Well, its taken a while but I realized a few weeks back that my kiln had been originally built for low firing only!!! The good thing about it was it has never been used hard and at only 7 firings since new it is in perfect condition. But to get it to cone 10 I had to upgrade the analogue controls to a digital setup and also a new thermocouple. Then we discovered it had no contactor ( the bit the controls the power on time ) luckily Stafford Instruments helped me out with good advice, thank you.Eventually tracked a guy down to do the electrics and last night it was working at last.Phew!!!
In the mean time I had been working away getting better at throwing, finding how to keep the walls stronger and working with coils etc.
Learning to control the fissures and generally throwing a lot of clay back into the bucket and recycling, It is a good idea not to be putting everything straight in the kiln.
This morning I took the plunge , loaded the kiln and have my first biscuit firing underway!
Fingers crossed for the results tomorrow, hopefully not too many explosions tonight!!

I decided I would like to learn the chemistry of glazes so bought a big selection of powders so I have it all to hand.

old controller and no contactor ..damn!!

new controller

all ready to go for first firing

My new chemistry set

first loads

 

working on formula's

my first glazes, hopefully a dark indigo wash for pots with scratched lines through it  and a white glaze to bring out the lines

Lots of new plants to make pots for and my ceropegia collection is up to 43 types.I think that is probably the biggest collection in United Kingdom. Hopefully I can put photos of the flowers as and when they appear.