Unlocking the Secrets of A Kiln Sitter: An Essential Primer

A kiln sitter is a device used in pottery and ceramics to control the firing process in a kiln. It operates by monitoring the temperature inside the kiln and cutting off the heat when the proper temperature has been reached. This helps ensure consistent & accurate firing results, & prevents over-firing or under-firing, which can … Read more

Unlocking the Mysteries of Kiln Technology: How Do Kilns Work?

Kilns are oven-like structures that use heat to bake or dry a variety of materials such as ceramics, bricks, and wood. They work by heating a chamber to a high temperature and controlling the amount of air flow inside. This process allows for controlled and efficient heating, making it possible to produce consistent results. Kilns … Read more

Kiln Elements: How Long Can You Expect Them to Last?

Kiln elements last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on the usage and frequency of firing. Regular use, high firing temperatures, and extended firing periods can reduce the lifespan of kiln elements. To prolong the life of kiln elements, it is important to fire at the proper temperature and duration and to avoid overloading … Read more

The Fascinating Mechanics of a Pottery Wheel

A pottery wheel is a tool used in ceramics to create symmetrical shapes by rotating a lump of clay on a spinning axis. The wheel rotates while the potter shapes the clay by applying pressure and manipulating it with their hands and tools. The centrifugal force generated by the spinning wheel helps to shape the … Read more

The Art of Clay: Exploring the Benefits of Slab Rollers

A slab roller is a machine used in pottery & ceramics to create even and uniform clay slabs for various pottery projects. A slab roller flattens and rolls out the clay into a desired thickness, which saves potters time and energy compared to manually rolling out the clay. Slab rollers come in various sizes and … Read more

What Is A Cone Pack? (read this before you buy)

What Exactly Is A Cone Pyrometric Pack? Cone packs contain three to four clay cones. Each cone is numbered according to the Orton temperature rating. Pyrometric cones (or witness cones) should be placed in the kiln so they will not touch anything and are visible through the peephole. The cone pack can have an area … Read more

Cone Temperatures

What Are Pyrometric Cones? For more than a century, pyrometric cones or pyrometric devices have been used to monitor ceramic firings. They can tell you when the firing is finished and if the kiln delivered adequate heat. Pyrometric cones can even tell you if there was a temperature differential in the kiln, or if an … Read more

Electric Kiln Firing

Methods of Clay Firing Using An Electric Kiln The three most common methods of firing clay in an electric kiln are 1. Manually thru a peephole or spy hole, 2. Use of a kiln sitter, and 3. Use of an electronic controller. Electric kilns not only provide excellent results but also provide control and dependability. … Read more