More toaster oven issues

[StarfallsAtDusk]

I have a Black & Decker toaster oven for my clay. I bought two oven thermometers and put them inside. They both say that my oven is off by about 40 degrees! But if I adjust the temperature to what the little thermometers says is "sculpey temp", I think it's burning my clay! I don't know what to do.

[exZuberant]

I'm not sure why you say that you "think" it's burning your clay. If you aren't sure, don't worry about it. In my experience, you'll always know for sure if your clay is burnt because it smells terrible and is browned. However, if you mean that the oven gets too hot when your oven thermometers show the correct temperature, then it's time to experiment!

Use some white clay or some scrap clay that's light in color (so you can easily see if it burns), and make several batches of simple shapes that are similar in size to your pieces. Bake a few pieces at the recommended time for Sculpey, but vary the temperature for each batch. Start at the oven's setting, then go in 10-degree increments up to what your thermometers show. You'll be able to tell what the right temperature is for your artwork and for your oven.

Good luck!

[LadyAstarte]

I've often burned clay because I use different brands of clay. The low temp clays are really sensitive.