I have a new Hormaca gas kiln. It's pretty straight forward, top load,
4 burners, 12 cubic feet, oval shaped. I am new at the firing game, and I know these things take time & experience. However, I have done 4 firings, one bisque, and 3 failed attempts at glaze cone 5.
The problem seems to be the ramping up after the second segment of the fire. I do just fine in the warm up, then a steady raise to 1250 degrees, but after that I can't seem to ramp up in a timely manor to cone 5.
I also don't trust the pyrometer, as it read 1250, well into what I believe was much hotter.
I was checking the flame, playing with the damper, trying to get the elusive violet/green flame. That was the recommendation from the tech at Laguna clay co. I just don't know if I'm getting the right mix or gas & oxygen.
we think I'm getting enough gas, I am, that isn't the problem. I noticed after this fire that the inside is a little sooty, not a lot, just a tad grayish. Also, on parts of the lid there is sootiest trails.
I'm hoping to find someone else who owns this kiln, maybe they have some pointers. Laguna is being very helpful, they had no trouble with their test fires before they put these kilns on sale.
So, any thoughts on the matter would be most welcome. Looking forward to the influx of helpful hints :)