Electric Kilns and Firing

Description

A series of 8 weekly sessions covering all you need to know about using and maintaining your electric kiln, and what happens to clays and glazes when they are fired. This is particularly useful if you are just starting your own kiln, or want to get more out of your firings, or want to know what happens if you use a studio where work is fired for you.. The topics covered are: - Identifying and understanding the components found in an electric kiln and its controller - Knowing what to look for when buying a kiln, whether new or 2nd hand - Understanding the mechanisms by which a kiln heats up, and how different materials used in kiln construction and in kiln furniture (shelves etc.) behave - Understanding temperature and heatwork, and how they are measured - Understanding how clays and glazes, and their constituent materials, are transformed through the firing process, and what fumes may be given off during the firing - Loading and unloading your kiln, including the best spacing of shelves and positioning of pots - Understanding and using your kiln controller, and monitoring your firing - Determining the best firing strategies and schedules for your work - Identifying firing faults, their cause and cure - Understanding safety issues – heat, electricity, and fumes - Learning about kiln maintenance, and how to diagnose faults - Knowing about how to install the kiln

What's included in the price?

Each week there is a live session, lasting about an hour and a half. These are recorded and put up on the course page for viewing, so you can see them on the course web page if you can't make a session. You can also download each week's presentation. There is also a discussion session where we can discuss topics covered, questions or problems from students, and anything else. There is also additional (optional) material to read online.

What you will need

A phone or laptop with internet access. Given the course topic, access to a kiln will be useful but is not necessary.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Tim Thornton Ceramics

with Craft Courses since 2020

Message the tutor

Tim Thornton has been a potter for over 12 years. Coming from an earlier career in science and engineering, he is well suited to the technicalities of the craft. He has used this knowledge to create a series of courses that deal with the more technical aspects of ceramics.