Comparing Three Clay Types and Glazing Process at 1290ºC

This video tutorial explores the differences between three stoneware clay bodies and demonstrates how a single glaze transforms each when fired to 1290ºC (cone ten). Learn which clay types are beginner-friendly and what qualities to look for when selecting clay for your pottery projects. Watch as each clay body—10% grog ES80, imitation porcelain stoneware, and heavily grogged stoneware—is thrown and trimmed, with detailed explanations of their workability characteristics. The process continues through bisque firing at 1000ºC, waxing, glazing, and finally reduction firing in a Rohde KG-340 gas kiln. Discover the dramatic differences in appearance between the three vessels after firing, providing valuable insights for potters of all skill levels interested in understanding how clay composition affects final results.

Syllabus

0:00 - Introduction & selecting clays
2:02 - Throwing the 10% grog clay, ES80
3:41 - Throwing the imitation porcelain stoneware
5:53 - Throwing the heavily grogged stoneware
9:08 - Trimming the 10% grog clay, ES80
10:16 - Trimming the imitation porcelain stoneware
13:54 - Trimming the heavily grogged stoneware
15:32 - Bisque firing the bowls to 1000ºC
16:05 - Waxing the bowls
16:52 - Glazing the bowls
17:59 - Cleaning up the glazed bowls
20:22 - Packing & firing my Rohde KG-340 gas kiln to cone ten
22:17 - Unpacking the kiln & the bowls — Let me know what you think!