I have the following programmed into my kiln.
My questions are for batch annealing--
- Do I follow this schedule at 1400? (I was told to change the first temp to 800 for batch annealing).
- Do I really need to hold this for 8 hours? (I won't be adding any beads-- just want to batch anneal now!)
- How full do I load my kiln? (I have an AIM BD94. I am only using the lid, base and fire ring-no shelves or furniture)
- Do I leave the peephole plug in the whole time?
- Does it need to vent? How and when?
- How close to each other do I put the beads?
- I have Bullseye Thin Fire paper underneath--is that ok?
Please help!! I want to stop being afraid of my kiln!!
Smiles, Sheri
Ra 1 = 1400 ( degrees per hour to ramp at )
oF 1 = 950 ( lower than annealing temp, referred to as the garaging' temp )
Hld1 = 8.00 ( 8 hours hold time )
Ra 2 = 1400 ( it will only take a few minutes to go from 950 to 968 )
oF 2 = 968 ( annealing temp )
Hld2 = 1.00 ( hold for 1 hour, the ANNEAL SOAK time )
Ra 3 = 120 ( equates to 2 degrees per minute, the ANNEAL RAMP )
oF 3 = 848 ( significantly below the 860 'strain point' to be safe )
Hld3 = .01 ( hold for 1 minute )
With Hld1 = 8.00, the kiln will hold at the 950 "garaging" temp for 8 hours. If you make beads for times longer than this, increase the 8.00 to what fits for you.