Gas Kiln Course
$595.00
Expand your firing repertoire and develop technical confidence in this practical gas kiln firing course, led by Chris Harford.
Across four sessions, you will learn the theory and hands-on skills required to confidently fire a downdraft gas kiln, whether at Canberra Potters or elsewhere. Designed for makers with prior electric kiln firing experience, participants will develop a deeper understanding of firing atmospheres, kiln packing, glazing and firing management for gas reduction firing. Combining technical knowledge with hands-on application, participants will work collaboratively through the complete firing process.
| Date: | Sunday 12, Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Wednesday 29 of July |
| Time: | 1pm - 5pm Sunday 12 & Saturday 25 July, 7am - 5pm Sunday 26, 7pm - 8pm Wednesday 29 July |
| Teacher(s): | Chris Harford |
| Location: | Canberra Potters Kiln Shed |
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This class is fully booked.
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Description
This course offers a structured introduction to gas kiln theory, reduction firing practice and studio safety, combining technical knowledge with supervised, hands-on application.
Designed for experienced makers with prior electric firing experience, you will explore how downdraft gas kilns function through a range of theory and practical experience, including combustion systems, burner operation, airflow, temperature measurement and reduction atmospheres. Firing schedules, kiln design and maintenance, clay bodies, glazes and atmospheric conditions interactions will all be considered.
Learn how to efficiently pack a gas kiln for optimal heat circulation and firing outcomes, understand reduction firing processes, interpret firing behaviour, and maintain firing logs throughout the firing. Health and safety requirements, kiln furniture care and kiln maintenance are central to the course.
Practical sessions focus on kiln packing, shelf placement, loading strategies and reduction firing management specific to the Canberra Potters gas kilns. Participants will glaze and fire their own work (up to 10 pieces) as part of a shared kiln firing, working collaboratively under supervision to monitor the kiln, make firing adjustments and manage the reduction cycle. The course concludes with unpacking and reviewing firing outcomes, discussing glaze and atmospheric effects, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
A thorough and practical course for experienced potters seeking to strengthen their technical understanding of atmospheric gas firing processes.
Session 1: 1pm- 5pm Sunday 12 July – Theory with practical components. Includes design, packing, the combustion system, temperature measurement, explanation of the reduction firing process, burner operation, glazing, kiln and kiln furniture care and maintenance, safety aspects.
Session 2: 1pm-5pm Saturday 25 July – Practical. Packing the gas kiln. Bring your bisqued, glazed pieces.
Session 3: 7am- 5pm Sunday 26 July- Firing the gas kiln. Shared lunch.
Session 4: 7pm-8pm Wednesday 29 July- Unpacking the gas kiln.
Note:
This course is recommended for participants with prior electric kiln firing experience and a basic understanding of clays and glazes. Successful completion of this course may contribute toward eligibility requirements for gas kiln licensing at Canberra Potters.
Prerequisites for members to obtain a Canberra Potters gas kiln licence include:
- Hold an electric kiln licence
- Successful completion of this gas kiln course
- Two x mentored firings at an additional cost
- Successful completion of the gas kiln course quiz.
- For further queries re. Canberra Potter’s licensing please email workshop@canberrapotters.com.au before booking this course.
What to Bring:
- Up to 10 bisque-fired & glazed works to include in the firing.
- A notebook and pen.
- A drink bottle and lunch for the firing day on 26 July.
What to Wear:
It will be cold outside – Canberra is cold! 😊
- Consider wearing layers, gloves/beanie scarf as sessions will include outdoor activities.
- Wear natural fibre clothing when in close proximity to kiln (no synthetics)
- Wear sturdy, covered shoes, tie back long hair, and leave any precious jewellery at home for safety.
- P2 dust mask (preferably non-disposable), eye protection and gardening or riggers gloves.
Important Information
Fees: Includes tuition, studio access, kiln firing.
What to Bring:
- Up to 10 bisque-fired & glazed works to include in the firing.
- A notebook and pen.
- A drink bottle and lunch for the firing day on 26 July.
What to Wear:
It will be cold outside – Canberra is cold! 😊
- Consider wearing layers, gloves/beanie scarf as sessions will include outdoor activities.
- Wear natural fibre clothing when in close proximity to kiln (no synthetics)
- Wear sturdy, covered shoes, tie back long hair, and leave any precious jewellery at home for safety.
- P2 dust mask (preferably non-disposable), eye protection and gardening or riggers gloves.
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.
ADDITIONAL NEEDS:
If you have an assistance animal or require any special assistance for emergencies or evacuations, email education@canberrapotters.com.au so we can arrange accommodations.
IMPORTANT INFO:
Our refund policy can be found on our ‘Learn’ page or via this link:
https://canberrapotters.com.au/learn/
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.
Booking Policy
- Canberra Potters does not offer make up classes.
- Payment in full is required as the time of booking to secure a place.
- CPS member discounts apply to course fees.
- All bookings are made by accessing our website
- All prices are subject to change.
- Classes are run subject to numbers.
- Once a class has commenced no refunds will be issued.
Member Discounts
- Member discounts must be applied at time of booking classes online. We are unable to apply member discounts retrospectively.
