Later that day, while running a glaze load, I realized my kiln was running way behind in the firing schedule. After watching it much more closely for a little bit I discovered that one of the elements wasn’t working and it didn’t appear this load would make its temperature. Now that its cool and I unloaded the very under fired glaze ware, I can see the very obvious failure of the element. See the dark spot on the element? It is broken there.
I’ve had a few other kiln maintenance items I’ve wanted to do, so this is a good time to get to them. I ordered up replacement elements, thermocouples, and element holders as well as peep hole plug since I’ve broken two of the three. Now its just time to wait until the parts arrive so I can put everything back together.
Since I have stacks of green ware, bisque ware and now under fired glaze ware sitting around everywhere (my studio space is small), I thought I’d mix some glazes I’m getting low on instead of making more ware to sit around waiting for a functional kiln. I’d purchased all the chemicals I needed months ago anticipating a time when glazes would need to be replenished. Or did I?? Both glazes I started were missing one ingredient. So… now their both sitting incomplete waiting for more chemicals to arrive. I’ll keep the UPS man busy this week.
I’m hesitant to start anything else so I thought I’d write this post and take the rest of the day off. Tomorrow is another day and maybe more things will work out then.
Thanks for visiting – Be well.
enjoy reading your blog. I would be interested in knowing where you order your chemicals from. I am on the lookout for reasonable prices as I start my home studio set up.
Thanks!
Holly
Thanks for reading Holly. I get most of my chemicals from Continental Clay in Minneapolis. The staff there is so helpful. I usually order in fairly large quantities and pick it up. But when I just need a couple of things like this time, I order and have them delivered. Stop in again. I like comments. 🙂
Thanks Sue. I just got a kiln this winter and am not looking forward to changing elements, etc!