For Flux Sake Podcast

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The For Flux Sake crew is gearing up for NCECA! Tune in to find out their plans and where you can catch them live at the conference. They also dive deep into listener questions, tackling concerns about lead leaching in your kiln from past firings and fish tank safety. Can your ceramic pieces pose a hidden danger for you or your aquatic friends?

On today’s episode the gang talk about deciphering the labels on your commercial glazes. They also answer listener questions about standard bisqueing temperatures in the U.S., and if there is a toxicity risk when using lead glazed wares from the 19th century.

On today’s episode the gang talk about recycling clay, knowing how hot a slip or glaze can be fired, and tips for running a community studio.