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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- This video is about an ongoing project I have started to get more out of a microwave kiln. Eventually I will build a larger MW kiln, but until that time I am going to continue experimenting with the models I have. I hope this is informative and if so please hit the "Like" button and subscribe to my channel. Thanks for watching, Capt Mike
You are amazing! not scared to really experiment, found this so inspiring and interesting. I'm going to look at all of your Microwave kiln videos, The kilns are amazing and seeing how far you can take them is brilliant. I am new to fusing in a microwave kiln so wont be trying this idea for a long time if ever, not sure I have your courage, But if I do get into it you have shown me the potential of these amazing little kilns. Thank you
You could potentially stack it upside down and keep one kiln with the cutout facing right way up so the black painted sides are touching then use the base as a lid, then the white part will be up higher and the bottom will be where the heat is closest to what you're firing :]
Thanks for the suggestion!
I think I figured this out, well I didn't, but found the answer. I was watching a video and could figure out his kiln was so big. I finally realized that what he was using was two tops, one upside down as the base and the other as the lid.
I was wondering exactly this. Can you use 2 lids, one on top of the other with the void in the middle, so you don't have to cut through one of the lids? Or is the little hole in the middle a problem, as it will be under your pot? How did they deal with the hole? ..... Thank you Cpt Mike your tutorials are great and also for giving us the opportunity to discuss microkilns in the comments section.
I am just four minutes into this video and I just needed to say that I think you're absolutely brilliant! Always interesting and informative; Thank you very much.
Thanks for the nice comment and thanks for watching!
Love your videos - they have opened SO many more options for me as a fused glass artist I hate when people tell me "I can't" I always know there's a way to do something by pushing the envelope
Thanks so much for watching my videos and for the comment. Keep "pushing" the envelope!
Very interesting, 'cause i was interested by metal fundry by induction kiln from microwave devices and I was also interested by experimenting pottery and raku kiln firing method, so here it seems I've found the best of both worlds. I'm impatient to give it a test. Thanks for your videos
Thank you for watching!
Wow! Great experiment!!
Thanks for watching!
Wow thanks to share with us 👏👏👏👏
Thanks for watching!
Captain mike every time I look up something on pottery your videos come up. You’ve helped me a lot with all of my questions, so thank you ! Much love from Mississippi :))
Thanks for watching and for the nice comment!
@@CaptMike of course!
You have inspired me to look into microwave kiln and Ive purchased on off of internet. I wish you would do an updated video of how stacked kiln is working out for you and if you were able to reach desired heat with it. Thanks for your videos!
I'll see what I can do, and thanks for the comment and for watching!
this is awesome very informative
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the great channel and advice. What I’m really curious about is your electricity bill. I remember my mom firing up her big old kiln and simultaneously groaning about the electricity bills. I can’t imagine that bisque’ing in 9 minutes doesn’t use a huge amount of power?
The microwave kilns do not use any more power than normally running the microwave. However, it cost me about $20 to run my large 220 volt kiln to bisque or glaze a load. Thanks for the question. I hope this helps.
Thank you!!!
Thank you Alissa for watching my video!
Yes good i like it 👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Not sure if anyone else suggested this, could try bevel the join between the 2 rings to help hold the heat. You said the outside was hotter, that could just be beacuse its bigger but could possibly indicate heat loss
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Thank you so much for this video! I was thinking about the safe distance from the top of the kiln to the microwave cieling. Is there any additional video showing how close it gets when inside?
I’m dying for an update on this project 🙏
I'l try and get to it this summer!
@@CaptMike please 🙏 Capt Mike your videos are amazing!!! So thoughtfully done
I’m very new to me kiln what was the thing you put between the piece of glass and the little cup it sounded like EYP I’m loving your videos
I use zyp as a glass release. go here for more info: www.zypcoatings.com/
Did your molds work for the glass slumping? I made a few pendants but the edges get flat and thin so I still need something for oval n square, the round for me doesn't sell so much....maybe I just need a mold
Hello Captain Mike. I have over the last couple years landed on your channel due to search results and what not. But forgive me but until now haven't subscribed until today. Your channel is great thank you so much for all you have put into it. I have recently considered a microwave kiln to play with. I have access to an abundance of river bed / flood bank clay and through my recent searches again I come to your channel. I have a few questions about these microwave kilns and your experiences with. So if you can help provide some light on these questions I'd greatly appreciate your help.
Firstly
Do you have any experience with your microwave kilns and how they respond to trying to firing wild / native earthenware clays? The clay I have is high in flux, because it's mainly broken down granite. So lots of silica and felspar along with the clay and... my clay has been levigated is very fine particles, and yet is high in iron and thus fires hard at low temp but also very orange red and porous as most earthenware's are. . Do you know if the iron in my clay body will effect a microwave kiln and how it works? Generally the thought is you don't put metal in a microwave (but many many glazed are metal oxides suspended in clay body's that then respond in oxidation or reduction firing conditions.)
Yet from my understanding most of the iron in likely in a non metal form and instead paired with silica in crystals form (even if microscopic)
I know you have had good success Bisk firing and then glazing in your kilns but you often use grey or even white (porcelain) clays in your microwave kilns.
So again have you any experience with wild / native / backyard dug clay in your experiences?
Yes, I fire my "river" clay in a MWK any time it will fit. zyou must make sure the clay is completely dry or the rapiod heating of the clay will explode the clayl Don't worr about any metals or oxides that are part of the clay as the kiln reacts with thr microeaves inside the kiln and no sparking will occure.
Thank you Mike for all of your videos on Microwave Kilns!! You have inspired me to by one… it just arrived yesterday and yes, there is not a lot of work space, so I checked out your video on doubling the kiln. So I have 2 questions please: 1) how tall is your microwave on the inside? It seems a double decker microwave kiln may be too tall for my microwave. 2) is it possible to gain some extra work space in the kiln by filing down the base? Thank you so much for your help
And guidance!
The inside of my largest microwave is about 10.25 inches high. A microwave kiln is 4.50 inches high including the base. If you cut the top portion off another kiln you will have a ring about 2 5/8 inches to add to the 4.50 for a total of 7.1/8 inches total height....more or less. I don't see a problem cutting the top off one of these kilns, but be careful. They are fragile.
Turn your microwave on the side
Can you use metal pendant frames in the microwave fusing glass?
Great experiments! Silicon carbide as a powder is used for rock tumbling grit. I can buy it in powder form pretty inexpensively. How would you get it to adhere to the inside of the kiln wall? Maybe add it to a kiln wash?
I hae experimented with water glass also known as sodium silicate. It has worked well for me.
@@CaptMike Did you do a follow-up video?
@@JustME-ft4di Not yet, still working on it.
What a great idea! Did you get around to making the second video?
Not yet, but I will....eventually!
Great experiment! Could you use the bit you cut out to make a mold? I watched a video someone else did and they used little metal cookie cutters to shape glass in the microwave, I know a while ago you asked for ideas for molds etc. She only used oval and tear drop shaped cutters but they worked really well when she lined them with fiber paper
I'll have to give that a try!
@@CaptMike I'm sure with your skills you'd be able to make some cutter style things out of metal, I've looked into ways of doing it myself with my jewellery making tools but I think its a bit beyond my capabilities!
I did get one but hadn't used it I guess I didn't fire the glaze long enough bcus I got bumps. Would I be able to refire? How long did you time the microwave for for this ceramic piece? Thanks for your help
Very interesting video, thanks - Just subscribed!
Would love to see the follow up about adding the extra silicon carbide coating... and the big kiln as well... Hint hint! :)
I'm actually working on that one now, Building it is one thing....getting the results I need will be another matter!
@@CaptMike - Hi again! Any progress? I would still love to see how your planned refinements and further experiments worked/work out.
Also, it occurred to me that, for less handy folks like me, it should be possible to just used the two kiln 'covers' to form a deeper kiln than the standard ones. Simply having one cover turned upside (like a saucepan) with the other one placed on top so the edges meet wouldn't create quite as much internal depth as you got by cutting out the top of one, but it's a lot less work and also means you don't have to sacrifice a kiln.
@@GunnerHillTX That is a great Idea and should work. Remember, the larger mass you are trying to fire the longer it might take to get the resullts you require. Make notes and let me know.
@@CaptMike Ha! Well played, Sir, well played! Seriously though, if I ever get a second mwk (and get my first one out of its box!) I'll definitely let you know how things go.
I honestly would love to see some updates on your mwk experiments, if you get a chance.
@@CaptMikewhat brand do you reccomend for the microwave?
and what is the number or kind of the clay i can use it in microwave kiln??
Also I watched a couple videos from yourself that looked at tiring to melt glass into you clay molds using the microwave kilns and said you where going to write it off as a no go. Having watched that I wonder and will personally test when my kiln comes but... If you used medium or low or even defrost which should turn on and off while heating) Do you think you could in theory build holds and increases in temp using these settings? You said its all experiment which it greatly is but. A modern microwave that can be programed might allow you to say run, 3 min at high, 3 min at medium, 3 min at low then maybe 15min on defrost then another hit of high. My understanding is that with any kiln is all about control and learning and all that stuff.
So again I question / wonder is have you tried using your microwave kiln at other temperature setting or what not, or have you always just worked with different time intervals on high. And if you have tested other heating / firing schedules have they had any success.
I watch you breaking clay mold while trying to melt your glass down into them and having them break. You mentioned in other kilns with slower heating rates that the molds survived and the projects turned out. And again this made me wonder. Could you slow down the uncontrollable heat to be useful?
Again lets say high for 3min until red hot, then maybe 15 min on defrost as a hold period?
Sorry for a could long posts on older videos but Maybe these questions will encourage you to re-investigate these options.
One way or another thanks for all the great video's (of all only few I have watched till now but that's about to change.)
Hope you have some insight
Much love, please stay safe and healthy
Oh Just so you know we are enjoying your video's from South Eastern Ontario Canada
Sorry another question as to not post again...
Would it be recommended due to chemicals and so on to maybe put my microwave out side in a well ventilated area then use my kiln. I know that curtain glazes will off gas bad things and wonder if you have ever filled your work space with bad fumes or other things that maybe you wouldn't want to breath or have in your home around pets. Its hard to tell if you have a kitchen for a work space or a work space with good clean up options. Again you insight would be great.
My main goal ultimately in the next couple months is to bisk some small stuff in microwave and then experiment with wood ash glaze applications. And I'm hoping your experience my help me to prevent hurting myself or others indirectly from the hazards of working with these fantastic and very interesting microwave kilns in doors.
I beleive that wity careful manipulation you could possible bring the heat up, hold and cook. It will be a lot of wor, but I will visit the experiment again later. If you have good ventilation you could use the kiln in a room. If the weather permits, just set the MWK on a table out side and worry less,
I've found you can still fire the kiln with something too big inside. I used a piece of kiln paper on top of my piece, so the glaze didn't stick.
It was only half a centimetre but it worked out ok, except for the kiln paper stopping the shine on that part.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!
Thank you Mike. Interesting video. But a quick question for you: instead of cutting the top out of one piece, "why not turn one over and put the 'two' bottom to bottom?"
Thanks Stuart, that is an excellent idea. I'll have to give it a try!
When I tried with the standard size kilns I just upended the bottom one and set the other on top. It worked, no cutting. I used a think piece of hardened and burnished fiber mat in the bottom to cover the top and vent hole, thinfire on top of that. I am loving your videos SO much!!! You are so full of brilliant ideas!
thanks mike.. what kind of the microwave brand you reccomend and what is the clay number you used with the microwave kiln
I bought mine off Amazon (Love Charm) and I use a low fire clay body or slip.
Hi, Captain Mike! I'm a raku artist new to microwave raku firing. I am wanting to fire one or two large microwave kilns.What wattage microwave oven would you recommend please? I am looking at a Large GE Undermount Spacemaker XL 1800 Microwave Oven. Would appreciate your input! thank you!
That would be an excellent microwave.
Hi, Great video, do you have the improved double kiln video yet?
No, I need to get og my butt and do it!
Hi Mike! Love your videos! Looking to buy a microwave kiln, do you have one you recommend?
Amy, you can usually find the for sale at a thrift stoire or on craig's list. Get onw with as hight a rating as you can 1200 to 1500 watts, however an low watt one will work. Any brand will be OK.
I got mine from Amazon
@@pennytuppence2000 I order there too.
What kind if power does the microwave need to be to get to 2000 degrees? Is it best to buy the most powerful microwave available?
If the power goes off while using the microwave kiln, just start over. it will be OK. Use the most powerful one you can afford.
What wattage kiln do you use? Most standard microwaves are 1000 W. Do you think I need a stronger microwave?
Any of them will work. I have used a 750 to a 1200 watt. You just have to experiment and work with the times necessary for the results you want.
May I ask if the double layer will make the temperature higher or what effect will it have?
If I remember correctly, the volumn of the kiln does not matter as much as the density of the clay or bisque ware.
I see you put a paper . It’s essential?
If you are refering to the kiln shelf paper it is a good idea to use that. Sometimes the kiln wash is not enough. It's just something extra I do. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Have you ever tried screen printing with frit?
No, in fact I have never tried screen printing at all. Sounds interesting though.
Insttead of cutting out the bottom just flip one of the kiln pots over so the two openings face each other?
That would work.
Do you need to fill the hole that will be on the bottom, if instead of taking out the roof of a top, you reverse one of two tops and put them together? Guessing that the bottom should still be placed under the two tops? Perhaps that is enough to block the hole that will be on the bottom?
Hi, can i ask you what kind of material did you use to construct your saggar, to protect your pieces inside the microwave kiln ?
I'm not sure I understand the question. The inside wall of the kilns are coated with a graphite tye material. The top and bottom are uncoated.. I do use kiln wash on the bottom anf additionally place kiln shelf paper between whatever I am firing and the shelf bottom. Hope this helps.
@@CaptMike thank you, i have read some information now, and i know with materials is used to construct it. It s my first contact with melting glass, pottery in microwave...
@@manuelsilva6926 Good luck.
@@CaptMike Thank you, i ordered one kiln by Amazon, so i can learn about the tecnique. I am travelling in caravan, so it s perfect for small pottery. Then i will construct one also
I just bought a kilns and my first try turn out bad the glass never melted and the paper turned brown the shelf turned black is it my microwave or the kilns don't know what to do
Sounds like the temps never got high enough to melt the glass. The shelf paper will turn brown anf the binders will burn off leaving a white powerlike residue. Try firing for a longer time and let me know the results.
How practical to heat a crucible and melt copper with this?
I have not tried that yet. If you can get your crucible into the microwave oven it should be possible.
Did you ever do anything else with this/these kilns?
Not yet, but I still plan to.
I need help!!! Im glazing a ceramic pipe with crystalline glaze and the sheet i placed below the piece is toasted and the bottom of the kiln on the inside as well!! What happened
Did you coat the bottom of the shelf with kiln wash before using? I usually put two coats on the kiln bottom and the use shelf paper on top of that. Also, when glazing, it is always a good idea to use stilts (ceramic thingies with wires poking out) to support the piece. Hope this helps.
@@CaptMike thank you! Will do! Another question, if the little crystal balls are still visible even after the piece is red hot and melting, do i need to heat it more?
@@AlegriaPeace that is what I am thinking.
what is this kiln made of tho? is it making the heat to pass through it and retain it?
The kiln (white part) seems to be made of a material similar to soft fire brick. What makes it work is the black graphite type material lining the inside. The black material changes the microwaves to heat....I think.
@@CaptMike wow cool, so means those kind of kiln only mean for microwave ya, I can't put it above gas stove rit...
@@osirusj275 Yes, they are designed for a microwave oven
Love your videos, thank you so much. Where did you find the 2 micro kilns they look bigger in diameter than the ones on Amazon?
My mwk doesn’t fit height wise in my microwave :( any fix for this?
You must have an exceptionllly small MW. I have small 600 watt ones and the kiln fits fine. You should be able to pick one up at a good will or thrift store pretty cheap.
Is there any way to widen it a tiny bit?
Not as far as I know. The lack stuff is what makes the MWK work. You don't want to remove any of it.
Hi Mike, I've had issues with my microwave kiln, can I maybe contact you about it? When I fire, smoke comes out en after 3 minutes my work comes out black. Even my kilnpaper comes out brown. I never had that before... Could you please help me?
The kiln paper will burn off and turn completely white and turn to a powder. Are you firing the kiln long enough to get the temps up?
@@CaptMike Hi Mike, No my work gets black after 3 minutes. Smoke gets out after 3 minutes. I am afraid my microwave will catch on fire if I fire longer. Can I send you my logbook by email maybe?
@@rohabama what type of kiln paper are you using? I have never had it trun black or catch on fire. Regulare kiln /shelf paper will give off an oder as it burns but does not catch fire. I fire in 3 minute bursts, but the results will be the same as the temps will end up the same and the paper will burn off but no fire.
Can you make a video about the thermometer in the kiln?
I might have already did that, but I will revisit the issue and make a new video.
@@CaptMike Thank you! I searched your channel and couldn't find anything easily.
@@Tedlasman I'll see what I can do.
What kind of material is this??
The kilns are made from the same material as soft fire brick and the inside is lined with what looks like a type of graphite.
How is it heated ?
The black material coated inside the kiln converts the microwaves to heat....sort of. Actually the microwaves react with the graphite (I think) material and causes it to heat up.
So… no coffee mug size can fit ?
Maybe if you extend the top as I demonstrated in one of my videos. I'll check tomorrow and see.
@@CaptMike did the mug fit?
@@jazzjo456 I can't remember. Just measure the height of the piece you are firing and make sure the kiln is 1/8th to 1/4th higher.
........difference between Big and Bigger..... this video does it ALL ! Lol !......at timeline 1:32.....thereabouts !
Thanks for watching!
Geezuz krist he talks so slow..............I fell asleep !
Thank you for watching....and sweet dreams!