Thank you for the kind comment and for watching my videos!

Thanks!

Thank YOU for watching my video!

Thank you for watching.

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for the nice comment and for watching!

Which one did you get? I'm from Germantmy as well and I'm unsure what to buy. The ones on Amazon have sketchy reviews.

Thanks for watching.

I'm glad it worked out for you!

You should be able to pick up a microwave kiln on Amazon for around $37 US (www.amazon.com/s?k=microwave+kiln&crid=2N1K899BA72K5&sprefix=microwave+kiln%2Caps%2C82&ref=nb_sb_noss_1). I use local clay all the time. Mine always fires to a red color, but depending where you live your clay may fire didfferently. Good luck!

you can still microwave vegetables LOL

Thanks You for watching!

Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

Nicole, remember that low fire (cone 06) glazes work best for this. Also make sure your project is not too large to fit comfortably in the microwave kiln. Leave a little room all around and remember to use shelf paper or something between the piece and the kiln bottom. Have fun!

Where can I find this glaze? thanks!@@CaptMike

@@HerdsandWheySoap this is a Duncan Crystal glaze. Cures at cone 06. Do a search for Duncan or just "crystal" glazes and you should get an idea where you can get it.

Thanks!@@CaptMike I'm excited to try this! Have you ever used the microwave kiln for clay & glass together-to melt glass onto clay?

@@HerdsandWheySoap Not in the microwave kiln. I think the heating and cooling to too rapid. I have made a few pieces in my glass kiln. It is hit and miss!

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching and if you have questions please ask!

If the mug will fit in your microwave kiln it is possible. I suggest you let the mug dry, then bisque fire it, apply glaze after that and then fire the glaze. If you need more help just let me know.

Thanks!

Fired clay is what is used for glass molds. Just make sue the mold does not have undercuts and is prepared properly. Slumping or draping is no problem, but I have had some problems firing the glass to hot. Approach whatever you are attempting slowly until you find the right temp.

Shelf paper is a material that is sugar based (usually) material that burns off and leaves a white nonstick material behind that inhibits the sticking of glass to the ceramic shelf. The shelf should also be treated with a non stick (for the most part) coating called kiln wash. Both can be found starting here: www.amazon.com/Bullseye-Shelf-Sheets-Fusing-Supplies/dp/B084KYRKZ8/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2FEXALOXS1HQ2&keywords=kiln+shelf+paper%5C&qid=1643418189&sprefix=kiln+shelf+paper+%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-2 and here: www.amazon.com/Fireworks-FW737A-1-Pound-Kiln-Wash/dp/B008D1OQGW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1CJIRQ1Z75LQY&keywords=kiln+shelf+wash&qid=1643418247&sprefix=kiln+shelf+wash%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-4.

@@CaptMike thank you so much captain mike!! i hope i can find it in my country hehe, cant wait to experiment with the microwave kiln :)))

The temps might not get high enough, but use porceline clay and see if it looks as it should after firing.

Anything you can fit into the microwave kiln without touching the top or sides should fire to bisque just fine.

As long as the cup is no more than about 1.25 inches high it should be OK. The kilns are plenty wide enough for a cup.

@@CaptMike thank you for a reply, that's great, I've been inspired by you to try something different, I've been enjoying your videos, I hope you can keep making them. Cheers from Australia!

It's addictive! You can do so much with one of these kilns, just a bit of a learning curve but you can handle it!

Since you are dealing with something old and maybe valuable, I would not try to glaze the bottom. You might try sprayinga little clear enamel on the bottom, but I could not say that would work. Almost no one glazes the bottom og their work. It is possible that waterproof ink was used. Just be careful with the cups and you should be OK

It is recommended that you not use your kitchen microwave for the microwave kiln. There is some dust, fumes from the shelf paper burning off and maybe other things. Just be safe.

It is best to bisque the piece first, then apply the glaze.

Shirlee, you can use any type of ceramic clay or skip. Just make sure the clay body (item) is thoroughly dry before you add the heat. Most of the items I do in my microwave kiln are made of clay slip poured in plaster molds.

I guess I will have to try it without a plaster mold and hand form the clay. I Assume a low fire clay may be best. Thank you for the help.

Just make a small finger pot out of regular clay. It will work fine.

Can I fire a pot in gas oven without a klin that you used in the microwave?

So sorry you are having problems with yours. I have 6 microwave kilns and so far no cracks. Have you tried notifying the seller about this? I think the black material in the kiln is a type of carbon. I will try to find information for you.

If the glaze if considered food safe it should be OK from the microwave kiln.

Karen, porcelain is fired to over 2000 F. My microwave kilns only fire to about 1500 F or so. If you are firing using porcelain clay you could try and fire a small piece for an extended time, say 20 minutes or so at 3 minute intervals and see if it turns out translucent like porcelain does. If you are looking for a "white" glossy finish you could simply bisque in the Microwave oven and glaze with either white or clear. Hope this helps a little.

I'm sure something could be rigged up, but I think the glaze would puddle somewhat where the glaze meets the paper. It would be worth a try though.

A microwave kiln will only reach about 1700 F. This is not hot enough or mid to high fire glazes to mature; as far as I know.

As a rule, I let the kiln sit about 30 minutes with the MW door open, then I place a 1/4 piece of ceramic under the lip of the kiln and let that sit for about 30 minutes. Usually that is enough time so that you can remove the kiln and place a thicker piece of ceramics under the edge. Usually it take about 1 1/2 hours to cool enought to remove the top of the kiln completely. I have rushed this somewhat and cooled in less time. It just depends on how much of a hurry you are in. I have never had a piece of ceramic crack no matter how hot it was when I removed it....think Raku.

5:18 beautiful, but how long should the project take to bake the glaze?

Any kind of "burning off" in a small space could be a problem. My shop is aboyt 25 x 50 with 9 foot ceiling so no problem. If you have a porch, place your microwave out there and you will be OK.

I have yet to try zapping something metal inside a microwave kiln. I understand that some of the newer microwaves do not spark when metal is zapped. Be a little more specific about glazing both sides and I will give it a try.

@@CaptMike Thanks so much for your quick response! I wish I could add a picture here, I basically wanted to put one of those little Bead Rack Stilts that have metallic rods where you can insert a spherical bead for glazing. Unless I can do that I will not be able to complete my project. Thanks!

I use a cone 06 glaze. It would be difficult to get temps high enough for mid to high (cone 5-5 or higher) glazes.

Nora, any clay will do for firing to bisque (cone 04) and you can use any commercial glaze that fires toi around cone 06. It is hard to get the temps any higher than cone 06. I order a ot of glazes and such from Glaser glaserceramics.com/index.php?route=common/home, but Amazon sells glazes also.

There is not a commercially available microwave kiln larger than the one on Amazon, at least to my knowledge. I have started development of a larger one, but have not had the time to finish it yet. When I do I will post a video on it. Thanks for the comment.

Mailin estudio ceramics in Argentina do them, but they are pretty expensive for some reason.

Any of the shelf papers will work just fine. Here is an example on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Sheets-Bullseye-Shelf-Paper-Fusing/dp/B0BMQYWNJ2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3V2VKB7E6VBA3&keywords=kiln+shelf+paper&qid=1694819511&sprefix=kiln+shelf+paper%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-5. You can get it in smaller pieces if that works for you.

Alexandra, when I made this video I did not measure the temps. I used a Duncan coe 06 glaze, CR853 I think. I have since experimented with how hot a MWK will get ad find they can reach maybe 2000 degrees F. Most cone 06 glazes mature at around 1830F, but will sometimes work at around 1700f. See if your MW will push your kiln to around 955C. Maybe try another glaze, Duncan for instance. I know this will work, just have not tried all makes of glaze. Let me know how it works out for you.

Thanks, Mike. I will try with Duncan.

@@alex_5659 let me know how it turns out for you.

I have not tried that. It should work, but keep in mind about any moisture. Also, the mwk heats up so quickly it could be a proble. Test on something you don't mind cracking or busting....and let me know how it turns out!

@@CaptMike Neat! Thank you! Will try it out and let you know how it goes! :)

If the piece was glowing cherry red it should have glazed. If using a glaze that fires to a golss usually 15 to 20 minutes does the job.

Thank you very much :) much appreciated!

Thanks for watching!

As far as I know all ceramic clays are food grade. Once they are fired to bisque all the impurities should have burned out. Glazes are another matter. Make sure they are food safe if you are going to use the fired piece regularly.

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

The smaller the item is the less time it should take to get it to temps. Go with the 3 minute intervals and check in between. When it get brigh red it should be done. Remember, this is a trial and error system,.. Be patient.

It's all a guess! I usuall find it takes about 15 minutes to heat the glaze up enough to mature and that is for a low fire glaze. Keep check on the piece in the kiln and when it glows bright red let it cool and see if it is glazed. It all depends on the glaze and your microwave.

It's hard to say when I'm not present to see. I do know that if you use a regular kiln you can bisque clay that is not completely dry as the kiln heats up a lot slower. That is the problem with MWK's. Theu heat up very fast and if there is any voids or moisture present the piece is likely to blow up. I have had a few small pieces blow up, but not many and if I get to the glaze stage it usually works out fine. Try making your pieces thinner (for bowls). solid pieces tend to be more problematic.

@@CaptMike thank you, will do

It is a special firing paper called "kiln shelf paper" you can purchase it at any ceramic or glass supply store online or start here:www.amazon.com/Microwave-Kiln-Paper-Shelf-sheets/dp/B0716F6FW3/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2NGCE9J09R1U6&keywords=kiln+paper+for+glass+fusing&qid=1584487212&sprefix=kiln+%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-4

I do not wait between zaps and I have never had problems with glaze bubbling up. Are you letting the glaze dry completely?

@@CaptMike That's good to know. Yes, I let it dry for up to 3 days when I was testing. I suspect my clay may not be fully bisque fired? I am just testing this so we shall see.

@@blueskyalldayeveryday If you are using at least a low fire ceramic clay body and a compatable ceramic glaze, moisture is the only thing I can think of. Let me know when you get through testing.

Gloves? What are gloves?

Hila, don't worry a fire if you are keeping a close watch on the firing. The glaze or clay will not burn and unless something inside the MW gets too hot (wires) nothing should catch on fire. Always keep gloves handy so you can snatch the door open if something should go wrong and never throw water (should a fire start) on a electrical appliance. I soda based fire extinguisher will be OK.

Thank you so much. But my schedule isn't too much? Too hot? Because of that hole in the microwave kiln I was thinking it's too hot for the MW Can I add more time if I need? You think?

That is something you will have to experiment with. I use the 3 minute method so I can check and see if I have any problems along the way.

I do it as a way to slowely increase the temps. To be honest, I have fired for a full 15 minutes for glaze with no problems, but there will be a few mishaps....happens to all of us!

If it will fit into the microwave kiln you can go from dried clay to glaze , no problem.

I have been able to bisque, or something close to that in my microwave kiln. Fire the clay until it glows bright red. Than may not be quite to cone o4, but will be close enough. Do a test firstbefore you try to fire something you have time in. I find that around 15 minutes (3 to 5 minute incriments) works for me. Hope this helps.

Thx ! May I know what is the size of ur kiln and ur microwave ?

My best guess would be that the clay was not completely dry and as it fired gass was trying to escape. Maybe firing the piece over again will remove the bubbles.

@@CaptMike thanks Mike!

All clay that is to be fired is "ceramic" clay. There are different tyype of clay that can be glazed to different cones, but all of it will bisque at around cone 04.

Kim, I have never tried it, but if you could get or build a bead stand that would fit inside the microwave kiln and you used low fire glaze I do not see why it would not work. Let me know how it turns out!

It's called Shelf paper www.amazon.com/Sheets-Bullseye-Shelf-Paper-Fusing/dp/B0BMQYWNJ2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2MA3SQCPMA0B9&keywords=kiln+shelf+paper&qid=1690939852&sprefix=kiln+shelf+paper%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-5

Yes

Thank you! I’m just barely venturing into pottery and I would love to make some usable things even if they are tiny. Do you have any recommendations for clays and glazes?

@@parastephkar98 If you are using a microwave kiln all you will need is a low fire clay. Personally I would stay with a high fire clay as all clays bisque at the same temps (about all the microwave kln will do) and you can use low fire glazes on them. Any good low fire glaze will be just fine. They seem to masture Ok for me. Duncan makes a good selection.

I use a stsandard microwave of 600 to 1500 watts. The kiln came from Amazon Prime. www.amazon.com/Professional-Microwave-Fusing-Melting-Jewelry/dp/B01M2XWNCI/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3DJU7JKLNURPA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q6cchkiYQe1fF2ohTeqCR5X228njR00mUqGSEjpsyCRU7ZI0jEa0n2pFSL4M_Chl7IKiOGlvgMcNtaRRoOWg9Tp_qGuHeLY4UrbL0v1AMJycbRhehWYih1VkKYxc6MGNGFExbjhV2BCnhAwzqlzD5rCvuQSSykMP0R-R1nn5Bokb3BKQlV-KEMRFVn9QxavpHTsRay51RcuG-k4UHFhNZm1-iyDLh6EaQcefS3sim3I-OA0xxFuJLARdM2jXgQH-2_vSyOqo0tspu5bLfzjMONjnJWVjpvCZpQY8SLM7mV4.83guy_30WLoRPPz75iKGt2Pw9COw0FXjbaDGJXXg6YM&dib_tag=se&keywords=microwave+kiln&qid=1716252811&sprefix=microwave+kil%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-5. It works with both glass and ceramics.

@@CaptMike thanks so much , greatly appreciated. I’m looking forward to seeing if I can replicate your results 😊

Hi Robert, are you talking about the top of the microwave kiln? The MW kiln has a top and a bottom. The top is lined with a graphite type material and that caused the kiln to heat up.

If it will fit into the microwave kiln, you can bisque it. Pendants will do fine. Here is the link you asked for kzfaq.info?o=U&video_id=jNLngCwP5Y4

@@CaptMike it isnt coming in, wjat recommend time to fire for your little bowls?

I find that 15 minutes, in 5 minute intervals usually does it, but it depends on your microwave.

@@CaptMike , do you have to do in intervals? Can you do a single shot for 15 minutes?

@@patratacus yes, you can. I do the 3 to 5 minute check to make sure everything is going according to plan. Do a test piece for the full time and see what you get. It won't blow anything important up!

Not trying to be a smart a**, but if it will fit without hitting the top or sides it should be OK

Thank you 😂

A 600 watt microwave will do the trick, just might take a little longer. Fire the piece until it is glowing red hot and then carefully place the piece into a chamber with a combustable material in it for the raku effect.

If you are referring to the microwave kiln, the white material is formed from the same material as a soft fire brick. It can be cut with knife or hand saw.

Yes, I think that was the primary purpose. I initially made glass pendants and small pieces of glass to make arrowheads from. Logical progression was to see if I could bisque and glaze in it.

Capt Mike where does one find something like this?

@@truthfullyhonest3884 If you are referring to the Microwave Kiln, you can find them here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M2XWNCI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Hope this helps.

Good luck and thanks for watching.

If the glaze is advertized as food safe I would say it is.

Capt Mike Great, thank you so much for your response and your videos! I’m very much considering getting a microwave kiln now.

For color I use regular low fire cone 06 glaze.

About (usually) 5 times. I lift the top a little and check the color or the piece. I want it to be yellow hot if I can get it there.

I'm pretty sure it will work OK without rotating. I think it work better if it rotates, but you won't hurt anything by heating without rotation.

That’s a relief cos mine just melted :/ oops

shelf or kiln paper is a type of paper that is used to keep glass or glazed pieces from sticking to the shelf. It is made of a fire proof material that has a binder that will burn off, but not the fiber part. Amazon has it here: www.amazon.com/s?k=kiln+shelf+paper&crid=3LASQV1W8YBXD&sprefix=kiln+shelf+paper%2Caps%2C97&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Yes, it is a type of paper made with a sugar binder. That is what you will smell burning off when you first use it. You can get it on Amazon. Start here:www.amazon.com/s?k=kiln+shelf+paper&crid=3RSQLBK7BOOX&sprefix=kiln+wshelf+%2Caps%2C94&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_12

Normally I use a low fire glaze, cone 06.

Thank you! You are magically helpful!

One more question for your creative mind, Capt Mike- is it necessary for me to kiln wash my new kiln?

@@drusmith243 It is always a good idea to put a coat or two on any kiln surface that will be used for firing. I prep mine with 3 coats of lin wash and also use shelf paper. Remember, the floor of these kilns ar not as robust as a regular kiln shelf and can use all the help they can get!

@@CaptMike Ahh yes- this makes complete sense! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your knowledge!

I use a low fire glaze (cone 06) for things glazed in the MWK.

@@CaptMike Wow. Isnt cone 6 around 1200c(2200F). MWK can get up to that temperature?

Depends on the size and density of the piece. Usually about 15 -20 minutes.

@@CaptMike thank u

Kim, this particular bowl was cast from low fire clay slip. You can use any type of clay you want to, low fire to mid to high fire. It will depend on the type of glaze you wish to use and whether you will throw the object on the wheel. The microwave kiln will only get hot enough for for a cone 06 glaze.

Capt Mike thx for your quick reply! Have a great day.

My microwave kiln will reach about 1400 degrees F, You will have to test yours to see what it will do in farenheit

Only when I get t the final stages. The outside will be prettyhot. Best to wear gloves.

I used an infrared thermometer to see how hot it got. I was fusing glass and the exterior of the actual kiln after 11 minutes was about 230 F. The sides of the exterior of the microwave ranged from 95-115.

I think so, but it sould say if it is food safe either on the jar or in the description online for the glaze.

If you clean your microwave properly after a kiln firing I don't see were there would be a problem. I make popcorn in my microwave all the time.

You can start here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M2XWNCI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have no idea, but you can buy a 700 watt from amazon for about $50. Google $50 us into your currency and see what you get.