Imbedded fine silver wire melts! Why? Please help.

[Sweetpeagreen]

Hello. I'm new to this forum, I hope someone can help me, I'm desperate for some advice.

I bought the Kate McKinnon book 'Sculptural Metal Clay' and followed the instructions in there that advise using 1mm+ fine silver wire imbedded into wet clay to create findings etc, and to fire at 899c. I fired a test piece that had 1mm piece of wire imbedded into it, but the whole thing melted. It was a new kiln and the digital display didn't seem to be working properly so I returned it for a replacement. I tested the new kiln today, it seems to be holding the temperature correctly. I fired a piece of 1mm and a piece of 2mm fine silver wire to test it. Within 30 mins both pieces were completely melted!

I don't know what I am doing wrong? I've read elsewhere that others imbed fine silver wire into their clay with no problems...please help! I really don't know what to try or what is causing the problem! Thank you

[mizgeorge]

Fine silver has a melting point of 961c, which would suggest that your kiln controller is reading cooler than it actually is. Bear in mind that kilns do not have an even temperature throughout.

What type of kiln are you using? You may need to calibrate using a separate thermocouple with a digital readout and make the necessary adjustments to the controller temperatures after doing this.

[Sweetpeagreen]

Thank you so much for your reply!

That's why I'm so confused, because I'm setting it below the melting point of fine silver, and the digital controller reads at the temp I have set it to.

The kiln I have is from a website called technicalsupermarket.com and it's the R14-S Standard Table-Top Digital Kiln. I can't post a link but you will find it in google.

What you suggested about a thermocouple etc sounds a bit complicated for me perhaps? I'm new to all this, and presumed if the kiln sold to me said it would hold the temp I set it at within 2 degrees either side, It would do this??? So it seems the kiln is at fault again?

I feel I'll have a fight on my hands for a refund so disappointed as I saved for ages for that kiln, and can't afford to waste more materials in it.

Thank you for any help you can give

[mizgeorge]

In honesty, it sounds like the temperature readout is quite a long way from the actual temperature - it's not like it's a couple of degrees, it's over 50, so yes, I think you need to go back to the supplier. The melting point of fine silver is a known quantity, so it's not as though there's a question of the temperature for that being wrong.

It's more of a concern for your metal clay, which is also fine silver, as at that level, you will constantly risk melting the whole piece rather than just firing it.

[Sweetpeagreen]

Hi George

Thank you for confirming that. Yes that's my thought too. I've emailed the store asking to return the kiln for a refund, but I know the first time I asked this, they said they don't offer refunds which is how I ended up with a replacement. I just hope they're fair about it, as it's the second kiln in 1 week I have had from them with the same problem, so a refund isn't an unreasonable request I feel - despite it not being their usual policy.

Otherwise, I'm stuck with a £250 kiln that I can't use and that I can't afford to replace...so disappointed.

[pearlescence]

Did you buy from a website? If so they are legally bound by the distance selling regulations and have to give a refund. no ifs ands or buts or their policy. It's a European union law