Hi, there! I'm still learning my basics at the torch and I'm trying to make a sculptural piece and it's taking me a few days to finish. In my last few attempts, by the third day, the piece keeps cracking while I'm trying to work it (even though I first warm the area at the tip of the flame) and I have to give up.
Do I need to anneal it at the end of each day or is it ok to anneal it when the piece is finally over?
I don't have my own kiln and need to go to a nearby workshop for annealing. Can I flame anneal my work at the end of each day and then do a final kiln annealing at the end?
Is it ok to put a cool piece into the kiln directly at the temperature of 1050 f?
Finally, I'm really scared that after making my piece and I put it into the kiln to anneal it may crack in the kiln.. how often does that happen? I make sure there are no visable cracks while putting it in.
Thanks in advance!