NAEA FAQs

Q: How do I fire the kiln to prevent pieces from "exploding"?
A: Slowly. The cause of the legendary "exploding" pot is almost always steam, that is right, steam from the leftover water in the pot. Water turns into steam at 212°F, so the key is to keep the kiln below that temperature until you are certain all the pieces are really dry. Potters call this technique "candling" or preheat. You can easily achieve this with a Skutt KilnMaster digital controller and utilizing the preheat function.

This function is not documented in the Operating Instructions, but our technicians will gladly walk you through the process by calling 503-774-6000 and ask for technical support.

(note: the Preheat function has been a standard feature on all KM kilns manufactured after October 2000, it is not available on older models. However, you can achieve the same result by programming a Ramp/Hold program to 200°F and holding for the desired amount of time, e.g. 12 or 24 hours. Then program a Cone Fire program and press Start, the controller will begin firing from 200°F and not miss a beat)

Q: What is the best way to load a kiln?
A: The results you get from a kiln depend greatly on the methods you employ when you load the kiln. Since most of the heatwork is accomplished via infrared heat transfer it is very important to load each shelf with lower pieces on the edges and taller pieces in the center of the shelf. This will afford every piece on every shelf a good cross section of IR heat.

Q: Which type of clay would be good to get started with?
A: There are 2 main types of clay that are popular in school settings. Earthenware (lowfire) and Stoneware (highfire). Our recommendation would be to get started with nice white earthenware clay body. Now, you need to remember we aren't clay experts (but we can sure fire it). One key to your success is probably to find a full service distributor and purveyor of ceramic supplies. They are a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of firing ceramic products (we'll stick with making great kilns, OK?)

You may click here for a listing of full service Skutt distributors.

Q: What is a bisque firing?
A: The first firing which will take a raw & fragile piece of clay to a durable ceramic object. This firing should not be confused with the 2nd firing which generally is referred to as the glaze firing.

Q: When can I glaze a clay piece?
A: After a piece has been through the initial bisque firing, see above. Then glaze (sometimes called color) can be applied to the piece.

Q: Which firing speed should I use?
A: Slow. The mantra with hand built or wheel thrown pieces is: when in doubt fire slower. See "exploding pots" above, for more information as well. If you have a newer digital KilnMaster equipped kiln you will probably want to use the preheat feature.

Q: Does my kiln need to be ventilated?
A: Yes. In most school settings the building codes require kilns to be ventilated. Local codes vary, but there are very few exceptions. There are some choices, however, when it comes to complying with this requirement. Click here for information on our EnviroVent ventilation system.

Q: Where can I find some lesson plans?
A: You are in just the right place! You will find lesson plans from 2 very well respected companies to give you the initial spark to get your clay program rolling. Please select Lesson plans home page or plans from Amaco, American Art Clay Co. or Duncan Enterprises.

Q: How often should I use pyrometric cones with my digital kiln?
A: Or better yet, what is a pyrometric cone? Well a cone is a 2" tall piece of specially formulated clay that will tell you how much heat the objects on the kiln shelves received during the firing. They "indicate" this heatwork by bending from almost vertical at room temperature (no bend) to 90° (angular) a perfect firing.

Now, on with the main question. Over time the temperature probe in a digital kiln (called a thermocouple) will decalibrate. By using at least 1 cone every firing you will be able to keep an eye on the thermocouple. When the cone ceases to bend properly (range: 40<good firing<95 angular degrees) you should replace the thermocouple.

So as you can see utilizing pyrometric cones periodically will keep your kiln firing the way we both intend it to fire.

Visit the Orton Ceramic Foundation for more information on cones and how to use them.

Q: OK, my Principal just told me I'm in charge of the clay program, now what?
A: If you are like a lot of Art Teachers you have had excellent training in many areas, but are perhaps lacking the confidence needed to get you feeling comfortable with clay, glazes and the kiln. Don't fret, you aren't alone.

You're right to have a healthy respect for the temperatures that a kiln reaches. But we can help you understand how the kiln manages that extreme heat and how safe the units are.

Find a great local distributor that can hold your hand, give your kiln an initial safety inspection and teach you how to fire it. They can also help you with selection of materials and troubleshoot any problems you may have as you get started. You can also call us at 503-774-6000. Our technicians are very helpful with general clay and firing questions.

Don't forget to check out our full web site. Most likely you've come straight to the Teachers Resource Center portion, but feel free to utilize information under every Application (pottery, slip cast, pottery and industrial) as well as the school section. Home

6441 SE Johnson Creek Blvd., Portland, OR 97206
Phone (503) 774-6000 Fax (503) 774-7833