Plan a bisque load on paper
Never wing a kiln load. Plan it like you're packing a suitcase for a trip you can't repack.
Steps
- Measure your kiln interior (width, depth, height between shelves)
- Measure your collection of bone-dry pots
- Sketch a loading plan showing shelf heights and pot placement
Bisque loading rules
- Pieces can touch each other (no glaze to fuse)
- Pieces should not lean on each other (they're fragile when bone dry)
- Smaller pieces can nest inside larger ones to save space
- Nothing overhangs the shelf edge
- Leave airflow space: don't pack so tight that heat can't circulate
Pro tip
Draw the plan from above (bird's eye view) with shelf heights noted on the side. You'll reference this plan while loading.