Lakeside Pottery uses electric kilns fired to cone 06 (1,828 degrees F) for bisque firing and to cone 6 (2232 degree F) for glaze firing. Before Bisquing., we heat all greenware at 180 degree F for 8-10 hours (candling) prior to firing to insure that all moisture is removed and than we bisque fire at SLOW setting while Environment (internal kiln vent) is turned on removing all the gases outside the building. Firing schedule is determined by the number of pieces needed to be fired and it is typically fired at least once a week for bisque firing and once or twice a week for glaze firing.

Firing Electric Kiln Tips

Firing For Non-students or Open Studio Members

Any one can use our firing process if the requirements below are met and agreed on:

1) Use our clay - Baldwin 192, fired to cone 06 Bisquing. and cone 6 oxidation glaze firing. We sell our clay at $22 per 25 lbs bag. This clay shrinks 11% total at Cone 6. It also can be used for Raku or wood firing.

2) Your choice of clay can be used after we review the clay specifications verifying that it will meet our firing criteria. You are required to exhibit familiarity with the clay (e.g., grog content, absorption rate, cone firing temperature, etc.) Note that our glaze test tiles will not accurately reflect the end results if a different clay is used.

3) Construction techniques will be reviewed for the following before firing is accepted: A) Clay thickness must not exceed 1.5" at ANY point of the pot's or sculptures structure (3/4" is preferred) and thickness is required to be uniform throughout the structure. For example, a actual size human head portrait should weigh about 20 - 25 lbs wet -- click for example. B) Pots or sculptures must not have sealed cavities or voids of any size. C) Drying is required to take place slowly to insure uniform shrinkage which will prevent stress cracks. Note: Some sculpting construction techniques can not meet the above requirements and will need much longer drying time (several weeks) and firing time of a few days. Due to our kiln schedule, we cannot meet these drying / firing requirements.

4) Our firing fees are the same as our students fees and it is determined by each fired objects volume. However, if special treatment is required such as managing proper drying or increased kiln preheating time for large sculptures, price will increase to account for our extra labor and energy costs.

5) Bisque firing only (cone 06) will carry the full measured price.

6) We will glaze fire your work only if you use our glazes following our glazing process. You can glaze your work at your studio and use our recipes which are available to all or use our Open Studio offerings to glaze in our studio.

7) Our kiln can be leased for private firing to any cone firing up to cone 6. A private bisque firing, including loading and unloading labor is with  a $220 charge. A private glaze firing, including loading and unloading labor is with a $250 charge.

8) The max object size to fit in our kiln is 25" x 25". Our kiln size is 13 cubic feet.

Lakeside Pottery in not responsible for damage during firing (e.g., cracking typically occurs due to improper pot or sculpture construction.)

About our kilns, review and comments:

We are using or have used Skutt's KM1027-3, KM 1227-3 and KM1231PK kilns with APM elements (long life) and have recommended these same kilns to several schools and individuals due to our great experience with quality, reliability and great service (even long after the warranty has expired). About Skutt Kilns models and technical information. Skutt also have a program where you enter your needs and it selects the right kiln for your needs based on your requirement, visit "Selecting a Kiln" tool if you are not sure which kiln is right for you.

Additional firing at Lakeside Pottery information

Successful glazing at Lakeside Pottery

Lakeside Pottery's glazes list and recipes