This page documents the firing schedules I use with my Vevor 1650W kiln. I have the model with the programmable controller, 8×5×6 inch chamber, and longer thermocouple. I have heard that the thermocouples are not very accurate, so the specific temperatures given may need to be modified to match a given kiln.
I use Orton brand pyrometric cones to calibrate the ceramic firing schedules, so they should be pretty accurate. I am still refining the glassworking schedules; I will update this page as I find better values.
To program a firing schedule:
- Long-press [U] to enter programming mode.
- Use [▲] and [▼] to edit the hold time for the current segment.
- Short-press [U] to switch to temperature set mode.
- Use [▲] and [▼] to edit the temperature (in Celsius) for the current segment.
- Short-press [P] to move to the next segment.
- Repeat from 2. until all segments are programmed.
- Long-press [P] to start the program.
To change a previous segment, short-press [P] repeatedly to cycle through segments, looping back at segment 1 after segment 9.
I haven’t figured out a reliable way of setting the total number of segments in a program; if anyone knows, please contact me and I will add it to this page.
The controller heats at its maximum rate (nominally 1650 W) between segments; there is no way to change the heating or cooling rate beyond adding extra intermediary segment with short soak times. In general, long soak times are beneficial to reduce cracking caused by nonuniform heating.
Bisque Fire - Cone 06
This schedule reaches a very solid Cone 06, and is tolerant of clay with some remaining moisture. I have not experienced any cracks or breakage with this schedule.
| Segment and Duration | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 20 min | 60 °C | Gently drives off steam caused by trapped water |
| 2 - 30 min | 120 °C | Pre-heat |
| 3 - 30 min | 200 °C | Cristobalite inversion soak |
| 4 - 30 min | 550 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
| 5 - 5 min | 750 °C | (Intermediary step) |
| 6 - 30 min | 980 °C | Cone 06 |
| 7 - 20 min | 525 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
Open door only after chamber has cooled to below 150 °C.
Glaze Fire - Cone 6
This schedule just barely hits Cone 6 (probably closer to Cone 5.5) but does result in complete vitrification of clay and glaze. You can probably hit a solid Cone 6 by extending the duration of Segment 6, but I am wary of running the kiln for too long at that high of a temperature. Expect some crazing when applying glaze thickly, due to the fast cooldown rate. I personally like how crazing looks, especially with transparent glazes. I have had one piece crack with this schedule, but I believe that was due to prematurely opening the door at around 600 °C.
| Segment and Duration | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 10 min | 120 °C | Pre-heat |
| 2 - 30 min | 200 °C | Cristobalite inversion soak |
| 3 - 30 min | 530 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
| 4 - 5 min | 750 °C | (Intermediary step) |
| 5 - 15 min | 980 °C | (Intermediary step) |
| 6 - 25 min | 1200 °C | Cone 6 |
| 7 - 20 min | 530 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
Open door only after chamber has cooled to below 150 °C.
Combo Bisque + Glaze Fire - Cone 6
I have successfully used this schedule to fire glazed, slightly-damp greenware when on a tight schedule. I don’t recommend it for everyday firing, but it does work when constrained for time.
| Segment and Duration | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 40 min | 120 °C | Longer drying / pre-heat step |
| 2 - 40 min | 200 °C | Cristobalite inversion soak |
| 3 - 30 min | 540 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
| 4 - 10 min | 750 °C | (Intermediary step) |
| 5 - 30 min | 980 °C | Cone 06 bisque |
| 6 - 25 min | 1200 °C | Cone 6 |
| 7 - 20 min | 530 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
Open door only after chamber has cooled to below 150 °C.
Ceramic + Glass Fusing (Experimental)
I am experimenting with schedules that allow for fusing glass with vitrified ceramics. I use “park glass” (shards I find on the ground at my local park), not glass meant for art. Expect a lot of cracking, especially when working with forms that increase the stresses caused by differing coefficients of expansion. I often see cloudiness caused by devitrification, which may be solved by reducing the maximum temperature to around 750 °C.
| Segment and Duration | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 20 min | 200 °C | Cristobalite inversion soak |
| 2 - 20 min | 550 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
| 3 - 5 min | 880 °C | Glass flow |
| 4 - 10 min | 780 °C | (Cooldown) |
| 5 - 10 min | 650 °C | (Cooldown) |
| 6 - 20 min | 550 °C | Quartz inversion soak |
| 7 - 10 min | 450 °C | (Cooldown) |
| 8 - 10 min | 350 °C | (Cooldown) |
| 9 - 10 min | 250 °C | Cristobalite inversion soak |
Open door only after chamber has cooled to below 150 °C.
