Electric Mid&Hi Fired Ceramics
Potters & Sculptors - Making Rock from Mud
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Comment by Norm Stuart on May 18, 2014 at 1:21pm
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I'll have to try Nichrome wire (Ni, Mn, Fe, Si, C, Cr - depending on the particular alloy). I didn't have much background in high temperature chemistry before starting with ceramics.
I've previously used 12 and 18 gauge Kanthal wire (Fe, Cr, Al), somewhat thinner than the Kanthal wire used as heating elements in our Cress kiln (and I had assumed most electric kilns). But it becomes too soft to hold its shape at cone 6 and droops.
Many glazes, particularly those containing copper oxides are also very corrosive to Kanthal wire. A hoop of Kanthal I used as a handle corroded through completely at the glaze line in the kiln and fell off.
It makes me wonder why Kanthal is used by kiln makers instead of Nichrome.
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Well, Norm. I cheat. I buy nicrome wire (the same stuff elements are made out of) and just stick it in when the clay is leather hard. Bisque, the clay shrinks, and voila-stuck in place.
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I like the teapot lid handle attached with the steel rod. I know it's tough to create the holes to end up with the right diameter after the glaze firing, at least without erring on the side of being too large.
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^6 ox Matte Black w/ Woo's yellow, Black w/ Honey, Black w/ White
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Tips for Members
If you just want to spout off, it is best accomplished as a blog posting. If you want to get more guidance and ideas from other members, ask a question as a new discussion topic. In the upper right corner of the lists for both types of posting, you will find an "+Add " button. Clicking it will open an editor where you create your posting. 4/16/2014
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