Moving
on from pre-set schedules
If
your kiln has come with pre-set schedules, the first thing to find
out is what rates, temperatures and times are set for the fast medium
and slow fuse, tack and slump schedules.
Then,
rather than just pressing the appropriate button, enter the numbers
into the controller for each firing. This will give you confidence
in programming the firings. Alter one element (such as the rate of
advance, or the soak length) each time you enter the schedule and
record the results. This will enable you to see what different
rates, temperatures and soaks will do to your glass.
Make
quick observations for fusing from about 750C every quarter of an
hour to see how the glass is reacting. For slumping the observations
should start about 600F. If the glass has reached the state you want
before that segment of the schedule has completed, just advance the
programme to the next segment (read your manual to find out how to do
that on your controller).
It
is only by making alterations and observing the results that you will
gain the confidence to do your own programming when you do something
the manufacturer didn't think about. There are so many factors, the
programmes work for a limited range of possibilities.
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