/4" spacing. These are
stacked upon each other with about an 1 1/2" between them. When dried, they
are moved to the kiln and loaded.

Have I left anything out this time??

JuliE

>Julie,
>
>Are you making the frames as a single piece from which you cut the center
>out? Or are you making 2 or 4 pieces which you join together? I haven't
>tried picture frames, but I've had good success with getting things made
>from ^6 porcelain (read: minimal grog or no grog) to dry flat by drying
>slabs slowly between the 2 pieces of plaster board. I wonder if joining
>the 2 or 4 pieces would be less likely to crack?
>
>Maybe you might share with the group HOW you are making the frames.
>
>Bonnie

muddpie wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I want to thank all of you who submitted suggestions to me on my
> cracking frames, but..........MY FRAMES ARE STILL CRACKING IN
> TWO!!!!! (I end up with 2 L shaped pieces)
>
> I have rounded the inside corners, I went to 1/4" thickness and am
> drying them on wire racks for more consistant / even
> drying........they made it through the bisque fire..........BUT
> NOT THE ^6 FIRE!!!!!!
>
> Are my borders too wide?? they are 3" on most of the 5" x 7"
> frames.....the ones with borders that were 1" wide did make it
> through the glaze fire.......But???????
>
> Do I not have enough sand and grog in my claybody??
>
> any other suggestions????
>
> any and all help has been very much appriciated!!!! You guys are
> the best!!!!
>
> JuliE in Michigan were I am very lucky to still have
> power......after 110 mph winds......
> (the "E" was an accident once by someone I work with, and then it
> just kinda stuck........habit now.)