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oxyprobe... pros and cons!

updated sat 19 dec 98

 

Hanspeter Muller on wed 16 dec 98

After firing in oxidation for the last 15 years I recently got a Bailey
down-draft studio gas kiln and am really thrilled with its performance.
However my first two firings were only partly successful: I got beautiful
temmoku/tomato red glazes but the rutile blues and celadons were not up to
par as far as color goes. I think I did not reduce enough. I'm considering
getting an oxyprobe. Does anyone use one and if so which one? There are a
few on the market and I was wondering if there is a difference between them?
I would be grateful for any advice!
Renate Muller using my husband's ( Hanspeter) email address!

Craig Martell on thu 17 dec 98

Hi:

I've used an AIC Oxyprobe, made in Australia, for the past 8 years. It's
very easy to use and quite reliable. I've changed the battery once and
that's all I've had to do.

Oxyprobes are great tools for fuel burning kilns. The results are always
more consistent, and it's easier to find neutral, and get a faster temp.
rise to conserve some fuel when you don't need to be in reduction. I know I
should have said "stoichiometric fuel-air mixture" instead of neutal but I
just can't help myself.

Craig Martell in Oregon

David Hendley on thu 17 dec 98

Renate,
I am saying this as gently and respectfully as possible:
Your first two firings should be only partially successful!
In fact, it sounds like you are doing great.
I don't have any advice about buying an oxyprobe; I'm sure
you will get some responses saying they are great.
My suggestion is to wait until you have some more experience
before you decide you need to make that substantial investment.

Berst wishes,
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas



At 10:51 AM 12/16/98 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>After firing in oxidation for the last 15 years I recently got a Bailey
>down-draft studio gas kiln and am really thrilled with its performance.
>However my first two firings were only partly successful: I got beautiful
>temmoku/tomato red glazes but the rutile blues and celadons were not up to
>par as far as color goes. I think I did not reduce enough. I'm considering
>getting an oxyprobe. Does anyone use one and if so which one? There are a
>few on the market and I was wondering if there is a difference between them?
> I would be grateful for any advice!
> Renate Muller using my husband's ( Hanspeter) email address!
>

Arturo M DeVitalis on fri 18 dec 98

Just had my first (MFT) firing with a new Axner Oxyprobe...excellent
results...less fuel consumed and consistant glaze results. My friend
Hodaka Hasabe who also fires a Bailey, and is on this list and may reply.

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