Kiln Information

Overview

The Club currently operates four electric kilns, capable of firing ceramic works in stoneware and porcelain up to 1280-1300C. They vary in capacity which offers flexibility to fire differing volumes of work for club members and students and achieve maximum efficiency.

The kilns are housed in a dedicated custom-designed kiln room, with electric exhaust fans to ensure heat and noxious gases produced during firing are appropriately ventilated externally. They are individually positioned with adequate distance around each for ventilation and heat transfer. All are connected to three-phase power outlets which are all new and certified to exceed the current draw requirements. All kilns can be operated simultaneously, if required.

Each kiln has an independent electronic controller which is programmed for the particular firing requirements of the work; for example bisque firing unglazed work, or low, mid or high-firing glazed stoneware and porcelain and other clay types.

Operation

Our kilns are operated primarily by a dedicated Kiln Technician, contracted by the Club, who is qualified and experienced to load, program and unload them and to evaluate the results of each firing. The Club has a carefully derived set of standard firing schedules. A Kiln Firing Register is used to record each firing and a Kiln Incident Report used in the event of a malfunction of the controller, misfiring, uneven firing or other problems with the works and their glazes.

In the 2023/24 year, we undertook 114 kiln firings with up to 15 per month during busy periods. Having access to a mix of reliable kilns is essential to enable timely firing of different volumes and types of work. With the courses we offer, the volume of work is increasing.

Kiln Documents