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Thread: Now I'm Really Nervous

  1. #1
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    Unhappy Now I'm Really Nervous

    It's no good putting it off, the time has finally come.

    Henry is getting fired up for the first time today.

    I've finished my roses to the best of my ability and lovingly laid them on a soft bed of carbon encased in steel. I've read the instruction manual three times and the programming manual six, I've even written down the exact programme I want to enter, put it in and got my OH to check it.

    And .... I've just pressed START. A few clicks later and every thing looks like it should.

    Don't get me wrong, as a rule I don't have a problem with equipment. I can handle a router, angle grinder and SDS drill with equal ease, I can lay a reasonably good line of bricks and I'm ok with the fundamentals of plumbing, I can even replace a broken socket faceplate without a second thought.

    So whay am I convinced I've done something wrong here, god knows, I suspect I won't settle down until the first piece is out and I know it's ok. Given that it going to be a while I better make sure I keep myself busy.

    I wonder is this what they mean when they talk about 'suffering for your art'.
    Annie xXx

    All things are possible - if you look at them the right way!

  2. #2
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    What firing programme are you using Annie?
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  3. #3
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    I'm following your recommendations actually. 80c per hours up to 850c, then hold for two hours, I've read a few different methods for firing.

    An American website suggests firing without the lid to burn off the binder, allowing to cool then firing with a carbon covering at full heat for 3 hours to sinter the metal. Another tells you to ramp straight up to full temperature and then hold. I'm going with the safer option as it's the first time I've done this and as the pieces are quite thick at the bottom - about 1cm.

    If I get a bit of time this week I think I may make a few copper discs. I can then try the various methods and see what happens. At least that will leave me with some copper discs to practice my enamelling on.
    Annie xXx

    All things are possible - if you look at them the right way!

  4. #4
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    I've got some of the new Art Clay copper to experiment on
    (gotta resist though until some of my commissions are finished)

    Don't pickle your fired copper clays (if they're going to be enamelled )
    Nic x
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  5. #5
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    That's a thought - lol.

    How long does it take for the kiln to cool down from 850c? Not that I'm impatient or anything!
    Annie xXx

    All things are possible - if you look at them the right way!

  6. #6
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    I leave mine to cool overnight.....

  7. #7
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    Ah, I'm so glad that I haven't got into using such technical equipment

    I'm sure your first pieces will be just fine.
    Anne

    Feel the fear, and do it anyway!
    Blog: http://www.whiteoakjewellery.blogspot.com/
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  8. #8
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    Thanks - I'm just a bit of a control freak - I like to know what's happening and why!

    It looks as if it's going ok except it appears to be ramping up 80c every 45 minutes not every 60 mins. Not too worried by that (chews fingernails), just concerned that If I haven't programmed it properly it won't hold at 850c but keep getting hotter. Now where did I put that manual.
    Annie xXx

    All things are possible - if you look at them the right way!

  9. #9
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    Default Firing Nicely - Feeling Better Already.

    Well so far so good.

    It reached 850c at 21.55. I've kept a record of the process as instructed. It was a good idea as it stopped me worrying too much (well after the 1st hour anyway).

    In the first hour there was an increase on 84c, which made me think I'd done something wrong. After that the hourly increases were 79 - 81c - phew!!!

    I have 1:35 hr to go now, then I'm going to be sad and record how quickly it cools down by itself.

    One thing they don't tell you in the manual is how strange it smells, you definately want a window open when it's on. lol
    Annie xXx

    All things are possible - if you look at them the right way!

  10. #10
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    Annie, did you not do an empty firing first? You really should have done one, with the cone out (I think you've got an SC2 haven't you) as the first firing can be a bit smelly and smoky. You may find the inside looks a little less white when it's finished as well

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