Large Beads Cracking
I searched the forum and could only find info on this when using vermiculite. I am using a kiln.
I am still learning; I can make small, marble sized beads OK. I decided to see if I could make a little bit bigger ones. I made 3. They all were cracked in two when I got them out of the kiln. Did I not cool them in flame long enough before putting them in the 960 degree kiln? Or could I have let them cool too much? I'm not sure how to know if the bead is cooling too much or not enough before I put it in the kiln. I realize it's a learning process, but is there something I am not doing or missing that might make it simpler to know? Thank you, |
It sounds as if they were cooled too much, try warming them up really well in the tip of your flame, they should glow slightly when you put them in the kiln.
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You're probably letting them cool too much. As soon as they're not droopy they're ready to go in the kiln. You can also try going straight to the kiln and continuing to rotate through the bead door (if you have one), just until the glow goes out. For simplicity's sake, I'd try going into the kiln as quickly as you can, and if the bead droops you know you've over-corrected.
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Thank you, I can see now that I am for sure letting them cool too much before putting them in the kiln.
Just for my information, about how hot is the bead when it it still slightly glowing? ...just wondering. |
Hold it under your table or workspace, somewhere where it is dark and it should have a nice glow to it all the way through. Also, make sure that throughout the "building" process, you are taking the time to warm it through. Especially if it has a lot of detail work.
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Too hot to touch :grin: |
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