tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post6320584543110736274..comments2024-02-21T11:52:30.081-05:00Comments on The Beadful Life @ BeadFX: Joy of Metal Clay: Fast Fire BronzClay - Part 2jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14783446456485814624noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post-5490773587858718542011-09-18T20:51:41.338-04:002011-09-18T20:51:41.338-04:00I am so glad I found this post. I have just start...I am so glad I found this post. I have just started playing with the fast fire copper and white bronze powder. I absolutely love working with the new powder clays. So far I've done 3 firings and am not sure if I'm getting the best results. The directions I have call for a two step firing with the first one ramping full speed to 1000 degrees f for 30 minutes to 2 hours, cool to room temp. Fire again full speed to 1250 degrees f, hold for 2 hours. I had two of my larger round hoop shape earrings break (not happy) and the rest seems okay. However I can't figure out how to clean the fired pieces and bring them to a nice shine. Can you help?Danahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02471650266114372700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post-33594330665195097882010-10-30T11:42:21.601-04:002010-10-30T11:42:21.601-04:00Diana...Firing methods are challenging to figure o...Diana...Firing methods are challenging to figure out the best option for you. In an ideal situation we all should be firing in well ventilated rooms away from our living quarters. That being said, I don't know many artist who have the luxury of doing this. There are many kilns on the market today. I have the Paragon FireFly which I love and was the most affordable at the time for me. If you are going to buy a kiln my advice is to get one with a digital controller as this will allow you to set the temperature and time and there is less of a need to baby sit the kiln. I do not know all the kilns on the market today. I will often refer my students to look at the WholeLottaWhimsy's website kiln comparison guide which gives good information. Or contact another similar supplier as vendors should a good idea about their products that they sell.<br /><br />Our BeadFx buyer just informed me that they will be supplying the Ultralite Beehive kiln which I have tried some experiments with and I like it and have read good reviews about it. The only problem is you will not be able to get a high enough temperature to fire copper clay in it (I think its maximum temperature is 1550F.....<br /><br />I will try and pull together some information on firing options and put together a post in the future.<br /><br />One thing to consider is that when you get into working with metals like copper and bronze each brand has different firing recommendations. For example Art Clay Copper you do not need to use carbon in firing whereas Metal Adventures CopprClay does require carbon. <br /><br />There is a system called the speedfire cone which is an open flame (reminds me of a camping stove) and I have a friend who fired both Art Clay Copper and Silver with it. One caveat though you don't have very much flexibility with this method and it is an open flame...not a great option for an appartment.<br /><br />There are so many things to consider but hopefully this will help you start thinking about what you want or need.<br /><br />Good luck. HeatherFine Silver Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475392679640952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post-81320829130979373522010-10-25T22:59:42.430-04:002010-10-25T22:59:42.430-04:00I'm interested in trying silver clay and coppe...I'm interested in trying silver clay and copper clay; can you recommend a reasonably priced kiln or firing method that doesn't take up too much room? I live in an apartment.<br /><br />DianaDianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13364214027454926253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22215220.post-13847496475630115532010-10-24T12:12:10.759-04:002010-10-24T12:12:10.759-04:00I am in awe! This is GREAT!I am in awe! This is GREAT!Lisa Cronehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16713084018846253498noreply@blogger.com