large tiles cracking

Sep 21, 2003 3 Replies
M

I have this very smooth, slick clay, which feels very much like porcellain, but is tan colored and sinters at 1100C. It works very well on the wheel, to handbuild, but, if you make any large, flat pieces, like large tiles or so, it tends to crack right down the middle. I don't normally make large flat pieces, but some people in my weekend workshops did. Is there any way i can prevent this? i was thinking about spreading kaolin on the kilnshelves to prevent the pieces from sticking, make them slide easier as they shrink. Or do you have any other advice?



Monika


-- Monika Schleidt snipped-for-privacy@schleidt.org

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A

You could spread grog. or better calcined alumina on the shelves. Calcined alumina is like tiny ball bearings that would move well with the shrinkage etc. Another alternative would be to try using grog in the clay, or even perhaps paper, make it into paper clay. Good luck.

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C

I use silica sand on my shelves when firing large flat platters. I am able to dust it off when done and re-use it.

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