How to Run a Fair Kiln Firing Schedule for Members
In a shared studio, the kiln is the bottleneck. Members want their work fired now. You want full loads, safe schedules and no arguments about who was first.
A clear firing schedule fixes most of this. Here is a system you can start using this week, with a sign-up sheet you can print.
Decide your firing rhythm
Pick a pattern members can remember.
- Fixed days. For example, bisque on Mondays and glaze on Thursdays. Easy to explain, easy to plan around.
- When full. You fire when the kiln is full. Efficient, but members cannot predict the date.
- Hybrid. Fixed days, but a load is skipped if it is less than about two thirds full.
Whatever you choose, publish it where members will see it: a poster at the kiln, the studio newsletter and the booking page.
Set the rules
Write down a short set of rules and keep them identical for everyone.
- Pieces must be bone dry for bisque and wiped clean for glaze.
- Pieces go on the loading shelf by a stated deadline, such as the evening before.
- Each member gets a fair share of shelf space per load, so one person cannot fill the kiln.
- Rush firings, if offered, cost extra and are decided by you.
- Anything that is not ready on firing day waits for the next load.
For loading standards, see how to load a kiln and the bisque load planning exercise.
Printable kiln sign-up sheet
Copy this table onto a clipboard sheet or a whiteboard by the kiln.
| Firing | Date | Member | Pieces | Shelf space used | Paid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bisque | ||||||
| Bisque | ||||||
| Glaze | ||||||
| Glaze |
Add a line at the top for the load total and the planned start time. Mark the sheet "full" when it reaches your limit.
Tell members what is happening
Most complaints are really about not knowing. Post three updates for every load:
- The load is open and filling.
- The kiln is firing.
- The kiln is cooling, and the expected unload day. See when can you open the kiln.
Handle the common problems
- A piece is too wet. Pull it, tell the member and keep a "not ready" shelf.
- Someone wants an exception. Decide in advance what you will allow and apply it to everyone.
- The load is small. Wait, combine it with the next one, or offer a small-load surcharge.
- A load cracks or a piece explodes. Keep a note of who, what and why. It helps members learn.
Want this in your studio?
Claybook handles this for your studio: members reserve shelf space for the next bisque or glaze load, you see the load fill up and you call the firing when it is full.
Tell us how you run things today and we will tailor it to your studio. See everything we offer studios.