FIRING a Bisque Kiln - A Guide for Beginners! Day 38 Quarantine Distraction Video
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- Coronavirus Quarantine: Video 38
I will be trying to post simple daily videos for inspiration for my students, and my subscribers to help give us some learning and distraction during this national emergency. Here is a link to the playlist I am adding to: • Online Learning During...
In this video, I go over the basics of firing a bisque kiln- both a manual kiln with kiln sitter and an automatic kiln. I have a Skutt KM-1018-3 and a Vent-A-Kiln vent. www.ventafume....
Here is my vent-a-kiln video on the installation of it:
• Installing a Vent-A Ki...
Link to my kiln firing log: drive.google.c...
Link to the video on glaze information with the packet of information:
• Glaze Information for ...
Check out this link to a live searchable Google Doc I continually update with lots of my favorite tools on Amazon using my associate links! (also some non-amazon suggestions on here!)
docs.google.co...
You can also check out my Amazon Influencer Store Here: www.amazon.com...
I am a public high school ceramics teacher at William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio. (Mason is currently the largest high school in Ohio!) As a potter, I have been working in clay for over 30 years, and I have been teaching for over 28 years, the past 20 have been specifically teaching high school ceramics. I love what I do! I have my own studio in my home basement, where I work on my personal pottery for my Etsy site; www.etsy.com/s...
I started my UA-cam channel a few years ago, to make videos to help my students if they are absent and miss a demo, or if they would like to explore more advanced techniques independently. I have been amazed to reach such a wider audience than my own students!
Please subscribe to my channel if you would like to receive channel updates, or would like to learn more about clay and studio processes!
Karan, I can't express how much your videos mean to me. I was recently granted my wish to teach a year-long high school Ceramics course in my teaching schedule and you've been like my clay fairy godmother along the way. I just wanted you to know, in times like these, your voice for the Arts and teaching talents are critically important to so many. Thank you.
Oh my goodness- this just made my day!!! Thank you!! I’m so glad you find them helpful! :)
I teach pottery at a kids summer camp. Our lead pottery instructor left us with little notice, leaving me as the lead potter. With no experience with our kiln, I was anxious, but this video has instilled a calm confidence in myself! Hundreds of children this summer will get to make awesome pottery outside in the mountain air of California, and your video is a big part of that! Thank you for teaching so many people!
Karen, Thank you so much! Just got my kiln set up yesterday and fired my initial test fire and will be firing my first bisque fire today!!!! Dotting my "I's" and crossing my "T's" with you before I start loading. Your thorough teaching process is so calming for this 50 some year old pottery newbie. I hope you students appreciate your teaching chops!
Thanks for the informative video. First time we are using the Kirn ,so a bit anxious to see what awaits us tomorrow morning when we open the lid.
This video is perfect. I just got my first kiln (a skutt) and was a bit nervous firing it. Now I feel confident. Thank you so much.
I am in the process of getting my first kiln. What size / model did you get?
I had my kiln for a while now, we moved and I needed the electrician to install the proper outlets at out new home. It does glass and ceramic and I have fired test tiles for glaze, but probably fired them too high for the glaze to stick, cone 6. We'll see. It's ugly gray clay anyway. I ordered from Ms. Karan's Amazon link for Amazon Recommendations.
The keys to this are- what is the clay firing cone, and what is the glaze firing cone? They need to be rated the same for a glaze firing. :)
@@KaransPotsAndGlass I have a weird question. I bought a used wheel and got a ton of clay along with the deal, but I don't know what cone it is (sold by the wife of a potter who now has Alzheimer's and hasn't been in the studio for a few years). It is a white-ish clay, has some grog, and looks to be a B-mix (as much as I can tell with my level of newbie experience.) Is there a way I can figure it out so I don't risk under or over firing? Is that even a worry?
@@catherineyoung3889 I would make tons of test tiles and fire them at different temperatures to try to determine what it is...
I am so happy I found your videos. I purchased 2 kilns and 1000+ molds from someone that had to move. I know nothing about ceramics other than making one pumpkin that someone else poured back in the late 70's. We had a lot of fun moving all those molds, lol. I told my grandkids I bet you will never forget this. They most likely think their grandmother is crazy. I think we will have a lot of fun once I get everything setup to fire. Wish me luck and thanks again for using your time to make these videos!
This was SO helpful. I took a break from pottery for a few years and am just now getting back into it. This was the prefect refresh, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Glad it was helpful! Good luck!!
This is amazing! Thank you for this video. I can’t fully express my anxiety in learning how to use a kiln myself. This helps so much. 🙏☺️
I’ve been a studio production potter since 1977. I say this to everyone, and to everyone all the time. It’s an axiom, this advice. Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER entrust your work to a kiln sitter. Be as Cortes and “burn the boat” (as it were) by removing the kiln sitter. There is no rational purpose for relying upon a kiln sitter. It’s a recipe for disaster. Always use a visual cone.
WOW!!! this was the most informative than any manual or video. Thank you!
Just replaced my little manual with a programmable. :)
THANK YOU. My sister bought a second hand kiln last year, and we finally felt confident enough to use it this week after we watched your video, shes really inspired now!
Wonderful! I hope it went well!! :)
You are so sweet and wonderful. Thank you for sharing your priceless knowledge with us for free. I love pottery and it’s been a long time since I worked with it. I’m trying to do a first fire on my newly installed kiln and has gained more confidence after watching your guide.
Happy potting!
My first kiln is being delivered on Tuesday. This video has helped with my anxiety on firing. Thank you so much. I will be viewing more of your helpful videos!
I was just getting ready to fire my first ever bisque kiln, this is perfect timing!!
o je ....my best wishes...and......if you go on and on and on.....you will have amazing results....
This is a super in-depth intro video, delivered in the direction of beginner and a great reference piece for all…thanks for your dedication to the arts (and art of teaching!!)… I’ll be sharing this with my students!!
I've been wanting to learn how to use a kiln. Your video answered many questions I had. I'm feeling more confident to set mine up. Thank you for being so clear in your explanations.
Glad it was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Karen, This video was super helpful. I will be firing my first kiln and I took down every detail you mentioned. I am a little less nervous now.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I am a glass fuser and am now learning to fire ceramics and your videos are invaluable. Thank you. Merryl
A fan of your videos here in Brazil. Thank you very much.🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
thank you so helpful. I just got my first kiln. it is a Skutt automatic, i'm so excited to start using it.
Thank you so much! This is awesome! I feel more confident to fire my first bisque kiln!!!! Thank you!
I just want to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate your videos. I was fortunate enough to buy a used KM-1018 several years ago when my husband was in the Air Force, but never got a chance to fire it before we moved. Now that he's retired, and I have time to get back into clay, I'm needing to learn all I can. Your videos are so clear and informative, I feel very confident that I'll succeed!! Thank you so much!
Outstanding!!!!!! Best of luck- and ENJOY!!!!
greetings from Germany...........
Thank U so very much for this video, Maureen
This was so helpful, using a kiln (or thinking of using a kiln) is extremely overwhelming, and you touch upon everything you need to know and learn. Thank you so much!
You're so welcome!
Very helpful. I am preparing to fire this same model kiln for the very first time, and this video helped to clarify many questions I had...thank you
Thank you for the very informative video. I have always wanted to learn more about kilns and firing. 🙂
....did u know that heating spirals can be made by yourself ? You only need the cantal-wire from the reel
Karan, your videos are SO helpful and educational. You explain everything so well & are a gifted teacher. Your students are so fortunate to have such an excellent teacher. Thanks for making and posting these videos.
Awww- thanks so much for the kind words!! 🥰
Thank you so much for this video. It has been years since i did ceramics and I just purchased a kiln. you taught me so much and just wanted to say thank you.
Karen what did you purchase and you happy with your purchase? Any suggestions are much appreciated.
I liked the video, thanks . It was very helpful, I am beginner for firing but not for pottery or sculpture. I had this talent since was a child but I use to send my stuff for studio to be fired. I want to move to small business steps and I want to learn about firing.
thank you so much this was very useful and helped put my mind at ease as a new teacher and first time electronic kiln user
Thank you! I've had anxiety with firing my kiln, always consulting the booklet and following every step so i press all the buttons right, but after watching through your walk through of the controls a few times, I went downstairs and set a couple udus to fire without feeling the need to check the book. I now understand what all the settings mean :D
That's awesome!!!!
Thank you, Karan, for posting for us, as well as your students. We really appreciate it. 👍😁.
Omg! I love the kiln openings. Even if it was just bisque. 😁
in the beginning........i was falling to sleep while oven was heating , i woke up covered in sweat , because the whole house heated up ...and after all "everything" was melted down...........
Karen thank you so much for your informative videos. I learned so much from this and all of your videos. It is making my teaching so much better and helping me not ruin my students work with all your firing tips. Pleases keep the videos coming. Stay safe and stay healthy!
Thx for the info. Always good to review
This was very very helpful, thank you so much
This is sooo helpful, thank you!
Great Video Thanks Very Much
You are welcome!
Thank you! I've been loving your videos. This one is particularly useful as I'm looking into building my own studio in my garage.
Another fantastic lesson...thank you!
Karen, thank you for being my teacher too. I bought a used Skutt but unable to use just yet. Have to get a building. I was wondering how it worked. I’m teaching myself pottery and have fell in love. You are helping me so much, I just wanted to reach out and say thanks.
Love your videos! This was so helpful. I am thinking about buying a kiln because I would love to try some different glazes but my studio doesn’t allow outside clays or glazes.
Great video Karan. Thank you.
Good video. "quarantine day 38." Feels like yesterday and a decade ago. How naive I was.
Right??!!
Thanks again for another informative video!! This one was a tremendous help as I am just learning. I had purchased a used kiln and didnt receive the best instruction on its use.
I like this show
Thank you
thank you
Awesome job.
My wife puts a fan against it in garage. Do you think it is a good idea ? . It seems it effects the temperature rise, and it takes longer. Thanks for input.
If there is a computer panel, it is a great idea, as if the room is hot, it can overheat the computer and stop the firing. If the fan is the method of venting, and dispersing fumes, that's a great idea to keep it out of your house!
Awesome video. Thank you!
Thank you for the wonderful video!
Very helpful video, thank you!
You are so helpful! Thank you.
You are wonderful 😍
😊 thank you!!
Karan, I LOVE this channel - you know how many times I've stopped a video, reversed it, replayed it to "get" the idea? Yeah if it was a VHS tape it would have worn a hole in it. I've noticed you have a kiln log; where did you get yours? I'm interested in doing one as I'm new and so's my kiln.
Hi Michelle! I just made a spreadsheet- Here is a link to mine, but you can tweak to your own preferences and what you need! drive.google.com/file/d/1Gw7hc9kM82AUnHjgZm2p3BAFkYFWt0Mi/view?usp=sharing
@@KaransPotsAndGlass wonderful, thanks!
Fabulous! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
This is so very helpful! Thank you!
Thank you Karen for this amazing video! I too just bought a semi used Skutt kiln in excellent condition. Only thing I was confused about is does the Skutt actually need the small cone like for older kilns...or is the cone just programmed in? I bought the 06 cones in a box but on my Skutt not sure where it goes in the inside? Or if I even need them for this particular kiln? Thank you
I hope the video was able to answer your questions? If not- let me know!
I am barely nine minutes into this video and i have to say that you are the most informative potter i have seen so far. This past week, I have watched some 60-90 videos so far as a newcomer. I have been gleaning most of the basics across the span of those 60-90 videos and here i see you delivering them into one neat package. Well done. If i had one question it is this, Do the kilns that most people buy come with any number of shelves(Silicon carbonate ect....) to allow for multiple layers of simultaneous firing? Also, how heavy are these kilns and is it possible for a single person to go about installing one?
Thanks for the kind words! When buying a new kiln, some suppliers do offer furniture packages with them, but I have also purchased mine separately. Buying from a local supplier would save quite a bit shipping costs for shelves- as that is so expensive!! It’s really a personal preference of how many shelves people use and the style of shelves. (Full round, half round, etc) Every kiln I’ve had would require at least 2 people for moving. Some of my oval huge kilns actually may take more people for ease of installation. Even my smallest old 818 that I had years ago took two people to move. The only kiln I’ve every been able to move by myself is a small test kiln- and even that is super awkward!
thank you so much!
Great video. Thanks. Why do you block a few of the peep holes leaving one unblocked?
I leave the top open for the fumes to escape. I only would leave the others open if I had damp items that needed to dry/preheat. The lower ones I plug to help make the firing more efficient.
I love your work that you do sadly I dont have clay because I work in a class and that's where it is.
Ugh, I am so sorry. :(
Karan - Thank you for posting this fabulous video. You know how to teach and instill confidence! Do you have instruction on programming a glaze firing? I'm confused about ramps and holds. Thank you again! You rock! - Lin
Thank you 😊
I really want to ask someone how to use it
These video show me everything i want to know 💓👍🏻
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this great video! I just have one question. Is there a risk of electric shock if you touch the insides of the kiln? I think someone told me that once.
It is possible. When I vacuum I always turn off the circuit to avoid a shock. I've never noticed any discharge from just touching/brushing an element under regular circumstances. Not sure if something has to be amiss for that to happen or not.
This was great, thank you! When do you close the peep hole?
I normally will close all of the bottom ones right at the beginning when I turn it on, I might have forgotten to do that in the video. However, because I have an overhead vent, not an Undermount, I will leave the top hole, open, the entire firing!
I should send you some of my clay I mined from the auglaize and maumee river bed. Great clay I think, took me a whole summer to make 100lbs.
Oh, that’s AWESOME!!! I’ve been dying to dig some locally!!! Hoping to this summer!
@@KaransPotsAndGlass Its alot of work but worth it if you ask me, I didnt have want issues with it cracking or breaking while firing it either...I was rather surprised at the results, if done right the texture and consistency is really close to what you get from local craft stores.
What is the purpose of bisque firing? Is it part of the process before you paint and glaze?.....or does it stay that way after you take it out of the kiln and then you paint? I'm sorry, I'm confused. I loved watching your video. This was my first one. Thank you!
Bisque firing permanently hardens the clay- it chemically changes it so it can no longer be recycled into workable clay. Bisque firing, in my case, is done to prepare the clay for glazing. I prefer to bisque before I glaze, as the glazes I use prefer for the clay to off-gas any gasses prior to a higer temperature glaze firing. Plus, I don't like handling my greenware to glaze, as it is more fragile. I prefer bisquing it, then getting around to glazing it when I have time! :)
❤❤❤❤❤
Hi
Do you prefer a downdraft vent or a hood vent? We are worried about the fumes and the heat
I really prefer the vent hood! It removes more heat from my space- and does a great job with the fumes!
That looks just like my kiln. :o)
I love my Skutt!!
Thank you for this video. One question I have is why do you leave the top peep hole open? I put my top peep hole in when firing and it seems to work just fine. I never knew what was the best way.
That depends on how the kiln is vented! If you have an undermount vent- then all peeps can stay closed. I have an over head vent on my home kiln, and that requires a peep open for the fumes to escape!
What determines the color of the bowl (inside) when it comes to pottery, is it the stone clay, porcelain, or is it the color of the glaze. I love ivory, but I have seen pottery when they glaze it changes color. That confuses me. is my glaze has to be ivory color?
The glaze color is the determining factor. You can use clear if you have an ivory clay body, or an ivory colored glaze if the clay is different.
Dear Karen,
Thank you for such a detailed and informative video. I learnt a lot.
Can you please give me a source to buy ceramic colors ?
The one I found so far can’t stand the heat of this kiln.
Best regards
Pierre
Thank u
Love this video Karan, thank you! How long would you preheat a bisque load firing in a school setting where some pieces are thicker and some not completely dry? Is 10 or 12 hours a good range, or overkill? Thanks again. 😁
You could definitely do that- just keep in mind, the longer you preheat, the more wear and tear on the relays, as they constantly go on and off maintaining the preheat temperature. What I usually do rather than a super long preheat, is place them in the open kiln over the weekend with a fan on it, and then after the weekend I do a shorter preheat. Maybe 4 or 5 if I am concerned. I used to preheat like that, and when I started having to replace my relays more often than I thought, I began drying them a lot more first... and that has done the trick, and my relays last longer. :)
@@KaransPotsAndGlass
That’s a great idea, thank you so much. I’m filling in for someone at a school studio and they weren’t clear in their instructions about preheat time, so I really appreciate your advice. I understand what you’re saying about the relays, so much clicking on & off. I’ll try to hold off firing thicker prices and those that aren’t bone dry. Thanks again!
Thank you Ms Karan great information and demonstration. I'll probably be getting a Skutt kiln when the time comes...one question tho, how's the usage of your kiln affect the electric bill this is probably a duh question...thanks.
That is an excellent question! I only wish I had been more attentive to be able to give you a good answer to this! I’m honestly not sure how much it affects it -but I’m assuming maybe $15 for firing? That is purely a guess and I don’t really know! To be truly accurate I would have to have a separate meter on it!
I’m so confused with my sitter. It’s not like the skutt one, it’s really complicated! I bought my kiln secondhand and I just can’t work it out !
Do you have the manual for your kiln? That’s the first place to start! Shoot me an message if you have questions with photos on FB messenger- @KaransPotsAndGlass
Thanks so much - my first bisque is tomorrow. We have the kiln in my husband's workshop that has tall ceilings and the shop is very large...do I need a vent? I can also set it outside his shop under the 10 ft overhang.
I’d definitely vent or move it outside! Kilns can produce very caustic fumes and can damage equipment if not vented! Plus, you don’t want to breathe it in while working!
Thanks. Super helpful video! Hope to buy a kiln soon.
I am new owner of a used Skutt kiln. It is computer controlled but apparently is one of the older models that does not have a preheat prompt. What do you recommend I do to achieve a 90 minute hold at 180 degrees?
curious why you swapped from the down draft vent to the one you have now , we are getting ready purchase a new vent
Good morning. I recently took a position as a HS Art teacher. Pottery isn't my specialty. However, I've got a sculpting class. Is there a difference in a bisque kiln and other kilns? Another question is there any issue with clay that had been sitting for over a month or longer if I fire it?
No- you can fire things years later! I use the same kiln to bisque and to fire glaze. I just change my programming! :)
Hi, can you Pre heat overnight with program you demonstrated?
Yes, the is possible but I will recommend perhaps preheating the day prior to firing- and turning it off before going to bed. I never recommend firing the kiln while not around it to supervise. The chance that something bad would happen is rare, but I have seen enough circumstances that have happened to others, I don't fire unless I am monitoring it!
Thank you so much for such a detailed and informative demo. I have an L&L kiln- easy fire with the vent attached. I will go through my first bisquing, so I'm a little nervous :) A couple of questions regarding the L&L: (1) I want to preheat the ware for about 3 hours at 200f. If I have a vent- do I still need to leave 1 peep hole open for the duration of 3 hours? If so- Do I just close that peephole after the 3 hours? (2) If I go through the Slow Bisque on easy fire- should I put it at any hold at peak temp? (3) When do I actually turn off the whole kiln? I will let it cool down as part of the slow fire program... but do I switch off? Thank you so much! Appreciate it.
If I am doing a bisque fire, I do often leave out the top peep until it’s thoroughly dry from the preheat. Then I pop in that last plug. I don’t do a hold on bisque firings- only glaze. I only do a hold when I’m doing glaze firing. If you have an automatic L&L, it should shut off when it gets up to the right temp. Does it have a kiln sitter or electronic panel?
@@KaransPotsAndGlass Thank you !!
Love your all of your videos especial this one...love the step by step instructions. What is the model of Skutt Kiln you are using. What made you pick this one? Thanks
Hi Pat- my Skutt is a KM 1018- 3” brick. I chose that size, as I wanted it tall enough for my biggest vases I might want to make, and wide enough for my biggest platters. Not so big that it takes me forever to fill too. 1027 would be too big for my needs as I’m not producing full time!
Thanks I am looking into buying one. But so many different types . I am just a hobby potter and I don’t want a really big one but don’t want one too small that I will wish I bought bigger. This may be a good one to start with.
I'm wondering, if cost was no issue what Brand of kiln would you buy? And thank you for all your helpful videos ❣️👏👏👏
I do love my Skutt!!! But, for the hard element holders on the L & L- I love those as well. Those are my two favorite brands! I’d say Skutts are a bit more user friendly- and I know they have great customer service!
Skutt KM-1227-3 PK .. the best!!!!
I need advice, please! I recently tried my first bisque fire on a kiln I bought used, and it never got to cone 04 temperature. It only got up to about 1550° despite the fact that I was firing at max temp, but I did fire for a total of 14 hours. Is my bisqueware ruined now? Should I fire it again once we get the kiln running correctly? Or can I glaze it as is?
I love ceramic
your right .....concerning dishes : Human "food intake" is a holy procedure , so should be (ceramic) vessels on it .....
Can you explain the firing cycle with the manual kiln
Hello. Could you please help me to understand. I have clay white firing temp 1160 C. Items are thick and I covered it with clay paint. And after firing I want to use transparent glaze. What temp I have to use for bisque firing? Lower then final or 1160? Thank you.
hi I have a kiln setter and I only do green ware. but I noticed that my cone stuck to my setter can you tell me what the problem would be ty
Your kiln may have over fired. You’ll want to clean off the kiln sitter completely to make sure nothing is on it. Also, I would recommend witness cones on the shelf. I discuss them at around 4:23 in this video! ua-cam.com/video/ci49-5-cIFc/v-deo.html
Great video and information Karan! Thank you. 😊🌟😊My question is how long would you hold at the final temp when slow firing, you mentioned 10 mins on med firing? 😊🤗😊
I probably wouldn't do a hold on a slow fire since it is already going slowly and the items have probably gassed off enough. The only reason I held the final hold was just to give everything a bit more time for "gassing off". It probably wasn't important on the bisque honestly. I always do it on my cone 6 glaze firings (about 25 minutes) though. I find that I have gotten bloating, after fast firing items so, I know the 10 minute hold couldn't hurt on the bisque.
@@KaransPotsAndGlass Is it possible to hold with a manual kiln? If so, how?
@@catherineyoung3889 Yes- you just have to be watchful, use pyrometric cones that you can view through the peephole, and when the cones have dropped, you can keep it on, and prevent the weight from dropping until you're ready to stop it. Release the weight, and it should fall. Definitely a lot more work to hold a manual. kiln.
Should I plug AL holes before firing starts and close lid?
that depends upon your venting system, and what it recommends. Do you have an environvent, overhead, or no vent??
@@KaransPotsAndGlass it is vented under neath. A tube comes from the bottom
Hi Karen, thanks for all the great videos! Would you be willing to share your firing log template?
Here you go, Wendy!! drive.google.com/file/d/1Gw7hc9kM82AUnHjgZm2p3BAFkYFWt0Mi/view?usp=sharing
@@KaransPotsAndGlass Thank you!
I was thinking of buying the Skutt master Kiln 818 but I’m not sure if my house has a 40A breaker. I do plan to call an electrician to find out but what should I do if it’s isn’t the right breaker???
I’d either upgrade your service or get a much smaller kiln. I wouldn’t take shortcuts with your electrical. :) The 818 is a great little size! That was my original Skutt size with a kiln sitter!
@@KaransPotsAndGlass Thank you so much for replying ❤️ I’ll be looking into the smaller kiln sizes in that case!
Hello I work at a machine shop and we are trying to use a kiln to heat metal , is there a way to set the temperature to 450 degrees and leave it there for a few hours?
Yes- automatic kilns can do that- just like an oven!
Next question would be ....how?
What kind of kiln do you have??
My SKUT does not show PRHT after choosing the Cone #...how do I initiate that choice? Thank you!
Hi Susan- you may need to check the settings in your manual? I’m not sure without seeing it. Maybe preheat is a choice after programming? That’s the way my L&L’s are(?)
do i understand rightly ? i think i dont....do you really use so called "Seger" cones ?...... no pyrometer ?
Hi, I followed all the steps, until for me, it showed "RA", which I put "0". Do you know what that means? Thank you!
Not sure off the top of my head! I'd check your manual. Might be Rate or Ramp?
Which vent is best for fumes
I have a video on my vent a kiln installation! ua-cam.com/video/nYR6300SOTc/v-deo.html
Olá ! Poderia autorizar tradução em português Brasil ? Tenho muito interesse em aprender e adquirir o forno . Fico grata