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It consists of a calibrated dial connected to wires which protrude into the kiln. When heated, the welded junction of these wires produces a small electrical current which registers as a temperature reading on an indicator dial. The pyrometer is, unfortunately, not very accurate. It does provide a reasonable guide to whether the temperature in the kiln is rising smoothly and consistently, but does not provide an accurate enough reading to show the end point of the firing. Below is a picture of this meter.

Pyrometric cones are used to show the temperature of the end point of firing. Pyrometric cones are commercially produced pyramids of molded glaze, made to melt at specific temperatures. Cones are available at about forty degree intervals. Three or four cones are put in a cone plaque in the kiln, placed in a sequence of increasing melting temperature, so that when the melting temperature of the first cone is reached, it begins to melt, and bend so that by looking through the peep hole in the kiln, this can be seen. Below is a picture of Cones that have melted.



The first cone lets the potter know that the kiln is nearing its maturing temperature, and is called the warning cone. About fifteen to thirty minutes later, the second cone's melting point will have been reached, and it begins to bend also. This process continues until the desired temperature has been reached, and the target cone bends. You should place one extra cone in the group, the melting temperature of which is higher than that desired. This cone should remain standing, indicating that the desired temperature has not been pasted. This is referred to as the guard cone. Cones are more accurate than a pyrometer since they are made of glaze, just like the glazes on the surfaces of the pottery. So, when the cones melt, one can be assured that the glazes are melting also. You can use both a pyrometer and cones, since each provides information at different phases of the firing process. The pyrometer tells the potter what is happening early in the process, and during the cool down phase. The cones tell what is happening at the exact point of glaze melting. Some kilns come equipped with an automatic kiln sitter, which is a device that uses the melting of the cones to automatically shut down the kiln. The kiln sitter should never be relied upon 100% because they have been known to fail. There is no substitution for the potter watching the kiln and making sure it shuts down when it is suppose to during these crucial firing decisions.

Self Supporting Cone

Small Cone and Cone Plaque

Large Cone and Cone Plaque

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Have you ever come up with a good idea while working with your handmade pottery or ceramics and thought that you would like to share it with others? You have? Well, why not send it to us and we will add it to the tips page for all to see.

Handmade pottery can be a very gratifying hobby that produces fun and satisfying results. For many people it's an enjoyable release that is created by working an inanimate mound of clay into a beautiful work of art that you made through your artistic abilities.

The best way of starting out is to take a few lessons. You will probably waste quite a bit in materials when you first get started. Figuring out how to truly make handmade pottery correctly and shape into what you want it to be can be quite an ordeal. The different tools that a normal shop will have can be fun to try. You will soon see which ones you like to use the most and then when you are ready you will know which ones to buy.

When you get all set up, just enjoy the hobby and have fun at it. Some people get pretty serious and start selling their creations at craft fairs and small stores, but others just like to create items for themselves, relatives, and friends. Whichever kind of handmade pottery you desire to endeavor, enjoy the hobby and have fun doing it.