Experimenting with Metal Scraps in Pottery Kiln Firing

Explore an innovative pottery experiment as a ceramicist incorporates metal scraps from blacksmithing into clay. Follow the entire process from wedging bronze filings and steel hammer scale into the clay, through throwing, trimming, and glazing test bowls. Witness the reduction firing at 1290ºC and discover the unexpected results. Learn about the safety precautions taken, including using protective trays, and see how a second firing affects the final outcome. Gain insights into this unique fusion of metalworking and ceramics, including the polishing of the finished pieces and studio clean-up.

- Introduction and unboxing
- Mixing the metals, bronze and steel hammer scale into my clay
- Throwing two test bowls
- Trimming the bowls
- The trays I'll be firing these in, safety nets
- Loading the electric kiln for a bisque firing to 1000ºC
- Waxing the bowl's feet
- Glazing the bowls
- Tidying up the glazed surface
- Preparing the bowls for reduction firing
- Reduction firing my Rohde KG-340 to 1290ºC
- Unloading the gas kiln
- The fired bowls...
- Firing them a second time!
- The final, finished bowls.
- Polishing their feet
- Clean up