I called Bailey Pottery about the pressure gauge issue I was having and spoke to Maureen (SO nice!!). She was amazing and let me talk to Mike (the kiln parts expert). Mike verified that he had pressure gauges on hand and, yes, I could purchase two. (HUGE sigh of relief!!). He then got me back on the phone with Maureen to work out payment, etc. So, Maureen and I talk- sending the gauges overnight would be mucho expensive and probably not get to me in time for a morning kiln fire....boo.
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| This is where Dan works! |
Bailey does not open until 8:30...this would put my firing off longer than I preferred. However, I live a mere 90 minutes away. A little begging and Maureen checked with Dan ( I think his name was Dan) in manufacturing. They open at 7:30. Dan agreed to let me pick up the gauges at 7:30!!! So, I jumped in my car at 6 a.m. and made it to Bailey Pottery at 7:30. Dan was as pleasant as can be. And look at how beautiful the new pressure gauge is!!!
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| Old pressure gauge and NEW pressure gauge! |
This is why I love working with the Bailey Pottery people~ they are so nice and helpful. Look at how much nicer that pressure gauge is. I can see increments and in practice, it was much more precise.
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| Isn't it pretty?! |
The firing went well. I am a bit calmer each time I do this! It was a full load and took me 9 hours. Slowly I am getting the heat/time concept and how air and using the damper make a difference with heat.
The kiln stayed balanced this time (whew!)
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| Asticou and me |
Asticou had his own chair and hung out with me for a good portion of the firing.
Looks pretty good, huh?! I can only hope the pots look good when I open the door tomorrow (fingers crossed!).
The pyrometer seems to read a bit low compared to the cones. Ignore the old pyrometer with the needle, now I use the Bartlett digital and this newbie reduction firing potter did make the plunge to get an oxygen meter and I LOVE it! I am grateful for such tools to help me figure out what is happening in the kiln.
I had a heck of a time looking at my cones toward the end of the firing...my special glasses are not special enough, apparently, and I could not see into the yellow heat. Any advice on how to get a better look?
Once again I had emerald flame for a good portion of the firing. I still have not found an explanation for what causes that phenomenon, but I do enjoy seeing it (very Dorthyesque!!)
By the way, Bailey Pottery is having a Shino workshop over Memorial Day weekend. Looks like an impressive line up of presenters...I think I'll have to change my plans to go :)
