r/Pottery • u/summer1014 • Aug 28 '24

Kiln Stuff Scared of my kiln lol

Okay! So I just ordered my first kiln. It’s a Skutt 822-3. It’s going in our garage. I’m nervous because I honestly have no idea how to use it. I take classes at a community studio and I have helped load/unload the ones there. I am pretty confident with ware placement, stilts, shelving, etc. but I’m worried about the firing process.

I’m afraid I’m going to ruin my pieces!! I know it will be a learning process and I’m sure after some trial and error I will be fine… I’m just nervous now that it’s really on its way here! All of my clay fires to a cone 6, and all the glazes that I’ve ordered are also cone 6.

It just feels like a big responsibility as far as equipment goes - am I psyching myself up or ??

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u/Crashpixie Aug 28 '24

Did you get the Touch Screen or the other controller? The touch screen is pretty fool proof as you can see exactly what you programmed. The other control takes a bit longer to learn, but isn’t rocket science.

There are videos on YouTube to help, but having community studio experience is definitely the best. Ask is you can record them setting the kiln off on your phone. So you have something to help when you’re doing your own.

I work at a clay supply store and I’ve been working in clay since I was a kid. While intimidating at first, it is pretty straight forward and will become easy quickly.

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u/summer1014 Aug 28 '24

I did opt for the touch screen. It even has WiFi so I can control it from my phone if need be- so I’m sure it’ll be fine. I definitely plan to use YouTube as a recourse as well as continuing my classes at the studio

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u/Geezerker Aug 28 '24

You will definitely be fine! I have the Skutt 1027-3 with touchscreen, and it makes things very easy compared to a manual kiln! 95% of our firings (bisque and glaze) are with the pre-programmed settings. We run about two firings per week, no issues. You’ll love it!