Raku firing in a microwave!

Did you know you can do raku at home... using just a microwave?
In this video @AdamCeramic and I show you just how easy it is!
You can get your own microwave kiln from this link: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HFZ2R4...
We used an 800W second-hand microwave, and each heating section is done at full power. We recommend heating up the kiln in 5 minute increments and always checking on it for that glow!
Please note, Small Ceramics is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this video is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information.
Use the information in this video at your own risk.

[@denisenoble4010]

Nice work, cute pots, thanks for sharing some of your microwave raku knowledge, great to watch😊

[@annekabrimhall1059]

You are great teachers!

[@AdamCeramic]

So much fun filming this! Come over and microfire any time 🎉❤

[@small_ceramics]

Thanks Adam, it was a great pleasure!

[@beatricetreadwell5785]

Great video! And I loved your work on Throw Down!❤️✨✨✨

[@maestasify]

Interesting concept.

[@ASMRtists]

I loved this tutorial so much! Jumping into my garden to do this today. I really can't wait. ❤

[@small_ceramics]

let us know how it goes!

[@snowflakeceramics]

yay

[@artdeme]

I'm in Canada, so this kiln may not be available, but I LOVE this!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@small_ceramics]

try searching for 'Professional Microwave Kiln for Glass Fusing Small Kiln' on Canadian amazon!

[@caragalka8288]

@@small_ceramics Thanks!

[@ralphhennen5769]

Great video, thanks. Questions: what cone temp is your body and glaze, and is the black due to iron reduction in the clay or carbon from the ash?

[@melody5437]

Nice! I was wondering why you didn't get any raku craquelure. And how a large a piece you can put in the microwave kiln, too.

[@small_ceramics]

it's about 4cmx4cm!

[@melody5437]

@@small_ceramics Thank you!! And the glaze wouldn't actually work at only 1000 degrees, right? It works because of the raku fire?

[@small_ceramics]

@@melody5437 Some glazes do actually work that aren't raku glazes!

[@dmb_youtube5042]

Think someone already asked about clay body and bisque. I don’t have a kiln and found this to be fascinating

[@small_ceramics]

the clay bodie is just a regular stoneware!

[@lame_heart_ink8207]

Absolutely fabulous! Just wondering if you're able to do a traditional firing in a microwave rather than a raku or is that the only option for firing because of the temperature

[@small_ceramics]

Hey! Yes you are.... some glazes work better than others, it's all about trial and error. Mayco jungle Gems fire really well in the kiln

[@szuniangtseng8725]

It’s a really good video to show the traditional firing techniques. And I’m wondering if the object under the kiln is what? Could you share the information? Thank you.

[@small_ceramics]

Yes the object under is just an up-turned dish that covers the rotating element of the microwave, to keep the kiln stable

[@jessiered2911]

Whats inside the microwave? The thing you are putting the kiln on...love this💜

[@small_ceramics]

it's a little ceramic dish turned upside down, to stop the spinner interfering with the kiln as it heats

[@winonapowell-vz3qt]

I live this, Loved you GPTD. What are you using to place your Kiln o the table to insulate the heat from the table?

[@small_ceramics]

you can use a stone slab, or a kiln shelf which is what we are using here! Anything that is really impervious to heat!

[@winonapowell-vz3qt]

Sorry for my grammar and spelling errors...

[@pingkle]

Can you show us the timings for bisque firing the stoneware clay? Do we put it in the microwave until it glows, like when glazing?

[@small_ceramics]

that's correct! So for bisque, it's exactly the same technique but just without glaze, heat it until you see the glow. It doesn't have to be glowing hot though

[@ctyrerdavies]

Does it matter what clay you use with the raku glaze? Or is there one that you would recommend? Excited to get my wheel and kiln 💖

[@small_ceramics]

It doesn't matter! Any clay works. With stoneware, you might need to heat it for longer is all!

[@ctyrerdavies]

@@small_ceramicsthank you!!

[@claudiariley5518]

What size kiln would you recommend? And do you use raku clay or can you use any clay? Thank you.

[@small_ceramics]

I would probably start with the small if it's your first time, and I use regular clay (ash white stoneware) you can use any clay in a microwave kiln!

[@emmabirch5778]

I’m inspired to try but know nothing! Once you’ve thrown your piece how long do you leave it before glazing & firing? Can it be done on the same day? Thank you!

[@small_ceramics]

I leave it for a few hours in the sun, and then use the heat of the kiln to really dry it out before putting it in for its bisque firing

[@ninaeve9580]

What clay and glaze are used please, this information seems impossible to fine 😞

[@ninaeve9580]

I have scarva earth stone and Botz oriental blue glaze and it's been a disaster

[@small_ceramics]

Hey, the clay is a white stoneware. Any clay can be used in a microwave kiln. The glazes are more tricky, some will be very temperamental in the kiln. The ones in this video are raku specific but if you want to use regular glazes, I would suggest trying Mayco Jungle gems! they seem to do well in the kiln!

[@kyle98452]

can you make larger pieces with this method?

[@small_ceramics]

I think you can if use a larger kiln. But as Adam says in this video, the larger it is the longer it needs to fire for

[@ShanShan-kw9hi]

What finish does the black part have? Matte?

[@small_ceramics]

that's right, matte, it's just the clay but with carbon trapped on the surface

[@subscriber8881]

Is the water room temp?

[@small_ceramics]

it is! it cools the pot very well

[@brianhutchinson7863]

I studied Ceramics Art in College and did a number of Raku firings. I didn't know it was posible doing Raku with a microwave. I was surprised with dunking in water I hadn't seen that done before. Those are nice looking examples you made.

[@small_ceramics]

thanks so much!

[@Raven_Poe]

I want to make cylinder shapes as high and as wide as the kiln oven that goes into the microwave. Is that possible or do i need to leave a bigger gap inside?

[@small_ceramics]

it's best to leave a bit of a gap around the pot so it doesn't get too overheated in one area and not the other