Tried and Tru

After several angst laden discussions with my husband about the chemistry involved with curing polymer clay, he, being a problem solver, took the whole issue under his wing. He purchased this wonderful item and ran a battery of tests with me.


This type of thermometer allows me to see, in real time, the temperature of the interior of the oven, it allows me to set a highest temp. alarm that goes off if the oven runs higher than 290F and it also keeps track of temperature range. I now know that my oven cycles to 312, and then to 294 and then its ready. Once pre-heated, I pop the battery out, and re-set and the temp. so I can keep track of the the actual range while a piece is being cured. My oven has a 14 degree cycle range with my new vent (see below) running. I've also found that keeping a ceramic tile in the oven helps to even out the temperature (without it the cycle range is more like 20 degrees).



Kyle finished installing the vent in the corner of the studio that will house all of the things that need to be vented. Soldering will take place directly under the vent, the oven is obviously in the middle and the pickle pot will be to the right.

Whoa Nellie!

What on earth happened Saturday? I mean, I know what happened - the polymer clay not only burned it melted! But HOW did this happen?


At the correct time I took these out, held my breath, checked the oven temp. (it was correct), turned off the oven and left the room. Thank God I was running my makeshift vent (fan/open window). But the thermometer saying 278F has me stumped. HOW did this happen? Everything should have been fine!

I started running tests using two thermometers and test curing several pieces from the same black clay. My husband thinks that possibly we had a power surge (we had a lot of ice that day) and the oven spiked. The other theory is that I am overtaxing a $75 oven that is only made to toast a bagel a couple times per week. Either theory is a bit distressing because now I don't trust the oven. If something burns again of course I'll know it but what if the temp. dips too low and I end up with improperly cured pieces? Ugh, more tests.

Things are heating up

After quite a search and several returns, I have finally found a new oven for curing polymer! The Black and Decker one did not, over a serious of tests, keep temperature precisely enough. An Oster convection oven is the winner and I'll be running some test pieces tonight. (below is one of the last pieces completed before the death of the trusty old oven - may it rest in peace)


During this whole process I have wondered (aloud) about the cost of just going whole hog and setting up the metal studio. My husband seems to think its not quite as costly a venture as I suspected - after all I already have some of the equipment. Hmmm...I don't want to get too excited...but its difficult.

We are waiting to find out if my husband will be awarded another grant that would take us out of the country for a longer period of time and all things considered, if that happens, sinking the money into something I couldn't take with me wouldn't exactly be wise. Can you tell I am waffling here?