Roselli Stilt Fact Sheet
Roselli stilts are available in many sizes, from tiny ½” stilts that are great for doll parts and small ornaments to much wider stilts that work well for supporting your mugs and bowls without compromising your glaze job. The stilts are capable of firing to Cone 10, whereas the metal pins can begin to flex at lower firing temperatures depending on the weight of the item being fired. It is important to choose the correct size stilt for the object being fired to minimize this effect. When used properly, Roselli stilts can be used for an impressive amount of repeat firings.
While the A series stilts features a tri-point design and one metal pin for support on each arm (great for lightweight work), the B series features a row of multiple metal pins on each arm. This feature makes the B series great for propping up flat fully-glazed items that may have a tendency to slump if supported in just a few spots -- think tiles and flat plates. The multiple contact points also make the B series a good choice for supporting smaller, but heavier works.
The C Series features multiple pins per arm like the B series, but come in much larger and heartier sizes. Great for heavier works that wouldn't be adequately supported by the smaller stilt sizes. Our D series stilts are all-purpose Roselli stilts that are linear in shape and available in many sizes. We like these stilts for their versatility as they can be packed densely together to maximize weight distribution.
There are a variety of other Stilt types best suited for specialty projects and specific use cases (the Roselli E-H series). More information can be found in the Ceramic Shop Product Catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to determine what is the best stilt to use for my project?
The appropriate stilt should reflect the size and weight of the item being fired. It is better to use a stilt that is the size of the base of the object, than to use multiple small stilts to do the same job, as the pins in smaller stilts aren’t designed to carry the weight of a heavy item. If weight is a concern, it is best to use a multi-pin stilt (Series B or Series C) as this will help distribute the weight of the item more evenly, causing less strain on the wires, and extending the life of the stilt. If an item’s weight causes any flexing or strain on the wires prior to firing, the stilt is too small for the object being fired. Test firing is always recommended to ensure a predictable result, as is the case with glazes and many other firing related ceramic products.
What are the Roselli Stilts fireable to?
The Roselli Stilts are fireable to Cone 10. The pins, though fireable to Cone 10, will become increasingly flexible as weight and temperature increases. So it is important to consider that a particular item that may be fine for a certain stilt at Cone 6, may need a heavier duty stilt if the firing is going to higher Cone temperatures. Weight distribution is key.
What kind of stilts are recommended for new users?
It is recommended that the variety of stilts you own reflect the variety of ceramic items you will fire. If you are for example a potter that primarily makes cups of a consistent size, you can probably get away with just buying 1 or 2 specific sizes of stilt. However if you are prone to experimenting and create a variety of object types, you may be better served with a variety of types. We have a variety of stilt kits both large and small, as well as a Sample Stilt Kit for customers who want to experiment with the widest variety of stilts available.
Will the stilts leave marks on my fired items?
Though roselli stilts allow ceramic items to be glazed on all sides, the stilts can leave pin points in the glazed surface where the wires touch the object. Be considerate of how an object sits on the stilt to minimize the appearance of these points. On unglazed surfaces, the points of contact can leave a tiny dark pin point of the clay body. The appearance of these marks depend on the claybody and/or glaze being fired. Test firing is recommended if to determine your results.
Any issues to consider with glaze choice?
High flow glazes can potentially flow onto the stilt pins, and/or the clay component of the stilt itself. A Stilt Stone is an excellent product to use to file away these sorts of runs extending from your pots. As well as to sharpen the pins on your stilts when that proves useful.
Any tips for long term care of Roselli Stilts?
Roselli stilts can last for a large number of repeat firings if used in the appropriate manner. As long as stilts are not overloaded or used improperly, they will survive repeat firings without issue. The NiChrome wire used in the stilts will create some residue (and minor flaking) with repeated normal use, but will ultimately have a minor effect on the performance of the product over time. Of course, heavy weight at higher firing temperatures will degrade the product faster than lighter weight at lower temps. Proper stilt choice is key to product longevity.