Before you start, as a reminder, the Makerspace operates three overarching types of firing
Independent Firings. For members who are kiln trained to fire their own work
Supported (Full Kiln) Firings. For members who have a full kiln worth of firing, are not kiln trained or would like some hands on support.
Technician Area Firings. Where the Makerspace fires work on behalf of members
You can use this page to view the latest, live schedule of all firings at the Makerspace
You can use this page to book all three types of Firing. Please be reminded, Independent Firings should only be booked by those who have undergone the full Kiln induction and signed the declaration.
Important information to read and watch the How to Book a Kiln Firing guidance before booking any firing
Watch the How to Book a Firing Guidance online here
You can scroll down to the bottom section of this page and book an independent firing
Kiln bookings are based on a 24-hour period to allow for the loading and firing; when you use the kiln though it is in effect in use for 48 hours, by the time, it is cooled and unloaded so booking should alternate between small and large, kiln.
It is very important that you check the schedule for which specific kiln is being fired and make sure there is either a day between the booking or that you are using the alternative kiln.
When booking, you should also include in the notes the intended start time and temperature of the kiln firing.
Kilns should not be started any later than 3 pm as this will interrupt the schedule; if this issue is an issue, you should discuss this before booking, and you may incur a surcharge.
Makerspace Technician Area Firings are scheduled on Tuesday and Sunday. These will usually be in the large kiln, but you should regularly check to see what kiln is being used and start times – firing may be postponed to the following week, dependent on available work, we will not fire half empty kiln as this is not sustainable or cost-effective.
Continue to use the maker space shop to book a shelf or half a shelf in the regular Technician Area Firing and leave the labelled work in the waiting areas. Bookings needs to be made 72 hr prior to firing.
Key points and responsibilities for independent firings
Only members who have been inducted on the kiln use are able to book and use kilns independently. Members are required to fill in kiln book recording firing cycle and start time.
Members are personally responsible to bung kilns at the appropriate time (between 600-650c) failure to do this may incur a penalty fee as this increases firing time and unnecessary wear and tear on element life.
Members are personally responsible for ensuring kilns are packed safely, and glazed ware is appropriately cleaned and tested to avoid damage to kilns and shelves. Damage to shelves will now incur a repair fee.
Members are responsible for timing firings appropriately within their booked slot so that they can unload them in a timely way to allow subsequent firing to take place on schedule. If kilns need to be unloaded by the makerspace so that they can be used by other members or supported firings, the member will be charged an extra fee.
Members who are independently firing the kiln are responsible for planning and monitoring their firings to check that they are running as they should and confirming that the firing finishes within an expected time cycle.
Members are responsible for reporting issues, and problems with firing in an ongoing way, such as slow or unexpected temperature raises, power cuts or other concerns - extended firings or over-firings due to lack of monitoring may incur the member repair fees.
Damage to the kiln interior, including the thermocouple that is caused by the member loading or unloading the kiln, will be repaired at the member’s expense.
There is a useful Kiln Camera set up to monitor the temperature of both kilns remotely.
Login with
makerspacekiln@gmail.com
Password: MakeSpace4579!
Excess fees/charges
| Description | Large Kiln | Small Kiln |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to bung kiln Between 600-650c | £2.50 | £1.50 |
| Glaze damage to kiln shelf (per item) | £3.00 | £3.00 |
| Glaze damage to kiln brickwork (per location) | £12.00 | £12.00 |
| Kiln Unpacking | £2.00 | £2.00 |
Book space in a Technician Area Firing
If you just want a small quantity of work fired you can book either a full or half shelf below - these will then be fired in one of the regualr firing by the maker space.
For this service complete your purchase below
Drop off your work off at the Makerspace and complete a YELLOW form an leave this with you work
We will notify you when your work is ready to collect
Biscuit refers to any pottery that has been fired in a kiln without a ceramic glaze. This can be a final product such as biscuit porcelain or unglazed earthenware or, most commonly, an intermediary stage in a glazed final product.
Glaze firing will be either Stoneware or Earthenware, please note this on the yellow form you leave with the work.
Please not the makerspace waits until we have a full kiln before work is fired - we will aim to keep you updated on progress
Standar bisque firing are 1000c if you require a diffenert tempratue than you need to book a whole kiln.
Use the area template to work out the firing needed
Area 1 - 495cm x 430cm
Area 2 - 240cmx240cm
Area 3 - 190cm1x120cm
Members only purchase
Complete your purchase
Place your work in the approaite location complete Form
We will notify you when your work is ready to collect
Please Note: Colchester MakerSpace relies on your honesty in this process, our costs are worked out to be the most affordable as possible for members which means that there is very little margin to cover maintenance and material costs.
Stoneware fire is 1220 cone 5-6
Earthenware fire 1040 cone 04-05
Use the area template to work out the firing needed
Area 1 - 495cm x 430cm
Area 2 - 240cmx240cm
Area 3 - 190cm1x120cm
Members only purchase
Complete your purchase
Place your work in the approaite location complete Form
We will notify you when your work is ready to collect
Please Note: Colchester MakerSpace relies on your honesty in this process, our costs are worked out to be the most affordable as possible for members which means that there is very little margin to cover maintenance and material costs.
Book a kiln for an Independent or Supported Firing
Below you can book and schedule a full kiln, you need to do this if you have a specific glaze temperature you want to use or have a complete kilns worth of biscuit ware. Independent firing are for those people who have undertaken the kilns induction course and can load, program and manage there own firings.