Well, the kiln is only half working. First was a programming error...heating 5˚ an hour instead of 500˚ an hour for that segment. Marc reprogrammed it, all seemed well until we checked it again later at 1370˚ with the FTH error message...failure to heat, which meant it couldn't heat up as fast as it was programmed for. Front loading glass casting kilns have heating elements in the top, all three sides, and the door. Turns out only the top and door elements are coming on which means it takes longer to heat up. We think we can still get the pieces cast for this box with the kiln as is, it will just take a longer firing schedule. Once we've got all the pieces cast then he can take his time trying to figure out why the side elements aren't coming on when they're on the same circuit as the door, especially if he has to replace the coils.
The test firing is done, the face with flowers on a heart mold cool enough to take out of the kiln and it looks fine, has a little devitrification which is why it looks cloudy at the point, probably from being at a particular temperature for too long.
So the first two pieces for the box, the inlay and the top, are now in and the kiln started. Fingers crossed!
Chloe has totally ignored the scratchy cardboard, even with a sprinkle of catnip. And I'm still not convinced this cat isn't pregnant. I swear her little nipples are getting bigger and her belly is firm though when I squish around on her tummy, I don't feel any lumps in there either.
Today's predicted high is 98˚ with a real feel of 107˚. Currently 91˚, real feel 103˚. No rain forecast til Friday.
I'm at loose ends waiting for these two pieces to come out which will be several days. I should be doing a drawing or a new watercolor but I'm sort of paralyzed with indecision. I've got two books from the library and can't even settle down to read for more than 30 minutes at a time.
recently hatched baby anole.
Well, I sure do hope the kiln is working for you. I can't wait to see the final project here.
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing a lot of baby anoles here too. I saw one on a bean vine when I was picking today but it was too skittish for me to get its picture. Good job on the one you took!
Our temps are "only" in the nineties this week but the humidity is brutal. I am just too old for this sort of heat.
I'm glad you can at least get the current firing completed anyway. No wonder you're unsettled, what with the endless heat, too. We're having similar baking temps, not liking it!
ReplyDeleteStoopid kiln! Well, I hope that jolts some sense into it.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Chloe scratching? The furniture? Did I miss something?
You do have a lot going on there. Really hope that kiln problem is worked out for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting getting to know this new kitty cat. She is a lucky girl to have found her way into your heart and home.
I can only imagine the adjectives that precede "kiln" when you speak of this device!
ReplyDeleteIs the newer kiln under any type of warranty? Seems like it should not have quit working if it isn't that old.
ReplyDeleteHope you get cooler weather soon and can relax and enjoy it!
Good luck with the kiln! I hate it when I can't settle to anything, but it's pretty rare for me because I'm such a lump by nature :)
ReplyDeleteI hope the kiln has come up to expectations by now. It reminds me a tiny bit of the days long ago when I was worked in the kitchen of a conference center in one of these ancient British country homes, baking bread for a weekend of 25 people in an ancient Aga (= wood fed) oven, no temperature controls etc. Not a complete success if I remember correctly.
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