Season 5

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Explore all Season 5 episodes of the For Flux Sake Podcast.

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Ep 133 – NCECA Phone: Do things ever explode in a glaze firing?

Season 5

Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year’s conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about explosions in a glaze firing, sanding bisque ware, and wheel cleaning. They also start the episode taking a trip to Materials Corner to talk about changes in the Red Art supply. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to record with us at NCECA. We can’t wait to see you again next year.
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Ep 132 – NCECA Phone: Do all glazes need Bentonite?

Season 5

Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year’s conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about using hot wax, refiring in a community studio, particle packing for brushing glazes, and best practices for using Bentonite in glazes. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to record with us.
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Ep 131 – The cost versus reliability episode

Season 5

Today the gang compares cost versus reliability when buying kilns and kiln shelves. The episode starts with a question about purchasing S-type thermocouples for new kilns and a discussion about preventing warping in cordierite kiln shelves. On a related but strange note, they also talk about how a popular outdoor grill helped lead the U.S. into our current talc shortage.
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Ep 130 – Can I add something to a commercial glaze to change its temperature?

Season 5

To start today’s episode the gang talk about their upcoming live show in Boston. We hope you will join us June 5th at the Harvard Ed Portal, where Kathy, Matt, Rose, and Producer Ben will be ready to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. They also answer listener questions about what to do when all your glazes mature at a different temperature, and how to identify a mystery white spot in the surface of your fired glaze.
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Ep 129 – PATREON EXCLUSIVE (FLUX U) Why do layered glazes look different every time?

Season 5

Today we have a special Flux U episode where the gang dive deep into glaze application to answer a listener's question about the chemical and physical limitations of glaze layering. What seems like a simple topic turns out to be quite complex. They also talk about helpful tips for buying and installing your first home kiln.
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Ep 128 – Can I use ash from a volcano in my glaze?

Season 5

To start today’s explosive episode a listener writes in wondering about using ash from Mt. St. Helens in a glaze. The gang also talk about best cleaning practices for keeping pets and children safe in a home studio, and methods for reducing pinholing.
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Ep 127 – What materials should I buy to start mixing glazes?

Season 5

We love questions from our educator friends. Today’s episode starts with a question from a high school teacher who wondered what the best materials are for starting a glaze lab. The gang also answer a question about cleaning up clay with soap and take a trip to Materials Corner to report on the recent bankruptcy of a major ceramic materials supplier.
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Ep 126 – Is it best to use the medium or fast fire setting on my kiln?

Season 5

Have you ever wondered what the firing rates are for the pre-programmed kiln schedules in modern kilns? In today’s episode the gang talk about the differences between slow, medium, and fast on Bartlett controllers, and how the rates affect glaze outcomes.
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Ep 125 – Why are my plates cracking?

Season 5

Unloading a kiln can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if its filled with a new form that gives you trouble.
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Ep 124 – What causes carbon coring in clays?

Season 5

What is carbon coring, and should we care about it? The term is actually a misnomer, with the real culprit being iron, a common ingredient in reduction fired clays.
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Ep 123 – Do I really need to sieve my glazes?

Season 5

Glaze preparation is a necessary part of the ceramic process, but have you ever wondered why sieving glazes is important? Today the gang talk about various ways to prepare a glaze and why you might not need to sieve as much as you think. They also break down the idea of glazes that fire at multiple temperature ranges, and answer a listener's question about bubbling in a clear glaze.
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Ep 122 – Should I make my own clay?

Season 5

To start today’s episode we take a ride to Materials Corner to talk about the situation with EPK, as well as, if there is an easy substitute to use in clay and glazes. The gang also answers a listener's questions about the feasibility of making your own clay. What equipment do you need?
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