Load a bisque kiln
Plan in hand, it's time to load for real.
The process
- Verify all pieces are bone dry (touch test: no coolness, no dark spots)
- Start with the bottom shelf: largest, heaviest pieces first
- Stack shelves progressively, placing lighter pieces higher
- Nest smaller pieces inside larger ones where possible
- Double-check: nothing overhanging, nothing leaning, shelves level
Final inspection
Before closing the kiln:
- Walk around it mentally: could anything shift during the heat-up?
- Are posts stacked directly above each other across shelves?
- Is there at least some space for heat to flow between pieces?
The stakes
If a piece falls during firing, it can take out everything below it. A good load is a stable load.