For Flux Sake Podcast

CMW’s Matt and Rose Katz join co-host Kathy King to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze in a comical, albeit insightful way. Check out the latest episodes of For Flux Sake below or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Once you’ve finished listening to all of the For Flux Sake episodes, check out The Brickyard Network’s other great podcasts here!

Latest Episodes

Episode 71 Cone packs of cone plaques?

We start today’s episode learning why self-supporting cones are crucial for accurate firings, as well as everything you need to know about using cone plaques, from proper placement to reusability. We also delve deep into the world of firing temperatures talking about how to achieve vibrant colors at cone 10 while exploring the influence of alkaline earth fluxes on chemistry. Have you been thinking of substituting feldspars in your glazes recently? Make sure to listen and learn about the importance of finding the perfect feldspar match to balance your glaze chemistry.
Thinking about going green in the studio? The gang dives into listener concerns about sustainability in a large community ceramics space. Is lowering firing temperatures the answer? What about the materials themselves? Join the discussion as they explore how to strike a balance between eco-friendly practices and keeping a community studio functional.

Episode 70 Does Your Water Source Affect Glazes?

Listen in as the gang visit Materials Corner to discuss the latest updates surrounding the loss of Custer. Matt also answers a question from a brewer about the source of water that you use in your glazes. The answer might surprise you! Also, Kathy and Rose share how they’ve both used CMC in glazes and Matt dives into the science behind it.

Thinking about going green in the studio? The gang dives into listener concerns about sustainability in a large community ceramics space. Is lowering firing temperatures the answer? What about the materials themselves? Join the discussion as they explore how to strike a balance between eco-friendly practices and keeping a community studio functional.

Episode 69 Can ceramics be safely used for mixing hair dye?

Listen to episode 69 where Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss a listener’s question about the use of ceramic bowls in the hair salon. Can ceramic be safely used for mixing hair dye? The team delves into the chemistry to determine if these bowls are a safe choice or a potential disaster.

Episode 68 What’s the deal with Shino glazes?

In episode 68, we’re getting schooled on Shino glazes! Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss some of the history, science, and stunning beauty of these unique glazes. The gang also takes a deep dive into the murky waters of water chemistry in glazes. Is it the secret ingredient or a total myth? We’ll also debunk some common misconceptions and explain why getting to know your specific gravity and viscosity is the real key to glaze consistency. Can you substitute tin in your glazes? Spoiler alert- it depends.

Episode 67 Should I be afraid of manganese?

Clay drama got you throwing shade? We’ve ALL been there! Join the For Flux Sake gang for episode 67 as we commiserate over inconsistent clay bodies and the woes of surprise firing results. We’ll explore the limitations of trying to adjust an existing clay body and glaze to meet your needs and some of the many reasons why commercial clay bodies can vary from batch to batch. Plus, we’ll shed some light on the truth about manganese myths. Learn what is and what is not an actual hazard to your health. Don’t rage-quit that project yet, listen to the latest episode of For Flux Sake and regain your sanity in the studio!

Episode 66 Glaze Doctors Live from NCECA

Listen to Kathy, Rose, and Matt take your glaze concerns head-on in this fired-up live recording from the convention this year! The audience delivered rapid fire questions to the gang so get ready for a hodgepodge of hot glaze conundrums. From water content and adjusting a recipe, to cracking the code on crazing crystals and banishing hard pan pandemonium, they tackled every question that came their way and then some. Do you think anybody was able to stump them? Listen and find out.

Episode 65 Electric Kiln 101 with Freddy Fredrickson pt. 2

Listen to the final part of our conversation with the fantastic Freddy Fredrickson, former kiln master at Alfred University and founder of Fredrickson kilns. This episode will have you thinking beyond temperature when trying to get the most out of your kiln during your firings. Is cone 6 truly more energy-efficient than cone 10? Can your thermocouple be the silent hero of your firings? Freddy has answers to all your burning questions (pun intended!) and more!

Episode 64 Electric Kiln 101 with Freddy Fredrickson pt. 1

Join Matt as he dives deep into kilns with Freddy Frederickson, the legendary founder of Fredrickson Kiln Company. For over 30 years, Freddy wasn’t just building kilns at The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, he was perfecting the craft as their master kiln builder. In this first episode of our two-part interview, Freddy shares his remarkable journey. From the evolution of electric kiln technology to filling and firing an even kiln, listen in as he answers some of your burning questions about using your electric kiln.

Episode 63 Should I bisque higher than I glaze?

Thanks to everyone who came out to our live taping at NCECA. We had a blast and look forward to airing that episode in a few weeks. Today on the show the gang talk about the effect of mold in clay, bisque firing higher than your glaze temperature, and the wild wild west of slip formulas.

Episode 62 How Can I Make Durable Floor Tiles?

This episode of Flux Sake is a technical delight! Rose and Matt unpack the fascinating world of commercial clay body profiling with Ceramic Material Workshop’s ongoing research project. They’ll unpack the different tests used and what they reveal about a clay body’s performance. Need to know the perfect clay body and glazes for your project? We’ve got you covered! The gang also tackles listener questions on finding durable materials for high-use barware and crafting long-lasting floor tiles. Are you feeling the spray gun frustration? You’re not alone! The episode wraps up with solutions to a clogged spray gun, with insights from Kathy, Rose, and Matt on keeping your glaze application smooth.