Kiln Schedule, Booking & Processes
1. Firing Services Overview
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
2. Firing Schedule & Prices
2.1 Typical Weekly Schedule
This is a general guide. We reserve the right to amend this schedule.
SUNDAY
Large Kiln: Stoneware
Top Loader: Earthenware
TUESDAY
Large Kiln: Bisque
Top Loader: Workshop Work
2.2 Technician Firing Notes
Technician Area Firings are typically scheduled for Tuesday and Sunday.
These firings may be postponed if the kiln is not full. We will not fire a half-empty kiln for sustainability and cost reasons.
All work for these firings must be labelled and placed in the correct area the day before the firing.
2.3 Live Firing Calendar
You can use the calendar below to view the latest, live schedule for all firings, including any changes.
2.4 Our Firing Prices
3. How to Book a Firing
You can use this page to learn how to process and book all three types of firing - an embedded booking system can be found at the bottom of this page or you simply visit the Firings Section in our online shop.
3.1. General Booking Rules
Payment: All bookings must be paid for prior to firing.
Cancellation: Bookings can be cancelled only up to 48 hours before the booking.
Kiln Use: Kiln bookings are for a 24-hour period (for loading and firing), but the full cycle (including cooling and unloading) takes approximately 48 hours.
Scheduling: To allow for cooling, you must either:
Leave a one-day gap between bookings of the same kiln.
Book the alternative kiln (e.g. small then large).
Booking Notes: When booking, you must include the intended start time and firing temperature in the notes.
4. Preparation & Procedures by Firing Type
This section details the specific preparation process for your work.
4.1. Technician Area Firings (Pay-per-shelf)
Preparation Process:
Take an empty SMALL tray from the foyer.
Fill the tray(s) with your work.
Complete the correct coloured firing slip found in the foyer:
GREEN = Bisque
RED = Stoneware
BLUE = Earthenware
Complete your purchase by scanning the QR code on the slip, visiting the Member's Shop, or scrolling down to the bottom of this page.
Slide your tray into the next available slot on the shelves. Work will be fired in date order.
Note: Every tray must have its own completed slip, even if it's part of the same order.
Collection Process:
When the kiln is loaded, photos of the slips will be posted on the WhatsApp Ceramics Member Chat. Members Only.
When the kiln is emptied, photos of the fired work will be posted on the same chat.
Work will be placed in collection trays in the foyer. Please allow until midday on emptying days before collecting.
Fired work must be collected within one week. Work older than one week may be recycled to create space.
4.2. Supported (Full Kiln) Firings
Preparation Process:
Take an empty SMALL tray from the foyer.
Fill the tray(s) with your work.
Complete the WHITE Independent & Supported Firings form.
Pay for your firing and attach the completed form to the front of your tray(s).
Place your tray(s) on the dedicated shelves labelled ‘Supported & Independent Firings’ in the foyer.
Note: Every tray must have its own form.
Rules for Supported Firings:
Your work should only be in this area for one week before or after your booked slot.
Only the person who made the booking is to help load/unload the kiln and liaise with the team about any issues.
Shared Firings: If you are sharing another member's firing, you must also complete a white form with your payment details and the relevant order number and leave it with your work.
4.3. Independent Firings
Eligibility:
Independent firings should only be booked by those who have undergone the full Kiln Induction and signed the declaration.
Preparation Process:
Follow the exact same preparation and form process as for Supported Firings (see section 4.2 above).
Shared Firings: If you are sharing another member's firing, you must also complete a white form with your payment details and the relevant order number, and leave it with your work.
Key Responsibilities & Rules for Independent Firings:
Booking & Timing:
3pm Deadline: Booked kilns must be fully packed and started by 3pm on the day of the booking. Late starts will interrupt the schedule.
Late Kilns: The Makerspace reserves the right to turn off kilns that are started late. If you have an issue, discuss it before booking.
Timely Unloading: You are responsible for timing your firing so you can unload it promptly. If the Makerspace has to unload your kiln to free it up, you will be charged an extra fee.
Found Work: If you find work in the kiln at the start of your slot, contact the Makerspace team immediatly. Kilns should only be unpacked by a Makerspace Team member unless you have explicit prior approval.
Unloading Deadline: Your kiln must be emptied by midday after completed firing - as long as the kiln is below 100 degrees.
Bunging: You are personally responsible for bunging the kiln at the appropriate time (500°C for Bisque and between 600-650°C for Glaze).
Bunging Penalty: Failure to bung the kiln promptly will incur a penalty fee, as it increases firing time and causes unnecessary wear on the elements.
Remote Bunging: We have set up a system that allows members to remotely control the bunging system on the large kiln. Follow these instructions.
Monitoring: You must plan and monitor your firing to ensure it is running correctly and finishes within an expected time.
Reporting: You must report any issues (e.g. slow temperature rise, power cuts, over-firing) to the Makerspace Team immediately. Extended firings due to lack of monitoring may result in you being charged for repairs.
Remote Monitoriing via our Kiln Cam: A Kiln Camera is available to monitor kiln temperatures remotely.
Contact a team member via the "WhatsApp Enquiries & Information" group to request access.
Go to http://home.google.com
Login with: makerspacekiln@gmail.com
Password: MakeSpace4579!
Wait for the team to approve the 2-factor authentication.
Kiln Speed: Our kilns run slower at the top end of the temperature scale, and this gets worse as elements age. Do not expect the kiln to perfectly match your program; it will likely take longer.
Safety: Do not open kilns above 100°C. Only kiln-inducted members should access the control gear that switches between kilns.
Packing & Damage:
Safe Packing: You are responsible for ensuring the kiln is packed safely.
Damage Fees: You will be charged for any damage to kiln shelves or the kiln itself. Glazed ware must be appropriately cleaned and tested to avoid drips. Damage must be paid for via the shop.
Firing for Others: If you fire another member’s work in your kiln, you are responsible and liable for any damage their work causes.
Loading Damage: Damage to the kiln interior (including the thermocouple) caused by loading or unloading will be repaired at the member’s expense.
5. Penalties & 3-Strike System
5.1. It is critical that all members follow this guidance to ensure the kilns run safely, efficiently, and fairly for everyone.
Three-Strike System: We operate a three-strike system. If a member fails to follow the kiln guidance on three occasions, they will lose the privilege of member access to the kilns.
Fees & Surcharges: Failure to follow guidance may also result in fees. You may be charged for:
Damage to kiln shelves or the kiln interior.
Failure to bung the kiln at the correct time.
Makerspace staff having to unload your kiln due to late running.
Repairs needed due to unmonitored or incorrectly programmed firings.
5.2 Excess Fees/Charges
Fees should be paid via our online shop
| Description | Large Kiln | Small Kiln |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to bung kiln Between 600-650c | £2.50 | £2.50 |
| Glaze damage to kiln shelf (per item) | £3.00 | £3.00 |
| Glaze damage to kiln brickwork (per location) | £12.00 | £12.00 |
| Kiln Unpacking | £5.00 | £5.00 |
6. Pay For Your Firing/Kiln Booking
You can pay by using the embedded products below, scanning the QR code on your firing form or visiting the Member's Shop.