電気炉
Basics of Electric Furnaces
Japanese: 電気炉のきほん
The heart of fusing is the electric kiln. It might look complicated, but all you need to learn is “how to raise and lower the temperature.”
Things to Know
There are two main types of electric furnaces: those equipped with digital temperature controllers (which are simple to operate) and those equipped with programmable controllers (which allow you to set multi-stage temperature programs).
Firing can be broadly divided into four time periods.
The first step (from room temperature to around 480°C) is to “not crack it.” Don’t rush; raise the temperature slowly.
The second stage (the slow-cooling zone; 490°C on the Bullseye) “leaves no distortion.” Hold the piece here for a set amount of time.
The third stage (600–750°C) is about “keeping it clear.” If you let it melt slowly and continuously, it will become cloudy.
The fourth step (highest temperature) is “beautiful.” This is where you determine the degree of melting—that is, the texture.
Before baking, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a baking spray.
Here's the key point
Cooling is more important than melting. If you cool it slowly and carefully, it usually won’t crack.
Common Pitfalls
If you open the door during firing to check on the progress and cause the piece to cool suddenly, it will almost certainly crack. No matter how curious you are, leave it to the program and wait until the end. Whether you can wait it out might be the key to successful fusing.
This entry is written in Japanese by Rei Chikaoka and translated for readers outside Japan. If something reads oddly, the original is the source of truth.