For Flux Sake

We start today’s episode learning why self-supporting cones are crucial for accurate firings, as well as everything you need to know about using cone plaques, from proper placement to reusability. We also delve deep into the world of firing temperatures talking about how to achieve vibrant colors at cone 10 while exploring the influence of alkaline earth fluxes on chemistry. Have you been thinking of substituting feldspars in your glazes recently? Make sure to listen and learn about the importance of finding the perfect feldspar match to balance your glaze chemistry.

Confused about glazes or facing a kiln crisis? Don't suffer in silence! Send the For Flux Sake crew a voice memo or message with your question to [email protected] - your problem could be solved on-air!

Today’s episode is brought to you by the 28th Annual Bray Benefit Auction.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Pyrometric cones, cones, kiln, firing temperature, firing atmosphere, cone 6 vs cone 10, blue glaze, green glaze, copper carbonate

Listen in as the gang visit Materials Corner to discuss the latest updates surrounding the loss of Custer. Matt also answers a question from a brewer about the source of water that you use in your glazes. The answer might surprise you! Also, Kathy and Rose share how they've both used CMC in glazes and Matt dives into the science behind it.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Water, Custer Feldspar, Glaze troubleshooting, CMC, material substitution

Listen to episode 69 where Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss a listener's question about the use of ceramic bowls in the hair salon. Can ceramic be safely used for mixing hair dye? The team delves into the chemistry to determine if these bowls are a safe choice or a potential disaster.

Thinking about going green in the studio? The gang dives into listener concerns about sustainability in a large community ceramics space. Is lowering firing temperatures the answer?  What about the materials themselves? Join the discussion as they explore how to strike a balance between eco-friendly practices and keeping a community studio functional.

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Toxicity, leaching, glaze chemistry, glaze flaws, sustainability, eco-friendly, firing temperature, recycling clay, cone 10, cone 6

In episode 68, we're getting schooled on Shino glazes! Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss some of the history, science, and stunning beauty of these unique glazes. The gang also takes a deep dive into the murky waters of water chemistry in glazes. Is it the secret ingredient or a total myth? 

We'll also debunk some common misconceptions and explain why getting to know your specific gravity and viscosity is the real key to glaze consistency. Can you substitute tin in your glazes? Spoiler alert- it depends. Join the fun and listen in on the latest episode of For Flux Sake!

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment.

This week’s episode features the following topics: 

Shino glaze, Japanese ceramics, specific gravity, viscosity, glaze application, glaze troubleshooting, glaze firing, material substitution, tin oxide

Clay drama got you throwing shade? We've ALL been there! Join the For Flux Sake gang for episode 67 as we commiserate over inconsistent clay bodies and the woes of surprise firing results. We’ll explore the limitations of trying to adjust an existing clay body and glaze to meet your needs and some of the many reasons why commercial clay bodies can vary from batch to batch. Plus, we’ll shed some light on the truth about manganese myths. Learn what is and what is not an actual hazard to your health. Don’t rage-quit that project yet, listen to the latest episode of For Flux Sake and regain your sanity in the studio!

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment. Bailey Pottery Equipment has everything you need, from beginner to pro. They offer top-notch supplies at discount prices, all backed by friendly service.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Manganese, Toxicity, Absorption rate, commercial clay body, Clay absorption, reformulating clay, reformulating glaze, glaze fit

Listen to Kathy, Rose, and Matt take your glaze concerns head-on in this fired-up live recording from the convention this year! The audience delivered rapid fire questions to the gang so get ready for a hodgepodge of hot glaze conundrums. From water content and adjusting a recipe, to cracking the code on crazing crystals and banishing hard pan pandemonium, they tackled every question that came their way, and then some. Do you think anybody was able to stump them? Listen and find out. A special thank you to NCECA for co producing this episode and for supporting podcasting in the ceramics community.

Today's episode is brought to you by Snow Farm. From June 2nd-7th, join David McDonald for a hands-on workshop on making perfect-fitting lids for your thrown pieces.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Glaze Flaws, Crazing, Crystalline, Crystallization, Glaze Formulation, Raw Materials, Glaze Application, Glaze making tips, NCECA, NCECA 2024

Listen to the final part of our conversation with the fantastic Freddy Fredrickson, former kiln master at Alfred University and founder of Fredrickson kilns. This episode will have you thinking beyond temperature when trying to get the most out of your kiln during your firings. Is cone 6 truly more energy-efficient than cone 10? Can your thermocouple be the silent hero of your firings?  Freddy has answers to all your burning questions (pun intended!) and more!

Glaze got you in a daze? Mystery clay malfunction? Fire up your phone and send the For Flux Sake crew a voice memo or a message with your ceramic crisis at [email protected] - your problem could be solved on-air!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Electric Kiln, Cone 6, Cone 10, Cone 6 vs. Cone 10, Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficient Firing, Kiln Troubleshooting, Cones, Kiln Calibration, Kiln Design, Kiln Building, Kiln Efficiency 

Join Matt as he dives deep into kilns with Freddy Frederickson, the legendary founder of Fredrickson Kiln Company. For over 30 years, Freddy wasn't just building kilns at The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, he was perfecting the craft as their master kiln builder. In this first episode of our two-part interview, Freddy shares his remarkable journey. From the evolution of electric kiln technology to filling and firing an even kiln, listen in as he answers some of your burning questions about using your electric kiln.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Electric Kiln, Firing, Kiln, Kiln Troubleshooting, Kiln load, kiln firing

Thanks to everyone who came out to our live taping at NCECA. We had a blast and look forward to airing that episode in a few weeks. Today on the show the gang talk about the effect of mold in clay, bisque firing higher than your glaze temperature, and the wild wild west of slip formulas. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to [email protected].

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Slip casting, Mold, Clay Durability, Glaze Application, Slip Formula, Bisque temperature

This episode of Flux Sake is a technical delight! Rose and Matt unpack the fascinating world of commercial clay body profiling with Ceramic Material Workshop's ongoing research project. They'll unpack the different tests used and what they reveal about a clay body's performance. Need to know the perfect clay body and glazes for your project? We've got you covered! The gang tackles listener questions on finding durable materials for high-use barware and crafting long-lasting floor tiles. Feeling the spray gun frustration? You're not alone! The episode wraps up with solutions to a clogged spray gun, with insights from Kathy, Rose, and Matt on keeping your glaze application smooth.

Join the Flux Sake Crew Live! Catch the whole gang for a live recording at the NCECA conference in Richmond, VA on Friday, March 22nd at 11 am. Don't miss out!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Food Safety, Functional Ceramics, Utilitarian Ceramics, Dinnerware, Restaurant ware, Clay Durability, Glaze Durability, Coefficient of Friction, Ceramic Tile, Glaze Application, Glazing with spray gun