u/Icy-Discount-8673

Hi everyone,

I’m currently making handmade ceramic small piece and need to hang my pieces during the glaze firing to avoid stilt marks. I fire in an electric kiln at Cone 6 (around 1260°C / 2300°F), which is an oxidation atmosphere.

I'm torn between two wire options:

1. 18ga Kanthal A1 wire: I've read this is the standard for electric kilns because it forms a protective aluminum oxide layer.
2. 1mm VonframTungsten wire: A local supplier recommended this because of its extreme melting point, but I've done some research and suspect that Tungsten will heavily oxidize, turn into powder, and potentially ruin the glaze in an electric (oxidation) kiln. I assume Tungsten only survives in a reduction gas/wood firing.

Could anyone with experience confirm if my concern about Tungsten in an electric kiln is correct? And is 18ga Kanthal A1 sturdy enough to hold small/medium ceramic pendants at Cone 6 without sagging or snapping?

Any tips or experiences would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!