Kiln Schedule, Booking & Processes
(Fully updated with correct payment rules)
1. Firing Services Overview
We offer three types of firing services:
1. Technician Area Firings
The Makerspace team fires members’ work on their behalf.
2. Independent Firings
For kiln‑inducted members who fire their own work independently.
3. Supported (Full Kiln) Firings
For members booking a full kiln who are not kiln‑trained or who would like hands‑on support.
1.2 Our Kilns
Kiln 1 (Small)
Kiln 2 (Old Large)
Kiln 3 (Toploader)
Kiln 4 (New Large)
2. Firing Schedule
This schedule is a general guide and may be amended.Firings may be postponed until the kiln is full, for sustainability and cost efficiency.
All work must be labelled and placed correctly the day before the firing.
A live calendar is available below showing all firings, including any changes.
Technician Area Firings
Tuesdays
Kiln 3 (Toploader) — Earthenware
Kiln 4 (New Large) — Bisque
Sundays
Kiln 4 (New Large) — Stoneware
NOTE: On the first Sunday of each month, Kiln 4 is reserved for class work.
Independent & Supported Firing Availability
Kiln 1 (Small)
Bookable on alternate days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Approx. 48‑hour firing cycle
A one‑day cooling gap is required before the next booking
Kiln 3 (Toploader)
Bookable every Tuesday–Saturday
Approx. 24‑hour firing cycle
Consecutive bookings allowed
Depending on programme timing, another member may unload your work
3. Firing Fees & Charges
Firing Type
Stoneware
Bisque
Stoneware
Bisque
Earthenware
Bisque
Earthenware
Kiln Number
3
3
2
2
2
4
4
Kiln Size/Type
New Large
New Large
Small Kiln
Small Kiln
Small Kiln
Toploader
Toploader
1/4 Tray
£0.00
£0.00
-
-
-
-
-
1/2 Tray
£0.00
£0.00
-
-
-
-
-
Full Tray
£0.00
£0.00
-
-
-
-
-
Supported Firing
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
Independent Firing
-
-
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
Tall Item Bolt On (per item)
£0.00
£0.00
-
-
-
-
-
*Non Members Charged @ 200%
4. How to Book a Firing
Technician Area Firings
Technician Area Firings can be booked and paid for by:
Scanning the QR code on your form
Visiting the Member’s Shop
Using the embedded products below
Independent & Supported Firings
For Independent and Supported firings, please use the embedded booking widgets below.
Payment for Independent & Supported firings must be made by:
Scanning the QR code on your form, or
Using the embedded products below(These types of firings cannot be paid for via the Member’s Shop.)
4.1 General Booking Rules
Universal Start Deadline
All firings (Technician, Supported, and Independent) must be fully packed and started by 12 noon each day.
Additional rules:
Payment must be completed before firing
Cancellations allowed up to 48 hours before the booking
Include your intended firing temperature in the booking notes
5. Preparation & Procedures by Firing Type
5.1 Technician Area Firings
Preparation Process
Take an empty small tray from the foyer
Fill with your work
Complete the correct coloured slip:
Green — Bisque
Red — Stoneware
Blue — Earthenware
Pay by:
Scanning the QR code on your form,
Visiting the Member’s Shop, or
Using the embedded products below
Place your tray on the next available shelf slot
Each tray must have its own form/slip
Collection Process
When the kiln is loaded, photos of the firing slips will be posted in the WhatsApp Ceramics Member Chat.
When the kiln is emptied, photos of the fired work will be posted in the same chat.
Work is placed in foyer collection trays.Please collect within one week; uncollected work may be recycled.
5.2 Supported (Full Kiln) Firings
Preparation Process
Take a small tray
Fill with your work
Complete a WHITE Independent & Supported Firings form
Pay by:
Scanning the QR code on your form, or
Using the embedded products below(Supported firings cannot be paid for via the Member’s Shop)
Attach the form
Place trays on the Supported & Independent Firings shelves
Each tray must have its own form
Rules
Work may stay in this area for one week before or after your booked slot
Only the booked member may load/unload and liaise with the team
Shared firings require each participant to complete a white form and payment
5.3 Independent Firings
Eligibility
For fully kiln‑inducted members only.
Preparation
Follow the above process for Supported Firings.
Shared Firings
Each member must complete their own white form and payment.
Independent Member Responsibilities
Start Deadline
All independent firings must start by 12 noon.Late starts may result in the kiln being switched off.
Unloading
You must unload promptly
Staff unloading due to delay incurs a fee
Kilns may only be opened below 70°C
Kilns must be fully unloaded by midday the next day (if below 70°C)
Bunging
Bisque: 500°C
Glaze: 600–650°C
Late bunging causes extra wear and incurs penalties
Remote bunging available for Kiln 4 (New Large)
Monitoring
You must monitor the firing throughout
Report issues immediately
Unmonitored firings causing extended runtimes may incur repair fees
Kiln Cam Access
Request access via WhatsApp Enquiries & Information
Visit home.google.com
Log in with the Makerspace kiln account
Wait for 2FA approval
Kiln Performance
Kilns naturally slow near peak temperatures and as elements age.Always build extra time into your programme.
Safety
Do not open kilns above 70°C
Only kiln‑inducted members may access control gear
Packing & Damage
You are responsible for safe packing
Damage to shelves, thermocouples, or kiln interiors must be paid for
If firing someone else’s work, you accept responsibility for any damage their work causes
6. Penalties & Three‑Strike System
6.1 Compliance
We operate a three‑strike system.After three breaches, members lose kiln access.
6.2 Fees & Surcharges
Fees may apply for:
Damage to shelves or kiln interior
Incorrect or late bunging
Staff unloading your kiln
Repairs needed due to poor monitoring or programming
Fees must be paid via the Member’s Shop.
7. Paying for Your Firing / Booking
Technician Firings
QR code on your form
Embedded products below
Independent & Supported Firings
QR code on your form
Embedded products below(Not payable via the Member’s Shop)