I'm no expert except to say "been there, done that, bought the t-shirt". Here is my experience:
- How do I get them off my shelves? I use a chisel or screwdriver (bugs the hell out of my hubby) and a hammer. Try not to take too much kiln shelf with it (duh, that's a given). I tap gently right at the base of the pot angled more flat then down. 2. Once they're off then how do I make my shelves usable again? Grind or sand them down, re-wash with kiln wash. Sometimes I dab the kiln wash into the dented bits to help even out the shelf again - tends to flake off as you fire with it though.
- What temperature is a good temp to remove pieces from the kiln after glaze firing? Not sure on exact temp, but I have used oven mitts to empty a kiln in a hurry (if I need to re-fire it with a new load). If I can wait I do, until they are totally cool (then you don't get the pigging) 4. Is it normal to hear popping/crackling noises---not big ones but they're there? In my experience NO! it is not normal. From what I understand it is the pot cooling too fast and causes the glaze to crackle (not good especially on food ware)
- Will I ever get used to the disappointment of ruined pieces and not be quite so upset? Probably not - not for those really nice pieces. For example, last winter our guild had an exhibition. I had some pieces bisqued that were sitting around waiting to be finished. I worked really hard at the underglazing etc and fired them with some students' work. The damn kiln over fired. I do ^6 and this kiln went to about ^10 or 11 as the clay was all bubbled and deformed. Lost about 4 really nice pieces. I cried, then I took a hammer to a couple just to vent the frustration =-) After all what else are ya gonna do with them? I have plans for a fountain in my front yard made mostly of seconds that did not make it out of the kiln properly for one reason or another. Now when something doesn't work (glaze flaws mostly) I add it to the pile for the fountain. May not get the frustration vented but isn't adding to my shard garden either. Hope I was able to help.
~~~~~~~~~~~~ Penni Stoddart of Penelope's Pots Full Time Education Assistant, Part Time Potter
You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me. I'm not a complete idiot -- some parts are missing!