First Firing in Skutt Kiln

I bought this kiln over the summer from Craigslist and this is the first time I was able to fire it.

Here's the list of things I should have done before my first firing....but didn't do.... 1. Vacuum the kiln 2. Put same size pieces in the kiln, fire and record the differences of the glass reaction based on where it was placed in the kiln. 3. Get a proper kiln shelf. 4. Kiln wash the bottom of the kiln. (I got lazy since this was used before and I was hoping it was already done). Here are the things I did do before the first firing. 1. I pushed any loose pins holding the elements back in place. 2. l downloaded and read the manual. I'm using a pizza stone (new and received from a FreeCylcer) that I kiln washed. Hopefully this doesn't break and ruin my first firing in this kiln.

One of the pieces in the kiln is above: Marine Blue stringers, a few clear strings and Juniper Blue powder Also in the kiln are the frit/powder pieces and some small jewelry pieces. I'm using the pre-programmed setting: Tack fuse @ 1350 deg. Med. speed I tried to increase the temp to 1400 deg but I couldn't figure it out. well next time.

Small Kiln - Tack Fuse

IN KILN: Yin/Yang dragonfly. The yin/yang was previously fired at a full fuse. Two clear/irid pieces with PearlEx design stamped onto clear and placed down toward irid. Hair spray was used as the sticking medium. PearlEx was brushed on the stamp and the excess was tapped off to avoid excess PearlEx falling off. 2 frit/powder pieces.

Here are the pieces before the firing.

And after being fired. Two observations- the change in color of the dragonfly body started with Uroboros Marigold. Normally this color stays true after firing, but it shifted to a brown color when CMC was added to make glass clay. I'm happier with this shift in color since it softens the look. Also the head moved. Also the frit/powder pieces should be at a full fuse. Here's the firing schedule for a tack fuse: Starting Temp: 64 deg. Vented the kiln by keeping the peep hole open until 800 deg. reaches. (should have tried to keep it vented until it reached 1,000 deg, but I was pressed for time) Low for2 hours. Temp reached 800 at 2 hours (= Ramp @ 400 DPH) @ 2 hours - increased to Lev. 2. @+30 min. -temp. = 1090 deg. Increased to Lev. 3. (= Ramp @ 200 DPH) @+30 min. temp. = 1200 deg. Increased to Lev. 4 (=Ramp @ 200 DPH) @+30 min. temp = 1350 deg. Hold @ 1350 for 15 minutes. Turned off and let cool.