Firing

CAC Artists have use of the 3 gas and 2 electric kilns in the kiln room and a test kiln in the Main Classroom kiln room. Sharing kiln space is easy and usually part of the procedure. This is also a great way to learn the ropes. A phone call, message on Timetree or just asking around will usually locate a willing participant.  As a new CAC Artist, you must get a tutorial on how to sign out and fire our kilns. Speak to your “buddy,” if interested.  

Kiln Sign Out

  • Once approved, you may sign up to fire a kiln (gas or electric) by using the TimeTree app and signing out the appropriate kiln for your firing. Be aware of the time it takes to load/fire/cool & unload a kiln. Additionally, the electric kilns can NOT be on at the same time.

  • If an Artist is unable to access a kiln due to all slots being filled, an Artist may approach the Studio Manager about using one of the electric kilns dedicated for student work.

  • The Test Kiln is available for firings ranging from 022 to cone 7 with no holding time or long preheat.  Please read instructions and check with the Studio Manager before use.

Firing Policies

We have several policies and procedures that must be adhered to for safety reasons.  

  • The Electric Kilns should never be set to run at the same time and should always be set to turn on AFTER 5pm.

  • It is good firing etiquette to have your kiln unloaded by 1pm on the day you plan to unload, so that those who may have signed up after you will have time to load during daylight hours.

  • When firing the gas kiln, you can allow a second day for cooling. You should have your kiln unloaded and shelves cleaned by 1pm on this last day to allow the next person to load the kiln.

  • CAC Artists are expected to stack, fire and unload their own work.  

  • Advancer shelves are very expensive and must be handled with care. They should never be loaded wet as they may crack.

  • After unloading, shelves should be cleaned, posts replaced in the correct location and kiln vacuumed each time.

  • Kiln shelves should be cleaned and kiln washed, if necessary, immediately after use by the CAC Artist.  This includes chipping off the drips and wiping with a damp (not wet) sponge. 

  • If you break or ruin a shelf (or any other equipment) please let the Studio Manager know, and you are responsible for replacing it.

  • All firings in the gas kilns must be logged on a firing sheet with a copy remaining in the logbook (located in the cabinet in the glaze room).

  • A sheet calculating the firing fees for both gas and electric kilns must be completed by the primary person on each firing.  

    • Sheets are located and kept in a folder in the Glaze room. 

    • Firing fees are calculated and charged in the next month’s invoice.  

    • Please ask the person who shows you how to use the kiln to also show you how to calculate firing fees using the handy chart that is kept in the firing fees folder in the glaze room.

Electric Kiln Guidelines (PDF version):

Running the 2 Electric Kilns in the artists’ Kiln Room

  • Once the kiln is loaded, close the top.

  • Push STOP to clear the system and then ENTER.

  • Push the CONE FIRE button. It will ask if you want to PRE-HEAT. You might do this if some pieces are still damp.

  • Press numbers to enter time for pre-heat (ie 1.00 is 1 hour) then ENTER or just ENTER for no pre-heat.

  • Enter desired Cone level (ie 06 for bisque), or 5, 6, etc) and ENTER.

  • Select SLOW, MEDIUM or FAST speed and ENTER. Unsure? Ask.

  • It will ask if you want to HOLD. This holds the high temperature before turning off. Don’t do this in bisque. If wanted, put in amount of time and push ENTER or just push Enter

  • You cannot start the kiln until after 5PM, so you may need to DELAY the start. Push the DELAY button. Add the time you want to delay the start (to get to 5pm) and then push ENTER. One hour = 1.00. If you do not need to delay, then just push START firmly. The timer should count down on the screen..if not press Start again.

  • You can press REVIEW if you want to check all your settings before Starting. If settings are OK then press START firmly. The display should begin to count down-it takes a minute to see this. If not, press START again.

  • Ensure plug placement is correct..all plugs in for glaze firings; all but the top peep hole plug in for bisque firing.

  • Before leaving, turn on the room vent/exhaust fan (switch to the right of the doors)

  • It will take roughly 12 hours to complete firing.

  • After unloading, if there are bisque/pot shards or silica sand residue please vacuum the floor of the kiln and element channels where debris is present.

    If you have questions, always ask your buddy or another firing artist