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kiln firing questions / keeping records

updated fri 27 aug 04

 

Dorie Mickelson on thu 26 aug 04


I'm sure everyone has their own system regarding kiln firing
records...since I started firing my own kiln I've kept a firing log
(simple table document made with Microsoft Word that I fill out for each
firing) with the following information recorded: date of firing, cone
and temperature fired to, speed of firing, purpose of firing (i.e.,
bisque firing, glaze firing, test firing, etc.), time started, time
completed, soak time, total hours of firing time, total hours of cooling
time, contents of kiln load (approximate number of pieces, specific
pieces in kiln, etc.), and overall results/comments (witness cone
results, how glazes came out -- i.e., too thick, too thin, if anything
ran, crawled, pitted, or if some combination looked especially fabulous
or hideous, or some new glaze broke wonderfully over textured areas,
etc.).

Dorie in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the sun is trying to peek through
the clouds (no relation to the Dorie who is interning with Joyce in the
Mojave but still surprised whenever I see that someone else shares my
name!)

www.FreeSpiritCreations.com

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From: Gay Judson

Subject: kiln firing questions

I know that I must keep good records. Can you give me some help in know
what/how to record of these experiences: firings and glazes. Or point me
to literature that provides guides for record keeping. Our library has a
lot of books on ceramics, and I've checked out a lot of books but I have
not come across specific guides for record keeping. Any help will be
appreciated. Thanks in advance!