When it comes to pottery, low-fire clay (also known as earthenware) is a popular choice.
After all, low-fire clay is easy to work with and can be fired in most kilns.
However, before getting started, it’s important to understand the firing temperature requirements of low-fire clay.
Today, we’ll be sharing a Cone 06 firing schedule and equipping you with everything you need to know about low-fire clays!
Setpoints for Low-Fire Clays
While low-fire clay typically refers to Cone 06 through Cone 1, some low-fire clays can be fired all the way down to Cone 022 – or just 1112°F (600°C)!
(When looking at pyrometric cone numbers, if a ‘0’ is in front of the number, then higher number represent lower firing temperatures. If there is not a ‘0’ in front of the number, then higher numbers correspond with higher firing temperatures).
Please Note: Setpoints for ceramics can vary significantly depending on ramp rate – the setpoints below are all based on a ramp rate of 270°F/hr.
- Cone 022 Temp: 1112°F (600°C)
- Cone 021 Temp: 1137°F (614°C)
- Cone 020 Temp: 1175°F (635°C)
- Cone 019 Temp: 1261°F (683°C)
- Cone 018 Temp: 1323°F (717°C)
- Cone 017 Temp: 1377°F (747°C)
- Cone 016 Temp: 1458°F (792°C)
- Cone 015 Temp: 1479°F (804°C)
- Cone 014 Temp: 1540°F (838°C)
- Cone 013 Temp: 1566°F (852°C)
- Cone 012 Temp: 1623°F (884°C)
- Cone 011 Temp: 1652°F (900°C)
- Cone 010 Temp: 1679°F (915°C)
- Cone 09 Temp: 1693°F (923°C)
- Cone 08 Temp: 1751°F (955°C)
- Cone 07 Temp: 1803°F (984°C)
- Cone 06 Temp: 1830°F (999°C)
- Cone 05 Temp: 1915°F (1046°C)
- Cone 04 Temp: 1945°F (1063°C)
- Cone 03 Temp: 2014°F (1101°C)
- Cone 02 Temp: 2048°F (1120°C)
- Cone 01 Temp: 2079°F (1137°C)
- Cone 1 Temp: 2109°F (1154°C)
Benefits of Low-Fire Clays
If you’re looking up Cone 06 firing schedules, you might already be familiar with the benefits of low-fire clays. However, there is a reason these are a popular option.
Before it is fired, low-fire clay is soft and extremely malleable. Compared to stoneware or porcelain, low-fire clay is much easier and more forgiving to work with. Furthermore, low-fire clay has the lowest firing temperature requirements, so you can fire it in almost any type of kiln!
However, low-fire clay also has drawbacks. Even after it’s fired, low-fire clay remains relatively soft and porous. It is easier to scratch and break than high-fire stoneware or ceramics (learn more about Cone 10!).
Additionally, while you can use glaze to help waterproof low-fire clay, it isn’t as naturally waterproof as stoneware or porcelain.
Cone 06 Firing Schedule
As we mentioned in the section above, setpoints for low-fire clays vary greatly based on ramp rate. If you use a different ramp rate from the Cone 06 firing schedule below, make sure to adjust your setpoint accordingly.
Below is a Cone 06 firing schedule:
- Step 1: 80°F/Hr to 250°F.
- Step 2: 200°F/Hr to 1000°F.
- Step 3: 100°F/Hr to 1100°F.
- Step 4: 180°F/Hr to 1695°F.
- Step 5: 80°F/Hr to 1832°F.
Low-Fire Cone 06 Temperature
The firing temperature for Cone 06 in the schedule above represents a relatively fast ramp rate. A low-fire cone 06 temperature would correspond with a slower ramp rate. For example, at a ramp rate of 27°F/hr, a low-fire cone cone 06 temperature would be 1798°F.
That’s because slower ramp rates expose the ware to higher temperatures for a longer period of time.
Let’s take a look at another popular option – Cone 04!
Cone 04 Firing Schedule
Remember: When looking at a cone rating, if there’s a ‘0’ in front of the number, then the lower the number, the higher the setpoint!
The Cone 04 temp for this firing schedule is slightly higher than the setpoint for the Cone 06 firing schedule above
Below is a Cone 04 firing schedule:
- Step 1: 80°F/Hr to 250°F.
- Step 2: 200°F/Hr to 1000°F.
- Step 3: 100°F/Hr to 1100°F.
- Step 4: 180°F/Hr to 1695°F.
- Step 5: 80°F/Hr to 1945°F.
Cone 04 Firing Temperature
Remember, for the firing schedule above, the Cone 04 setpoint of 1945°F is based on the specific ramp rates of that schedule.
However, Cone 04 temps can change based on ramp rate. At a ramp rate of 27°F/hr, the setpoint for Cone 04 would be 1915°F. Or, at a ramp rate of 270° F/hr the Cone 04 temp would be 1971°F.
Where to Find More Bisque Firing Schedules
While there are multiple benefits to using low-fire clays, these are certainly not the only type of clay. In fact, stoneware or porcelain might be a better fit, depending on the qualities you want for your finished piece!
Check out this article for additional bisque firing schedules!
Power Your Kiln with The Most Advanced Ceramic Kiln Controllers
Whether you’re firing high-fire clays or low-fire clays (or anything in-between!), choosing the right kiln controller can help you execute your ceramic firings with more ease, precision, and consistency.
The TAP II and TAP II Pro Controllers by SDS Industries provide users with intuitive touchscreen controls, PID-driven precision, and the ability to name, save, and access and unlimited number of firing schedules with an unlimited number of steps.
With integration to the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app, you will be able to monitor your projects in real-time, receive real-time alerts, and enjoy remote kiln control through your smartphone or tablet!
We invite you to explore our selection of programmable kiln controllers, standalones, and conversion kits on our online store.
You can also purchase TAP Digital Controllers or TAP Controlled Kilns and Heat Treat Ovens through one of the following distributors:
- Evenheat
- Hot Shot Oven & Kiln
- Paragon Kilns
- Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
- Jen-Ken Kilns
- Kiln Frog
- Sheffield Pottery
- Delphi Glass
Cone 06 Firing Schedule FAQ
How hot is Cone 06?
There isn’t a one-size fits all answer for Cone 06 firing temps. Instead, there’s a range that’s impacted by your Ramp Rate (in other words, how fast your kiln is programmed to heat up and cool down).
With that in mind, below are Cone 06 firing temps for a couple common Ramp Rates:
- 27°F/hr: 1798°F (981°C)
- 108°F/hr: 1830°F (999°C)
- 270°F/hr: 1855°F (1013°C)
When creating your firing schedule, make sure to pay attention to your Ramp Rate and adjust your setpoint temperature accordingly!
How does the TAP II Pro make ceramic firing easier?
TAP II Pro – our new multi-zone kiln controller – has an exclusive Cone Fire Mode to make firing ceramics faster, easier, and more consistent than ever.
So, for instance, if you wanted to fire to Cone 06, you would just switch your controller over to Cone Fire Mode. Then you’d:
- Press Start.
- Scroll down to select Cone 06.
- Press Next.
- Adjust Pre-Heat Time, Firing Speed, Cone Offset, and Time at Peak Temperature.
- Press Start again.
From there TAP II Pro automatically readjusts your Cone 06 firing range according to the other adjustments you make – for perfect ceramic firings every time! That way, you won’t have to spend time looking up ceramic cone temperatures.
Like all TAP Kiln Control Products, TAP II Pro is a PID temperature controller, meaning your kiln adheres as closely to the programmed firing schedule as possible.
Where can I find schedules for other types of pyrometric cones?
For all things kiln temperature related, we encourage you to check out the TAP IN Blog!
Below are a few articles to help you get started understanding and creating ceramic firing schedules:
- Clay Firing: Low-Fire vs High-Fire Clay
- Mid-Fire Clay: Cone 6 Temp, Firing Schedule, & More!
- High-Fire Clay: Cone 10 Temperatures, Firing Schedule, & More
- Understanding Kiln Firing Schedules for Glass, Ceramics, Pottery, and Heat Treat
- Kiln Firing Chart for Pottery and Ceramics [Infographic]
We’re constantly updating our content library. But if there are any specific pyrometric cones you’d like to see us cover, feel free to reach out!
