Electric Kiln Course

$440.00

Build confidence and technical understanding in this practical electric kiln firing course.

This course introduces the theory and hands-on skills required to confidently fire an electric kiln, whether at home or at Canberra Potters. Designed for Canberra Potters members seeking kiln licensing, and for makers wanting a deeper understanding of firing cycles, packing and programming, the course combines technical knowledge with real-world application.

Date:	Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 & Saturday 25 April 2026
Time:	6:30pm-9:30pm (Tues & Wed), 10am-1pm (Sat)
Teacher(s):	Sue Cant
Location:	Glaze Room/ Kiln Shed

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This class is fully booked.

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Description

This course offers a structured introduction to kiln theory, firing practice and studio safety, combining technical knowledge with supervised, hands-on application.

Participants will explore how electric kilns function, what occurs during bisque and glaze firings, and how clay bodies, glazes and temperature interact.

You will learn to use pyrometric cones, interpret firing results, program kiln controllers (including Harco and Stafford controllers), and understand appropriate firing schedules for different outcomes. Health and safety requirements, troubleshooting and correct use of firing logs are central to the course.

Practical sessions focus on kiln packing for both bisque and glaze firings, prop configuration, cone packs, shelf protection and kiln maintenance. Participants will assist in packing and firing a kiln using their own work, then later unpack and assess the results, discussing any issues that arise. Shelf preparation, kiln washing and minor shelf repair are also covered.

A thorough and practical course for potters seeking to strengthen their technical understanding of the firing process.

Notes:

Bring up to 3 completely dry pieces to include in a bisque firing (up to 30cm width/height each), a notebook and pen.

For Canberra Potters members, successful completion of this course is the first step toward obtaining an Electric Kiln Licence.

After completion of this course, Canberra Potters member participants must engage in a probationary period of supervised buddy/group firings at an additional cost and complete an online quiz to obtain a full licence to fire independently at Canberra Potters. A first buddy/group firing must be completed within three months of the course.

Important Information

Duration: 9 hours
Fees: Includes tuition and studio access.
What to Bring: You may bring up to 3 completely dry pieces to include in a bisque firing. (Up to 30cm each) Your notebook and pen. Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes, tie back long hair, and leave any precious jewellery at home for safety.
Studio Clean-Up: To maintain a safe and healthy environment, it is a requirement of class attendance that participants clean their workspaces and assist with the general clean-up of the workshop at the end of each class.

Terms and Conditions

Refund Policy – Classes & Short Courses:

Class fees will be refunded, less a 10% admin fee, if cancellation is notified more than 10 business days before the first class date.
If less than 10 business days’ notice is given then a refund, less 10%, will only be given if the place can be taken by another student otherwise the full fee is forfeited.
Please view your booking as a commitment to attend.
Classes cannot be transferred from one term to another or one year to another.
If a class is cancelled due to lack of enrolments, 100% of your class fee will be refunded.
All changes to bookings and refunds incur a 10% administration fee.
Canberra Potters will not issue refunds for missed classes or missed emails. Please ensure you have saved the following Canberra Potters emails to your contact list.
Canberra Potters is a teaching facility and students attend our classes to learn about pottery. Imperfect, broken and cracked items are part of the learning process. We do not provide refunds for work that cracks or breaks while drying, during firing or in general class activities.