How do kilns work and why are they different?

What are the two basic fierings called and why are they different?*

What are the basic kinds of kilns and why are they different?**

What are some basic glaze firing techniques we can do here?***


* bisque - first fire cone 04 aprox. 1800 degrees F
glaze - second fire for us cone 5-6 aprox 2100 degrees F

**kilns are either electric or fuel fired - they burn gas, wood, charcoal or other.

***One can get clay and glazes to use specifically at a variety of temperatures - see chart below
low fire - often used in elementary school or bright colored table ware cone 04-02.
mid range 3-6 ---this is where we normally fire - can use as dishes
high fire 8-10. -- we can fire this hot in the gas kiln with specific clay for specific needs. Available for A.P. and continuing advanced students.

This is looking in a glaze kiln in process -- when it gets 'high yellow' the glaze is melted
and the clay body gets 'soft'
 -- it can subtly change in form
one of the reasons to fire lids on their base pots.