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My recommendation is to get a kiln from somewhere locally if possible that has a 'service', which means they will come out and fix it if you need it. I am assuming you will be getting an electric kiln. Make sure your electrician in the school wires your room for the amount of amps(if that is the proper term)--you will need 220(?) Spend the extra money and get a computerized kiln setter, and don't forget that you need proper ventillation; and the kiln company you order it from can recommend what would be appropriate for your kiln and room. I have two kiln
setters that I use at the same time, one manual and one computerized.

Firing basics. Clay body should match the glazes you have. Bisque firing is low fire fire, 2nd firing is based on clay body and glazes. (I recommend you buy premixed wet glazes...again the dry glazes can kick up dust). You can stack bisqueware, but glaze ware must be fired seperated and on stilts (oh yeah, buy stilts, extra shelves, kiln wash, and heat resistant gloves for unloading).

Kids should learn proper way of wedging clay (that will save explosions in kiln), and let their pieces dry slowly, evenly and thoroughly (that will save cracking, warping and explosions in kiln), and when glazing they should follow directions on the back of the jar (if it says 3 coats, then only 3--4 will causes blebs of the glazes)...

As for brands of kilns, I have had Skutt, and Amaco, no complaints on either one...Top loaders usually have additional 'rings' that you can add on over the years to make it bigger/taller...size does matter, I personally like to get the biggest one I can afford at the time so that I can really load it up, save money in firing, and perhaps get a whole class worth of work in it at a time. However wear pants the day you load and unload, or else bending into a top loader will teach kids more about anatomy than about kiln loading!

San D

Ajax50 wrote:

> I need some advice about a kiln. Was recently told I could order a kiln but I have very little experience with ceramics. I have been in the primary school for many years and have recently been transfered to the high school. I don't think they have had one their for many years. I can see a crash course in my future. I would like to know what brand is prefered, Skutt or Amaco or what. A front loader or any special accessories? How big, etc, etc. I was told to spend about $2000 to $2500. Is that enough or too much? Any advice will be appreciated.
>
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