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Post by mariewright on Oct 30, 2015 6:10:52 GMT -6
Hi All,
So, I've finally had to convert to the new batch of 644. I ran out of the oh-so-rocky batch that we loved so much... Any tips on how to adjust your glazes to this new batch? I thought I remembered Koz saying that adding in more silica helped (I might have remembered wrong - I could not find the reference) So I tried some silica additions last night and it did not do the trick. I thought I'd ask what adjustments worked well in your base glazes - just in case anyone is feeling generous with their info  I'll be working on getting those luscious 644 crystals again, and any help would be appreciated!
Thanks all, Marie |
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Post by Koz on Oct 30, 2015 10:27:28 GMT -6
Marie,
What batch number do you have? I would be curious to get a sample from Fusion to see if they have made a new batch recently and how it works.
Currently I have batch A-11178, and it sure ain't like it use to be....lots of inconsistencies from batch to batch because of the way it is made, in crucibles containing the remains of other types of frit.
Back when you brought this up before, I remember telling you to swap out 10% frit for 10% silica.
Try that first, and then try adding lithium carbonate, starting at 1%.
This batch #A-11178 of 644 just doesn't melt the way it use to, so a little extra flux helps out.
I have indeed recently run a few loads of crystal, mostly smaller bottles for shows, and the lithium did the trick.
Don't get stuck on using JUST 644 though....I've had real good luck and consistent results mixing in some 3110 and 413, equal parts of each. They all seem to play well together.
And in time, it will turn rocky. Not that that makes a difference or that there's anything wrong with that. A hammer, a steel toe boot, and the bionic Vitamix blender takes care of that in no time.
Koz
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Post by mariewright on Oct 30, 2015 14:26:19 GMT -6
Hey Koz,
I wound up with Lot A-11947. It is definitely less melty then the good stuff - more like the batch you have, I think.
I also use a mix of 644, 3110, and 413 - I'll play with the ratios a bit again now that I'm back to the experimental phase.
Back when I was getting away from using only 3110, I learn enough from you guys to decide that a mix can give you great results!
Thanks for chiming in - I really appreciate it! I'll see if Lithium works for me too.
Cheers, Marie |
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Post by oliverpiano on Nov 2, 2015 12:55:38 GMT -6
I'm fortunate, still have quite a bit of the chunky stuff and I always use it in combination with 3110. Next time someone is ordering 644 we need to ask if they could always run 644 after F15, I think it's their version of 3110 and it wouldn't cost them anything or make work for them. That way the slag in the crucible would be more consistent and better suited to our needs.
Mike
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Post by Koz on Nov 5, 2015 11:57:45 GMT -6
Mike,
That's a good idea. Now the trick is to talk to the right person at Fusion who cares enough to actually follow through with it.
I have about half a bag left of the chunky stuff. it is batch #A 9934 1. Is that what you have?
My current batch is certainly chunky, and has hardened up over time, but not like that older batch.
Koz
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Post by oliverpiano on Nov 8, 2015 20:34:55 GMT -6
Mine is A10593. I don't use it up too fast so I have 1/2 a bag left but I will probably have to order more 413 first and will ask about implementing my no cost fix. Am I correct that F15 is the one we want to follow?
Mike
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Post by Koz on Nov 9, 2015 10:58:14 GMT -6
Mike,
Yeah the F-15 is real close to 3110.
Or maybe follow a batch of 413. It sure is more melty, (yes, "melty." That's a real pottery word everyone, if you don't believe me just call Fusion Ceramics and ask them)and that would help out the 644.
Certainly worth a phone call Mike. Talk to the right person and it could happen. It would be interesting to know for sure.
Koz
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I'll be working on getting those luscious 644 crystals again, and any help would be appreciated!
