vertical cracking on larger, flatter beads.

[Amber]

I lose loads of beads to thermal shock 

Unfortunately I have to batch anneal, because I run an extension cable through a window from the house to the shedio and so can't leave the kiln running overnight or when I go out.

However, I very rarely lost any beads during the two years I was using the Hothead, I have only started having problems with the Bobcat  So I have concluded that my problem is less to do with the cooling down and more to do with how I I work the bead in the flame and then finish it off before putting it to bed. The Hothead flame was bigger and bushier, so I guess it was much easier to keep the whole bead warm. I've now had the Bobcat for a year though, and I still haven't got the hang of looking after my bead in the flame.