Low Shrinkage Steel XT Now Available
Low Shrinkage Quick-fire Steel XT is now available on my online store.
Low Shrinkage Quick-fire Steel XT shrinks only 10%, like Quick-fire copper. This makes it easy to work with on its own, as well as in combination with other metals. While drying it behaves like copper, with hardly any need to flip it over to avoid warping. Working with multiple layers is easy, since the difference in shrinkage between dry and wet layers is minimal. This is also the case with pieces which require complex construction.
I have always recommended using copper or mixed (scrap) clay as a backing layer when working with more than one clay. This is because their shrinkage rate is lowest. If we use bronze as a backing layer, flat pieces will curve backwards because of the higher shrinkage of bronze. Now Low-shrinkage Steel XT can also be used as a backing layer, whether we use just one clay or more. This expands our possibilities, since copper is not necessarily out aesthetic choice when it comes to designing the major part of a piece.
For example: My choice of copper as a backing layer in the piece below was dictated by its lowest shrinkage.
Now that I have more freedom of choice, I can use steel instead, as in this locket:
The locket was made with Low Shrinkage Steel XT as the backing layer, with accents of copper and Bronze XT. It was fired at the high firing schedule of steel.
Both high- and low-shrinkage steel work well in mokume gane patterns.
On another note: My second book: Silver and Bronze Clay: Movement and Mechanisms is now out of print. Being busy with other projects, I have currently no plans for printing a second edition. If you would like a copy of the book, you may still be able to find it at my distributors.
And finally, here is a project for a belt ring. If you make it with low shrinkage Quick-fire Steel XT, account for 2 sizes shrinkage (rings don’t shrink like flat pieces).
June 11th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
So, as i understand it. As long as we purchase all clays in the new quick fire, low shrink type, they can all be used together and will all shrink about the same?
June 11th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Anita, To be precise: Quick-fire copper, Quick-fire Bronze XT, Rose Bronze, and Low shrinkage steel XT.
June 11th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Dear Hadar, Thanks so much for this new option. Is there similar strength with the original? Steel xt Can you hammer it?
Any chance of a new High temp bronze flex version?
Thanks so much,
Cindy
June 12th, 2012 at 2:32 am
Thanks for your latest info. I’ve been debating about yielding to the high shrinkage in steel xt and the new bronze xt. Does your bronze xt still
shrink at 28%? If so, what conditions can I expect in using the older quick-fire bronze with the steel? I’m ready to order steel and bronze, but which?
June 12th, 2012 at 3:19 am
Looking forward to the trial kit ordered. Having a go myself lol.
Just ordered your book too. (Thanks – Craftworx).
Lots of inspiration – Probably looking at purchasing all 4!!!
June 12th, 2012 at 8:22 am
Cindy,
The answer is yes. It’s strong an malleable. Flex bronze XT – certainly something to think about.
June 12th, 2012 at 8:33 am
Damienne, Bronze XT still shrinks 28%. However, as you can see in the photo of the locket shown in the posting, it can still be fired on top of low shrinkage steel XT without shrinkage problems. the older Quick-fire bronze would deform or melt if fired with steel at high temperature. So, if you want to fire steel and bronze together, you will need the new ones.
June 12th, 2012 at 9:40 pm
sounds wonderful….is the there a different firing temperature for this new steel?? Also, how do you get them so polished??
June 13th, 2012 at 7:11 am
Melissa, The firing temperature is the same. They go through the whole finishing process and then dipped in oil.
June 13th, 2012 at 7:49 am
Thanks Hadar for sharing.!!!!
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:31 am
I am new to your clays and still confused. What does “quick fire” mean, can I omit the first during phase/stove? I just purchased the quick fire steel xt low shrinkage, do I fire it like I did the pearl gray steel in the past? Thanks for clearing this up!!
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:34 am
That was supposed to say “first firing phase,” sorry! 🙂
August 23rd, 2012 at 7:23 am
Erica,
You still need to do the first phase. Fire it like you used to fire Pearl Grey Steel. The title “Quick-fire” is only meant to differentiate it from the Traditional (Flex) clays.