Krueger Pottery, Inc. stocks most parts for Skutt Kilns and
we repair ALL models of electric kilns.
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Firing Schedules
Air pockets in clay do not cause explosions! Water in clay turns to steam when it is heated & expands. If ware is fired to quickly the water doesn't have time to migrate from the center to the outside. To avoid explosions hold the kiln below the boiling point of water (212Deg. F.) until all water evaporates (usually 8 hours).

Slow Bisque
(Cone 04) For Large Pieces with walls over 1/2" thick

Fast Bisque
(Cone 04) For Thrown/Handbuilt "thick

Cone 6 Glaze Firing
Includes a slow cool down, which is excellent for Matte and Semi-Matte glazes (from Mastering Cone 6 Glazes)

Basic Kiln Loading Info & Tips (for Electric Kilns)
1. Always use 1" posts on the bottom of the kiln and a shelf on top of the posts. Never stack ware directly on the bottom of a kiln.

2. Place kiln posts directly over the four legs of the kiln stand. Doing this will help prevent the bottom of a kiln from cracking or warping.

3. Always stack posts directly over the posts underneath. This will help prevent kiln shelves from cracking.

4. Kiln Wash - Apply kiln wash to one side of shelves only! Bisque with unwashed side up and glaze fire with washed side up. By rotating the shelves it will help reduce warping. If glaze drips on the kiln shelf scrape it off immediately and reapply kiln wash to the chipped area. Keeping kiln shelves washed and free of glaze drips will greatly extend the life of your kiln furniture.

5. Apply kiln wash to the bottom slab of the kiln (unless you have floor elements). Apply the wash starting at the wall and extending about 3" into the kiln. Do not apply kiln wash to the side walls of a kiln. If glaze drips onto the bottom of the kiln chip it off immediately. Leaving glaze on the soft brick will cause it to eat further into the brick.

6. When loading a kiln bisque ware can be stacked, and can touch during the firing. Glazed ware can't touch during firing!

7. For best results always leave at least 1" of room around the Thermocouple and/or Kiln Sitter tube. Placing ware to close to the thermocouple can cause the temperature to read inaccurately. Ware near the Kiln Sitter may cause it to jam and not shut the kiln off.

8. Prop the lid open several inches during preheat period to allow moisture to escape. Moisture trapped in the kiln will cause wear on the elements and contribute to corrosion of metal parts.

9. Vacuum element grooves out occasionally, especially if a piece explodes. Small chips of bisque will cause unnecessary wear on elements and substantially shorten element life.

10. Always use at least one witness cone in each kiln load. If a firing does not come out as expected a witness cone will tell you if the kiln overfired or underfired. Fixing a firing problem requires knowing what went wrong, and a witness cone will help tell you.

11. Listen to your computerized kiln. During normal operation you will hear the relays clicking on and off as well as the elements buzzing. Learn what these things sound like during normal operation and you will be able to tell when something is wrong just by listening.

12. Always keep the kiln lid closed when not firing. Never use the kiln lid as a table. The kiln may be started by accident and spark a fire if there are items on the lid.

13. Check the power plug occasionally. If it ever feels hot during operation there is something wrong! Never let the power cord touch the side of the kiln. It may melt the plastic casing.

14. A source of fresh air is important during firing. If the kiln is fired in an enclosed space leave a door or window open to allow air into the kiln room for proper ventilation. This is especially important if you have a vent installed because the vent will remove air from the room so a fresh air supply is needed.

15. Never place kiln closer than 18" to any surface, especially a combustible surface.

16. Kiln elements wear out over time and need to be replaced. The higher a kiln is fired the more frequently elements need to be replaced. Firing times will lengthen as elements age. Keeping a basic kiln log can help track this.

17. Thermocouples wear over time and will wear faster at higher temperatures. Most kilns will display a FAIL message if the thermocouple is worn out, but if the thermocouple appears corroded or crusty it may be time for a replacement. Replacing a thermocouple is simple, inexpensive and can make a big difference with accuracy.

18. Know where your electrical shutoff is in case of an emergency.

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