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 […]
Heat treating knives is an integral part of the knifemaking process. After designing the knife, cutting the profile, and adding the bevel, heat treating knives is one of the final stages of knifemaking before finishing the blades and attaching the handle. What Is the Purpose of Heat Treating Knives? Knifemakers expose blades to specific temperatures […]
When it comes to firing kilns, some of us had to learn the hard way! In fact, my absolute frustration with trying to figure out the controls for my glass studio kilns back in the day led us to create the TAP Kiln Controller. But programming the right firing schedule is just a small fraction […]
When it comes to firing ceramics, different types of clays and glazes are rated for different temperatures. A kiln firing chart, also known as a cone firing chart, is a useful tool for understanding the effects of temperature on different types of clays and glazes, as well as determining what firing schedule setpoints should be […]
In 2025, a meeting with a kiln manufacturer gave us an idea: We could make ceramic firing faster and easier than ever before. This is the story of TAP II Pro’s exclusive Cone Fire Mode. Preset firing schedules aren’t anything new. In fact, other temperature controller manufacturers rely on preset schedules to compensate for the […]
While there are some definite pros to using low-fire and mid-fire clays – like more workability, lower max kiln temperature requirements, and prolonging kiln element life – sometimes you need the unique qualities of high-fire clay. Firing porcelain to Cone 10 temperatures or higher leads to hard, waterproof wares that are durable, functional, resistant to […]
Few things are more satisfying than the process of glass firing art. From choosing the right type of glass, to methodically cutting your glass, and then programming the right firing schedule, glass firing is an intricate process. But it’s extremely rewarding to see your idea become a reality! Today we’ll be covering the ins and […]
The primary function of a kiln controller is to help users input (and successfully execute!) their kiln firing schedules…but what is a kiln firing schedule? Below, we’ll be helping you understand kiln firing schedules, as well as how firing schedules differ for materials such as glass, ceramic, pottery, and metal heat treat! Definition of Kiln […]
What’s one thing potters, ceramicists, glass artists, and metal workers have in common? Each relies on a kiln firing schedule to produce their finished wares. As you can imagine, kiln firing schedules are not one-size fits all! After all, specific temperatures over specific time periods create specific results. Below we’ll be exploring the ins and […]