Learn to fire the gas kiln

Are you interested in taking the next step in your pottery journey and learning to fire a gas kiln?

Canberra Potters offers members the opportunity to learn to fire the gas kiln and obtain a licence to fire our gas kilns onsite.

This course is also open to members who want to learn to fire their own gas kiln for home studio use.

Our ‘Firing the Gas Kiln’ Courses are offered twice a year. Members can apply for a place in one of these courses by completing the ‘Gas Kiln Expression of Interest Form’ below. There are 8 positions available in each course.

Canberra Potters do not maintain waitlists for classes.

Prerequisites for course entry:

• Have maintained a valid membership at Canberra Potters for a minimum of one year.
• Have demonstrated pottery experience.
• Have a current Canberra Potters Electric Kiln Licence. This course assumes knowledge covered in the Electric Kiln Course.
• Completed the online Gas Kiln Expression of Interest Form below. Please note your place will be confirmed and an email with payment details sent once your EOI is reviewed.

Once the course has been completed, participants may apply to have a ‘Gas Kiln Licence’.

To receive a full Gas Kiln Licence participants must:

• Complete the course and online test successfully and complete two mentored firings within six months of the course.
• These firings must be checked and supervised by a Canberra Potters approved mentor at the commencement and conclusion of the firing to ensure correct procedure has been followed.
• These mentored firings are additional cost of $250 per firing to cover the cost of the mentor. We recommend you share the cost by arranging three to four people and fire the kiln as a group.
• Your licence is valid for three years as part of an up-to-date Canberra Potters membership.
• Once your full licence is granted participants must undertake a minimum of two firings per year and maintain an up to date firing log to maintain currency. Your log must be available onsite when you are firing for to staff to view on request.
• To ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and members CPS reserves the right to refuse kiln booking requests and ask members to retrain if currency is not maintained.

COURSE OUTLINE

How to fire a downdraft gas kiln

Participants will:

• need a minimum of five to six pieces of bisqued work in a stoneware clay. Space in the kiln will be split equally among students so if you bring more, there may be space.
• have access to Canberra Potters stoneware glazes designed for this course.

The Short Course includes:-

Session 1: The downdraft gas kiln (3 to 4 Hours) –  Participants will learn about kiln design, how they work and types of firing schedules,  kiln packing to achieve the best results for your work, the combustion system, temperature measurement, explanation of the reduction firing process, burner operation, kiln and kiln furniture care and maintenance, health & safety. Participants will also be introduced to Canberra Potters’ stoneware glazes and will be given a general outline of how to expect them to respond in the gas kiln.

Please note - if you wish to use your own stoneware glaze the recipe must be cleared by Canberra Potters prior to use. Please forward the recipe to education@canberrapotters for approval.

Please Note - Any non Canberra Potters glaze must be fired on a clay setter the first time it is fired in our kilns to test for suitability and to protect kiln shelves.

Session 2: Packing (3 to 4 hours) - Practical hands on session. Learn how to pack the kiln efficiently and for best results. The gap of 2 weeks, gives participants time to glaze their work. Bring as many pots as you like. Each participant will have an equal share in the kiln.

Session 3: Firing (10 or more hours depending on the kiln firing) - This will run from 7.00am to approximately 5.00pm. Under the supervision of the teacher participants will montior the kiln and make adjustments, put the kiln into reduction and keep the firing log. Students should bring snacks, lunch and drinks. Workshop One will be available for students who would like to do some pottery while they are onsite. Weather permitting we will fire up the pizza oven for a communal lunchtime feast. Participants should wear non flammable, well fitted clothing and covered footware. Long hair should be tied back and we recommend you leave valuable jewellery at home.

Session 4: Unpack and debrief (1 hour)

The teacher will negotiate a time to unpack and review the kiln firing at a time suitable to participants.