Making custom stilts with National Artcraft stilt pins can be pretty rewarding, especially if you're into pottery. Let's walk through how these pins work.
The National Artcraft 14-Gauge 1/2" stilt pins are made from Nikrothal wire, which is a material that can handle some serious heat—up to Cone 5, or around 2190°F. That's quite a bit, but keep in mind they're mostly meant for kilns up to this point.
If you're working with a Cone 6 kiln (which gets a bit hotter), you might want to either be cautious or opt for different stilt pins.
What's cool about these stilt pins is their design. The ends are angled, which makes it easier to create custom stilts that leave minimal marks on your pottery. According to the manufacturer's description, this feature helps you get that clean look on your pieces, and our research indicates that many folks have had success using these pins without leaving distracting marks.
Now, here's the thing about the heat. While these pins are great for Cone 5, taking them up to Cone 6 could be risky. Exceeding the recommended temperatures might cause trouble, like warping the pins or damaging your pottery.
So, it's best to stay within the specified range to avoid any mishaps.
With the right precautions, these stilt pins are a solid choice for your ceramic projects. People seem to really appreciate their quality and how dependable they are within the recommended temperature range.
But if you're often working with higher temperatures, it might be worthwhile to check out other options. Happy crafting!