Category Archives: Firing

Firing, News, Technique

Solar-Powered Ceramic Firing: Bentrup SmoothPOWER

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SmoothPOWER is Bentrups solution for solar-powered ceramic firing. This summer, during a webinar from this innovative manufacturer of ceramic kiln controllers, I learned why this is so important.

Bentrup has more than 40 years of experience in developing controllers for the ceramic industry, artisan potters and ceramists. That’s why I wanted to hear about the latest technological innovations from the founder Reinhard Bentrup.

Connecting a ceramic kiln to solar energy is more complex than it seems. The solar energy generated must first be converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) by an inverter. The cabling must be constructed in such a way that the various components guarantee safe and efficient power transmission. This system is known as the PV (Photovoltaic) installation.

If the power from the PV system is not used directly, it can be discharged in two ways: to the electricity grid or to a home battery. But is it possible for an electric kiln to use power directly and efficiently from the PV system?

This was a question I posed to expert Reinhard Bentrup.

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Firing, News, Technique

Bentrup Superwise: a livestream of your ceramic firing

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With the new generation of Bentrup controllers, everyone can follow a ceramic firing live online: the Bentrup Superwise live stream.

Bentrup Superwise is platform-independent, so you can just as easily track your firing via your PC, laptop, tablet or mobile. But the Superwise app can do more than just live stream your ceramic firing.

It’s also an online logbook and a Swiss Army knife for your Bentrup controller. You can use the app to set and quickly adjust your personal firing programs. Also view and adjust the controller settings, receive live error messages and use the “KilnAssist”.

One of the first livestreams was of a coffee machine (Trojan Room coffee pot) in the computer lab of the University of Cambridge. In 1991, Quentin Stafford-Fraser put the webcam live. So the entire department was able to follow online whether the coffee was ready.

About ten years later, I wanted exactly the same thing, but to see if the pottery was ready. 🙂

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Firing, Technique

Ceramic kiln controller: what does today’s ceramist need to know?

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A ceramic kiln controller is as essential as a rudder for a ship. Without this crucial component, you may be able to move forward, but whether you will reach the desired destination remains in question. It is the same with a regulator or kiln controller: a ceramic kiln simply cannot do without a control, certainly not the current generation of kilns.

Modern ceramic kilns do not have an on or off switch, only a plug input (connector). Selecting a new ceramic kiln is a challenge in itself, let alone finding the right controller. This is especially true if you deviate from the standard controllers that come with the kiln.

Personally, I’ve always chosen a kiln controller that suited better my specific needs than the standard option. More than twenty years ago I chose the Bentrup TC 507, which I am still very satisfied with. However, the new generation of controllers offers significant advantages, such as SmoothPOWER for solar energy and Superwise for logging and an online firing livestream.

Is it time for an upgrade?

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Firing, Technique

Ceramic kiln control: from Kiln Sitter to microprocessor

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“The Times They Are A-Changin'”, Bob Dylan sang in 1964, and that’s right: the ceramic kiln control has changed a lot in recent decades.

Maybe he wasn’t singing about ceramic kilns, but he certainly could have done it! Political climate and human nature may have changed little since the ’50s. But the way ceramists operate their kilns has evolved dramatically.

From a hole in the ground to an electric kiln, it was a huge technological leap that took thousands of years. However, the transition from manual to fully automated control has taken place in less than 50 years. Making it accessible to urban potters like me.

For me, Lucie Rie is the founder of all “urban potters”. Rather than setting up a studio in the countryside with a gas or wood-burning kiln, she established her pottery shop at 18 Albion Mews, in the heart of London.

She ordered her first real electric stoneware kiln in 1948. It soon became clear that firing was more difficult than expected: the first firing during Christmas failed completely. The kiln over-fired!

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Firing, Technique

New ceramic kiln? First calibrate and compare!

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If you have invested in a new ceramic kiln (new for you, 2nd hand is of course also possible), you must first get to know him (or her). Just like a new friend, you have to discover each other and slowly grow closer to together. Then something beautiful can blossom between you and your new kiln or soulmate!

Building strong relationships between people can take a long time. But with a new ceramic kiln it can be done much faster. The difference? With a ceramic kiln you can set and measure everything.

So first calibrate and compare is my motto, but how do you do that?

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Clay, Firing, Glaze, Technique

Top three reasons to buy a small ceramic test kiln (and one to get rid of it)

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I recently purchased a small Rohde ceramic test kiln from Keramikos. In addition to congratulations on ” the little one” :-), I was also asked: why buy a test kiln? After all, I can also fire my work in my larger (150 liter) kiln.

glaze testing unfired

A good question and a nice reason to list my reasons for my investment in this blog. I came up with this top three and one to get rid of my kiln…

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Firing, Technique

Buying an electric ceramic kiln? This is what you need to know!

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There are a lot of practical details involved in purchasing an electric ceramic kiln to fire your ceramics. The location where the kiln will be placed, the electrical outlet needed and the kiln controller. But also venting, stacking material and other tools. Not to mention the budget. In short, all details that are important to make the right choice if you want to invest in a new ceramic kiln.

I bought my first kiln 30 years ago and very recently my ceramics supplier Keramikos installed my new one. A lot of things have changed in the ceramics world in those years, but ceramic kilns are stills essential. What has also remained: you should inform yourself well before making this investment.

In the previous blog I discussed the importance of a good ceramic kiln supplier. In the blog before that I looked at the reasons for having your own kiln and what specific requirements you have. Discovering the most suitable kiln for your ceramic work: your personal “dream kiln”.

But we leave the daydreams behind us. Making ceramics is earthy, so you have to stand with both feet on the (clay) ground when choosing a kiln.

Si in this third blog practical tips to make a choice based on possibilities and preferences.

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Firing, Technique

Ceramic kilns: Get to know your kiln supplier before buying

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You can go to a ceramic kiln supplier to order a kiln. But more importantly: you can also get your information and service there.

Of course you can find and buy everything online. But my advise to you: visit in person and get to know your supplier first hand before you order anything.

Recently Keramikos delivered my new kiln. They have a beautiful showroom, with new and familiar models of ceramic kilns. I always have a look around when I collect my raw materials. Especially now they have just moved to an even more spacious location at Conradweg 19 in Haarlem 🙂

In this blog my follow-up tips in case you are are looking for the right ceramic kiln for you. And where better to start than at your ceramic kiln supplier.

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Firing, Technique

Buying a ceramic kiln: Don’t forget about the orientation phase

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You want to go your own (clay) way. Got to draw your own (firing) plan. Need to stand on your own (ceramic) feet. So one day you’ll know: you’re going to buy your own ceramic kiln!

This year I invested in a new ceramic kiln, supplied by my ceramics supplier Keramikos. It was not my first kiln and yet it is always quite a task to sort everything out properly. Fortunately, I had help in my research.

And I’am happy to share that. In the upcoming blogs I am going to list my tips. Starting with the orientation phase. Because a solid investment starts with solid preliminary work…

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Firing, Personally

My new Flame has arived: we now live together!

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We had long left the seven-year itch behind us, but after almost 20 years a new desire awoke in me. My old flame disappointed me again and again. Was I tired of her? Is it time for our paths to part?

And then I met her. More and more furtive glances in her direction. A “coincidental” meeting at Keramikos. An extra round to admire her. I enjoyed her shapes, her warmth, her fiery temperament. Was this love mutual?

I took the plunge about six months ago. We had to move on together. I gathered all my courage (and money)…. And I ordered my new ceramic kiln.

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Firing, Glaze, Technique

More control over Glaze Firings? Use PTCR Measuring Rings!

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PTCR measuring rings quantify both time and temperature of the glaze firing: heat work. Why do I think that’s so important to know (and to measure)? There are several reasons for this…

But let me start with what exactly PTCR measuring rings are. PTCR stands for “Process Temperature Control Rings”, so rings to get control over your firing temperature.

And what do you get out of it as a potter? I would like to explain that in this blog.

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Firing, Technique

Ceramic Bisque Firing, a kiln full of promises

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The ceramic bisque firing is the first firing in the ceramic process. It’s the transformation from clay into ceramics. It’s the essential intermediate step. Between hand-shaped clay and glazed work. After this firing, there is no turning back to the clay bin.

I hear people lyrically talking about their last raku firing. Tears of joy when digging for a pot from a pit fire. Trembling hands of anticipation when opening the kiln door after a glaze firing. But never exciting stories about the first firing. No cheers when the lid of a bisque kiln is lifted.

Bowls after bisque firing

The bisque firing is the step child of ceramics. But the firing process is magical– even a bisque.

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