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My wife is looking to take up pottery, she has completed a few courses and loves it.
I have been tasked with getting a kiln for her, now I’ve googled best beginner kiln etc, but tbh I don’t know one end of a kiln from another. I’d prefer electric and not to have to upgrade the electric to 3 phase for this.
I've got an eBay search running, but reckon a more targeted search rather than “kiln” would help.
Any advice or pointers from the STW crew ?
13A kilns exist, but they are limited in size/capacity and you’ll probably have to buy new. We have a Rodhe eco top.
you’ll need a decent space to put it in, dry and decent ventilation.
it’s not a cheap hobby.
Thanks @jam-bo I got the vibe very early on that pottery is not a low cost hobby 🙂
Are there any good pottery forums ?
there might be a local "artisan" pottery who would fire your stuff for you?
there might be a local “artisan” pottery who would fire your stuff for you?
You'll need a kiln-full or be prepared to pay for a firing of just your stuff or flat out refusal. Commercial potters get angsty if hobby pieces wipe out a week's stock due to an explosion.
I'll ask our local chap what he has at home for firing pots, it's 3 phase in the pottery on site.
Edit Your domestic meter may require a Ceramic Speed bearing upgrade once she gets going at home!
there might be a local “artisan” pottery who would fire your stuff for you?
@5lab quite possibly but suspect like lots of others that get into this, she’d like to have her own kit to work with.
My parents are potters, and have run Crow Pottery in Co Donegal for 50 years. Both their kilns are single phase now (top loaders). I can ask what model but I know they were expensive. They have electric wheels but my dad made himself a kick wheel which was the main wheel for 20 years.
They would never fire others peoples stuff.
You’ll need / want loads of space as well (my parents have 4 separate pottery workshops).
If you are Hampshire based this chap hires out his kiln for firings
The costs of firing a home kiln are steep
If you can afford it great, but it may be better to invest any money on pottery wheels, glazes, clays and tools and outsource the firings (bisque and glazing)
After some time, if you decide you still want a home kiln you will still be able to purchase one
Wood fuelled Raku firings can have dramatic effects on the glazes and all you require is an outdoor space, metal bin and some metal items to oxidise in the firing
At least if your wife purchased and use the kiln you’ll have a genuine case for an N+1 bicycle, as that will be cheaper in the long run than the kiln
Ours is 3KW max, so ~£10 for a 12hr glaze cycle, less for a bisque.