Firing Team Guidelines

In order to keep the community firings consistency and quality, (and to save on elements and air conditioning as much as possible), all general firings will follow these rules.

Kiln Team Members

Operating the kilns come with great responsibility because it can affect 10+ members pieces, therefore, we have voted on the following training system. The prospective kiln team member must:

1) Observe 3 glaze loads to be scheduled in advance with a kiln team member in good standing.

2) Observe 3 bisque loads (to be scheduled in advance with a kiln team member in good standing.

3) Load glaze 3 times under the supervision of a kiln team member in good standing.

4) Load bisque 3 times under the supervision of a kiln team member in good standing.

5) Unloading process and posting pictures requirements for Ceramics and Kiln Firing Team

All firings should include at least one full cone pack to keep an eye on firing consistency. For a Bisque load, Use cones 03, 04 and 05 (toward the top/middle of the kiln). For a Glaze load, Use cones 5, 6 and Leave the top peep out. Can pull peeps/crack/stilt/unload at or below 125 degrees. Review supporting documents here: KilnMaster Manuals - Kilns | Ceramic Pottery Kiln, Glass Kiln, Pottery Wheels | Skutt

We foster an environment of learning and teamwork. Accidents and mistakes happen. Here are the expectations of DMS Kiln Team members:

• You must attend the kiln team meetings or ask for updates or you will be removed from the next month's kiln thread and/or team.
• Adhere to Best Practices (below) rules/guidelines outlined on this page. When a mistake or issue has been documented, you will receive 1 warning. When the 2nd error happens, you will have to completely retrain (following the prospective kiln team member's training schedule above). After 2 retrainings, you will be permanently removed from the kiln team.

Bisque Loading, Firing, and Unloading

Greenware Firings- LOAD

a.     Use both hands when loading greenware pieces

b.    If piece is cold/wet, do not load.

c.     Include cone pack 03,04, and 05 on a middle shelf

d.    Move all remaining greenware items to the appropriate shelf for next firing

e.     Post picture of the remaining greenware items to Kiln Firing Team info – month year

f.      Ensure that the kiln is locked

g.     Select program

h. Engage the Vent and set up the warning poles

In the Skutt 1222, use the DMS 1222 Bisque program (Saved to Programs/My Programs). Kiln Team Leadership will continue to adjust the programs based on the cone results and/or element replacements.

In the Skutt 1027, use the DMS 1027 Bisque program (Saved to Programs/My Programs).

In the future, the specifics may vary depending on adjustments to cone results, thermocouple/element replacements.

Kiln Team Leadership will continue to adjust the programs based on the cone results and/or element replacements.

Paragon, Bisque firing in the Paragon, manually set to cone 04, slow speed, 2 hour preheat and look at the kiln thread for the current hold time being used. Do not place any numbers in the cool section.

Bisque Firings- UNLOAD

a.     Open at 125 degrees

b.    Avoid picking up bisque by handles or rims

c.     Post pictures of each shelf on Ceramic Kiln News – month year

d.    Post picture of the cone pack on Kiln Firing Team Info – month year

e.     Put cookies and pillars back in is appropriate places 

f.      Ensure that the kiln is locked

g. Turn off the Vent

Glaze Loading, Firing, and Unloading

Glaze Firings – LOAD

a.    Check bottoms to make sure no glaze remains

b.    Select cookies appropriate to ceramic piece profile

c.    Remember all glazed items *must* have cookies under them

d. Glaze below a 1/4" from the bottom requires a note explaining why it's ok to fire and the kiln team member will make the final determination ok or not

e.    Include cone pack 5,6,7 on a middle shelf

f.     Turn all handles inward when loaded at the perimeter

g.    Move all remaining glazed items to the appropriate shelf for next firing

h.    Post picture of the remaining glazed items to Kiln Firing Team info – month year

i.    Ensure that the kiln is locked

j.     Select program

k. Engage the Vent and set up the warning poles

In the Skutt 1222, use the DMS 1222 Glaze program (Saved to Programs/My Programs).

Kiln Team Leadership will continue to adjust the programs based on the cone results and/or element replacements.

Paragon, Glaze firing in the Paragon, manually set to cone 6, no preheat, standard speed, no cool, and look for current hold time being used in kiln team notes

Glaze firing is not recommended in the Skutt 1027 since it is only rated for cone 6. Do not fire a glaze in the 1027

Glaze Firings Unload

a.    Open at 125 degrees

b.    Post pictures of each shelf on Ceramic Kiln News – month year

c.     Post picture of the cone pack on Kiln Firing Team Info – month year

d.    Put cookies and pillars back in is appropriate places 

e. Ensure that the kiln is locked. 

f. Turn off the Vent

Best Practices

• When loading, please take care to secure the pieces by the base (not handles or rims) to prevent breakage.
• Make sure you have enough time to load/unload the kiln. This is not something you can do in a rush. It takes time and delicate hands.
• Avoid putting the foot of pieces over cracks.
• Avoid putting large trays and plates on the bottom shelf; the environment is not as suitable for these items as other shelving.
• Stagger the shelves as much as possible and/or leave a 1/2 crack between the two shelf sides.
• It’s easier and quicker with two people.
• Never stack different clay bodies, not in the kilns and not on the bisque/glazed shelves.
• Try to group member’s items together after an unload to it’s easier for them to find their items.  
• Use clean hands.
• If kiln does not reach temperature, notify chair to notify members.
• Bisque is sturdier than greenware but it’s still delicate. Be gentle with it.
• Don’t remove items stuck to cookies-let the maker do that.
• Load on the side with the kiln wash, always.
• Be very cautious when removing shelving around the thermocouple.
• Only move kilns by side handles.
• Toss any cookies with glaze drips or defects.
• When loading and removing shelves, always tip them outside of kiln to extract any bits of kiln wash/glaze that may have separated from the pieces.
• Kiln team will always use cookies. 
• All kilns team members must adhere to all kiln guidelines; we do not have special privileges by being on the team.

*Leave some cones on shelf by kiln shelves so that everyone can reach them

** ALWAYS lock the kilns