Member Firing Guide: Using Kiln Fire

Member Firing Guide: Using Kiln Fire

We use Kiln Fire to track and submit all work for firing by weight.

Firing fees are paid once at the greenware stage and cover both bisque and glaze firings.

Members receive:

  • 25 lbs of firing credit per month
  • Additional firing beyond monthly credits: $3/lb ( member rate)
  • Standard non-member rate: $5/lb

Start Here! Setup your Kiln Fire Account

Before using Kiln Fire for the first time:

Step 1: Create your own account

Scan the QR code posted near the submission area and create your Kiln Fire account.

Step 2: Staff setup

You should have your account setup at Orientation (required before using the studio independently!) A staff member will then:

  • Add the “Members” tag to your account
  • Enable your member benefits and discounted firing rates

Step 3: Add payment information

In your Kiln Fire account:

Billing → Add Card on File

A card on file is required for firing fees and any applicable charges.

How to Submit Work for Firing

1. Weigh each piece individually

  • Weigh every piece separately
  • Enter the exact weight to the nearest hundredth (2 decimals)
  • Kiln Fire automatically rounds up to the nearest ¼ lb

Example:

  • Enter: 1.87 lbs
  • System rounds automatically

Do not estimate or round manually.

2. Submit each piece separately

Every piece requires its own submission, regardless of size.

Even very small items:

  • Test tiles
  • Tiny bowls
  • Mini sculptures
  • Trinkets

must each be entered separately.

To speed up submissions:

Use “Add Piece” when entering multiple items.

3. Take a required photo

Each submission must include:

✓ A photo of the piece
✓ The piece visible on the scale

This helps us identify and track work accurately.

4. Select the correct firing option

Members should select:

Member Firing Fee

Your monthly firing credits will automatically apply.

No action is needed for your first 25 lbs/month of covered firing.

Oversized Pieces

Pieces over 14 inches in any dimension require an additional surcharge.

Oversized pieces require two submissions:

Submission #1

Submit the piece normally by weight.

Submission #2

Resubmit the same piece and select:

Oversized Piece Surcharge

This creates a second ticket.

Oversized pricing:

14–18 inches: +$10

18–24 inches: +$20

Over 24 inches: Contact staff before submission

Oversized work without the required surcharge may be delayed.

Printing & Placing Tickets

After submission:

  1. Print your ticket(s)
  2. Place your work on the greenware cart
  3. Put the ticket underneath the piece

This prevents tickets from blowing away or becoming separated from your work.

Multiple Identical Items

Identical items may be entered as:

QTY: ___

Examples:

  • 6 matching mugs
  • 8 identical test tiles

These items:

  • Share one ticket
  • Must stay grouped together on the cart

Submission Errors

Submissions cannot be edited or undone once submitted.

If you make an error:

Contact:

info@taoofclay.com

Examples:

  • Incorrect weight
  • Wrong firing type selected
  • Duplicate submissions

Use Kiln Fire as a Studio Log

Kiln Fire can also help you track your work:

  • Add photos
  • Record glaze combinations
  • Add notes
  • Keep a history of finished pieces

Important Firing Policies

Bone-Dry Greenware Only

Before submitting:

✓ Pieces must be completely dry
✓ Bottoms must be clean
✓ No glaze on the foot or bottom surface

Work that is wet or unsafe to fire may be pulled by staff and placed in the "issues" area at the bottom of the cart

Glaze Drip Charges

Glaze drips can permanently damage kiln shelves and require repairs.

If your piece causes a glaze drip:

  • Small/standard drips: $10–20
  • Larger damage may incur additional charges

Charges may be automatically applied to your account.

If a piece cannot be located after firing, speak with staff to verify whether it is being held due to a glaze issue.

 

Firing Expectations

All kiln firings involve some risk.

Tao of Clay cannot guarantee:

  • Exact glaze outcomes
  • Specific firing timelines
  • Prevention of cracking, warping, or breakage
  • Special firing schedules

Work that appears unsafe or defective may be held back from firing.

Quick Checklist Before Submitting

✓ Piece is bone dry
✓ Bottom is fully cleaned
✓ Piece weighed accurately
✓ Photo taken on scale
✓ Correct firing option selected
✓ Oversize surcharge added if needed
✓ Ticket printed
✓ Ticket placed under piece

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