Kiln Questions - Potclays Ltd

My kiln controller is behaving strangely in cold weather - what's happening?

If it's particularly cold in your workshop, issues can occur with your kiln controller. Many digital controllers require the temperature at th… Read More About This Question

How do I use Orton pyrometric cones?

Orton Pyrometric Cones measure "heatwork" and are an invaluable firing tool. They are small pieces of clay resembling tall pyramids … Read More About This Question

Do I need to use batt wash on my kiln shelves?

To prevent possible damage to kiln shelves it is good practice to use a batt wash coating on the upper surface of shelves only. No other kiln … Read More About This Question

Are thicker kiln shelves a better choice?

Kiln shelves are rated in terms of the maximum firing temperature which they can withstand, but of course the weight of ware placed upon them … Read More About This Question

Can I use an extension lead with my plug-in kiln?

No - whilst the extension lead may well be rated at 13 amps it is not designed to deliver the maximum current at the full supply voltage becau… Read More About This Question

Do I need to use a base batt in my kiln?

It is always a good idea to use a base batt. In kilns which have floor elements it is of course essential, but in kilns without floor elements… Read More About This Question

What is the ideal bisque firing temperature to use?

The biscuit firing temperature that is chosen should either give the clay sufficient strength to withstand the glazing process, or fire t… Read More About This Question

What is the most stable arrangement of supports for the kiln furniture?

Without doubt, the most stable number of supports is three. This can be achieved when using full shelves, and the supports should have a verti… Read More About This Question

Why doesn’t my temperature indicator/controller reflect the behaviour of the Orton cones I placed in my firing?

Electronic temperature measurement is very accurate, but it only measures the temperature at one point in the kiln. Similarly it takes no acco… Read More About This Question

What is the optimum firing rate to use?

The optimum rate depends upon the thickness of the pots and clay type e.g. thin cast and grogged bodies can be fired quicker than thrown and u… Read More About This Question

What's the recommended firing process for clay and glazes?

We generally recommend biscuit firing at 1000-1060C then following with a glaze firing to a higher temperature which matures both the clay and… Read More About This Question

What's the maximum firing temperature for your clay bodies?

This is approximately indicated by the vitrification point stated for each clay in our catalogue but, with stoneware, it will be lowered by re… Read More About This Question

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