Kiln Test Fires

In order to ascertain the individual aspects of my kiln I did four test fires using the pre-programmed settings on my kiln. I decided to start out testing the slow & fast tack fuse programs as well as the slow & fast full fuse programs. I am using a log book to note the programs I use and the results so I can track as well as reference for future pieces

Overall the test fires were successful. The tack fuse takes the kiln up to 1325 degrees fahrenheit and the full fuse takes the kiln up to 1450 degrees fahrenheit. I was nervous & excited to do this for the first time in my kiln and am happy with the results.

The tack fusing was pretty much the same for both firings with minor differences. The full fuse had some pretty obvious differences in how the glass came together into one layer. Since I didn’t do two full layers I knew there would be some dog-boning in the full fuse runs and there was. I have included an explanation of this common effect below.

Explanation of dog boning in glass fusing