Which cones do I use in raku?
The only cones that should be used near a raku kiln are ice cream cones. Because of the fast firing, varying atmosphere, multiple loads and other factors, pyrometric cones are generally poor indicators of heat and temperature so they are not used. Most raku potters fire their wares using the actual glaze melt as the visual indicator of maturity. Many potters, however, do use pyrometers or cones to warn of coming glaze maturity and then check the ware visually through the peephole(s). It takes some temperature of raku depending on the glazes that you are using. Most raku is fired in the range of cone 010-06. You must remember though that you as the maker of the pots are the final expert on whether a glaze is mature, underfired, or overfired. If a glaze is not glossy enough, doesn’t have the expected crackles or metallic effects, or doesn’t exhibit any other characteristic that you find desirable, you need to adjust the firing.
