Expert: Sam Kelly - 4/5/2010

Question
I have a built a piece with stoneware cone 10 clay that I want to fire using sawdust to achieve those beautiful black spots from the smoke. The piece has not been fired jet. It is in a greenware state. I don't have experience at firing and I suspect that the sawdust will not provide enough heat to fire the piece at its cone 10 maturing temperature and will come out of the metal bin too weak and easy to break. I suspect that if I bisque fire it at cone 10 first and then fire it again in sawdust will not achieve the effect. Would I need to sawdust fire it first and then fire it again in an electric kiln at cone 10? What is the best way to do it? I will appreciate any help with any suggestion. Thank you very much. Have a great day. Juan

Answer
Hi Juan, fire it to cone 06, this being bisque at 1000degC. Do your black firing, thats all you can do. Any refiring in kiln over 800degC will burn the carbon/black out of your pot.

Being a pot that is not sealed with a glaze the use is prety much a "look at" pot, so maturation really isn't a concern.

Sam