From: Philip Hamling [pdah@optonline.net]
Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 11:46 AM
To: 'fashimbo@crystalline-ceramics.info'
Subject: Crystal Glazes
 
Fara,

It's nice to learn about you from your website. I find your website and book Crystal Glazes very interesting. 

 
Is "Crystal Glazes" available in print? I would like to buy a hard copy.
 
Is your work for sale?
 
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Philip Hamling. I am:
1) President of ZIRCAR Ceramics, Inc. See www.zircarceramics.com We manufacture high temperature ceramic fiber based materials used for all kinds of high tech, high temperature applications ranging from 500F to 3300F.
2) A 1979 graduate of the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, NY. I earned a BS in Ceramic Engineering and while there spent a fair amount of time pursuing interests in the ceramic art field. I did an independent study in crystalline glazes under Wally Higgins. When I was in college the amount of literature available on crystalline glazes was minimal. There was work published by individuals from the University of Illinois in the 1930's, but that's about it. I see today that the web is full of information, including yours.
3) A gardening nut. See http://www.puttgarden.com/gallery.htm
4) Putting the final touches on a building in which I hope to set up a pottery studio and "get back into" making crystalline glazed objects. http://www.puttgarden.com/projects/hobby_house/hh.htm 
 
I have always planned to get back into making crystalline glazed ceramics at some point in my life - and I think that is now.
I gave most of my work away as presents, but still have a few small pieces, like the small bowl in this picture. http://www.puttgarden.com/family/dad/ceramics/Page.html
 
I am about 4 days home from an extended business trip in China. During this trip I stayed at a resort (The Beijing Longxi Hotspring Resort) where I saw a set of Crystal Glaze Vases on display. It was like an omen. See the first picture on http://www.puttgarden.com/family/dad/crystal/Page.htm After seeing this I started looking for items like this for sale in local "flea markets". I found the 2 large crystal vases in the second picture. The 40" high white, green and blue vase cost $100. The 52" high green vase cost $75 (go figure?).
 
I think it is time I got back into it.
 
I have many years experience with high temperature kilns and heating systems. See
http://www.zircarceramics.com/featured_articles/techpapers.htm
http://www.zircarceramics.com/pages/elements/index.htm
http://www.zircarceramics.com/pages/modules/index.htm
for a brief look at my background.
 
On your website where you discuss electric kilns and heating elements you state "For a kiln...Norbert.... six elements are required. The usual elements will cost about US$40 per element; for heavy-duty elements, US$92. Each. .....normal elements will last 20 firings..... the heavy-duty elements may give you 30-35. Are the "usual heating elements" made of coiled Kanthal A1 alloy wire ? Are the heavy-duty elements the same material (KA-1) only made of a larger diameter wire, or are they made of Kanthal APM alloy? What is the failure mechanism? Do you have any experience with Moydbdenum disilicide heating elements?
 
Sorry to bombard you with all of this. I am just real excited to find you and your information. One last question....Where on the planet are you physically located?
 
Phil
 
(Fara's Response)