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The firing process
General
Open the kiln lid and distribute the ware evenly in the
kiln. Advice for the stacking of ware will be found in the
following sections. Fill the whole firing chamber to avoid
energy wastage. Then close the lid with the lock on the
body. For starting the firing process select the desired
firing programme and start the kiln (see users manual
for the controller).
Supply air bottom valve (optionally)
The supply air bottom valve can be opened with
1. dry firing to draw off humidity
2. decor and gold firing, because of solvents
3. with desired faster cooling process
Biscuit firing
Biscuit firing is the first firing of ceramics, that means
the firing of the dry, unglazed piece. Care should be
taken when loading the kiln not to touch kiln walls or
elements. In a biscuit firing the arrangement of the ware
in the kiln is not crucial. The pieces may touch each
other and may be stacked. If there is not enough surface
area several levels may be filled by the use of props and
one or more kiln shelves.
Tip:
When firing large, smooth plates use grog or sand
as roaming support, this works like a lubricant on
the ware.
When firing very large pieces, the increase in
temperature should be slow, e. g. 60-120°C/h. In this
way cracking should be avoided. Pieces which are not
completely dry can be prepared for firing with a drying
program.
