Hire my kiln.

If you are making pots at home you might not have access to a kiln. I offer a firing service to local potters.

The most important thing when firing other people’s work is ensuring sure I know the clay and glaze you are using. Firing the wrong clay or glaze at a high temperature could ruin the kiln and your work. Below are some prices, kiln info and some rules you need to follow. Thanks!

Kiln details:

My kiln is a Nabertherm Top Eco 60. It has a 60 litre capacity. Max temp 1300c. Inner dimensions: 410mm x 460mm (W x H). Kiln shelves are 350mm diameter. It is an electric kiln and I use 100% renewable electricity. Items must be no more than 350mm wide and 400mm tall.

My normal kiln temperatures are to cone 05 bisque and to cone 6-7 glaze.

Prices

I charge £90 for a kiln run at bisque or a glaze fire.

I can fit approx. 30 regular mugs in the kiln (10oz) which works out about £3 per item. I can fit about 44 rectangular (subway style) tiles in the kiln which works out about £2 per item.

Conditions of hire

  • You need to send photos of your clay body label and glaze info label before I fire your work. I won’t fire home-made glazes.

  • Your work must be bone dry for Bisque firing. I leave most of my own items for two weeks or longer uncovered. Drying times vary depending on the size of your work and the weather. Here’s some tips to know when it is safe to fire. If you are unsure give it two weeks for most pots, and longer for thick sculptural items.

  • If glazing you must have no glaze on the base of your work and leave 4 mm clear. Or provide kiln cookies if you glaze to the very bottom of your pots.

  • I may ask you to pay for damage or help towards the cost of new shelves if you give me the wrong glaze or clay info.

  • I need at least one weeks notice before firing, please allow two days for firing. So if you need something on the 10th then book your spot by the 1st so it can be in the kiln by the 7th and out by the 10th. Most work is fired within two weeks.

  • I will load and unload the kiln. I am an experienced ceramicist and am careful with your work. However, I am not liable for any damage if your work breaks during firing, no matter who is at fault. Breakages are rare and is normally due to pots not yet being dry enough for firing. If I can see other reasons why you have cracks I will let you know and offer advice.