Comments for Big World Studio

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Big World Studio

Big World Studio — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:18:15 +0000

Hi Tonya,
Aha! So you are the mysterious “Tony”! Thanks for sending your schedule. I use a 2-stage firing for CopprClay, so this makes perfect sense to me. After the conference I’ll have to give this one a try.

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Tonya Davidson

Tonya Davidson — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:05:35 +0000

Hi Wendy,

“Tony” is me. Elaine just left off the A.

Here’s my firing schedule for BC:
BC firing:
1) in kiln on shelf (open air) firing:
a) RA = 250F
b) Temp = 550F
c) hold time = 30 minutes or zero minutes

2) second firing in carbon (carefully pick up pieces and put them in carbon in container)
a) RA 1 = full speed
b) Temp 1 = 1100F
c) Hold 1 = 0
d) RA 2 = 250F
e) Temp 1 = 1490 (1516 with muffle kiln)—adjust temperature for your kiln if you see pimples or pock marks you are firing too hot
f) Hold 2 = 3 hours

Comment on BRONZclay Success! by Big World Studio

Big World Studio — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:20:06 +0000

Thanks, Lorena. I really appreciate your support.

Comment on BRONZclay Success! by Lorena Angulo

Lorena Angulo — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:46:52 +0000

Yeah !!!!!
I am so happy it work this time !!
Every kiln is different, therefor the firing schedule for everyone may vary.
Welcome to the incredible world of Bronzclay!!!!

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Big World Studio

Big World Studio — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:03:46 +0000

Elaine, what is Tony’s firing schedule. I’m not familiar.

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Big World Studio

Big World Studio — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:27:06 +0000

Lorena, thanks for the further advice.

Colleen, great tips. I’m waiting for the kiln to cool right now, so your timing is perfect!

Bill, thanks for the info and the offer to help. I’m looking forward to a future post titled “BRONZclay Success!”

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Elaine Luther

Elaine Luther — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:24:03 +0000

I’ve found that I have firing failures when I overload the kiln. The very small amount I can fit into the firing box for good results is frustratingly few pieces.

I follow Hadar’s instructions for container-loading and Tony’s firing schedule. I’m now getting consistently good results, as long as I don’t overload.

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Bill Struve

Bill Struve — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:59:34 +0000

Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your interest in our clays! Please feel free to contact me with any questions by phone (910-620-8751) or email (william.struve@gmail.com) whenever you have questions.
Neither the fast cooling nor the loose fitting lid are problems. You have full sintering as the material can be hammered witout falling apart. Although it is difficult to tell what size the pieces are, large pieces do tend to develop cracks due to shrinkage. The new FASTfire BRONZclay shrinks less, so this will be less of a problem. All is not lost since you can repair the pieces with fresh clay and re-fire. I now use a slotted lid for all of my work since some oxygen getting into the top of the carbon will generate some carbon dioxide which is needed to scrub the metal particles and promote sintering.
Be well and have fun,
Bill

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Colleen Wilson

Colleen Wilson — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 02:19:57 +0000

Hi Wendy,
I feel bad that you didn’t get to “ooh & ahhh” and was more like an “EEEK”. Try not to let it discourage you too much. It does have a learning curve to it.

I too prefer to use the badger balm over olive oil. Haven’t used the SLIK.

I also keep my clay really cold. Have one bowl insde another bowl with ice to keep what I’m not using cold.

If I rehydrate I use a spray bottle that has lavendar oil(few drops) mixed in to help prevent clay from oxidizing.

I let it cool down in kiln(SC2) till just about room temp, will take out vent when it’s down around 500, let cool some more, then open door some if I want to speed it up alittle( probably overly cauious) but works! I try to fire at night so it shuts off about bedtime and is cool in morning just to keep me from rushing it.

The thicker the piece the slower the ramp. I think your ramp was good. I have ramped at 250F p/hr. on some of my thicker layered pieces. 1550F for 3 hrs. hold, but you may find your kiln needs to go to higher or increase your hold time.

Oh, I also make sure I have pan off of bottom of kiln (about 1″) for more even heat.

It does take alittle longer for pieces to dry so make sure it’s really dry internally.

Hope this helps. Wish you luck. Let us know how the next batch goes….

Colleen Wilson ~ Riverview, MI

Comment on BRONZclay Fail by Lorena Angulo

Lorena Angulo — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:16:51 +0000

I usually make my pieces with 4 cards.
When I add or layer new pieces I use water (when the clay is fresh) and water/clay (when my pieces are dry and they need to me layer or attach to others.)