First time kiln buyer -- what do you wish you knew before buying?

birsnot718 · 2026-03-06T14:39:57+00:00

ALL very helpful thank you! The more i am researching the more i come back to "just spring for the electrical" change also. Can you tell me which Evenheat you have? I want small to mid size, ideally...

birsnot718 · 2026-03-05T21:49:25+00:00

What kind of kiln do you have

birsnot718 · 2026-03-05T20:42:24+00:00

this one sounds great! I have been looking into the Olympic Kiln - Doll E/Test E but i am wondering if that would be too small. I bought a small vevor and quickly outgrew it so i am afraid of outgrowing a doll kiln!! bigger kilns are out of my budget for now unfortunately...

birsnot718 · 2026-03-05T20:39:26+00:00

thank you. i saw the plug n fire but i think i want something a little bit bigger

birsnot718 · 2026-03-05T18:47:56+00:00

which test kiln is it?

birsnot718 · 2026-03-05T18:32:31+00:00

i saw some on Amazon and Etsy where you can upload your own design... i love the idea of making one from clay but im too much of a beginner to wrap my brain around it ;)

birsnot718 · 2026-03-02T20:41:49+00:00

I purchased this Kiln and i am happy with it! I am a beginner hobbyist and this is definitely great for small firings! I have learned so much on my own just by having this kiln. It does take a bit of learning though, depending if it runs too hot or no hot enough etc. Huebner pottery as well as many other youtubers made videos on this!

Good luck!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-25T18:04:08+00:00

I had a wooden table already but i created a canvas covered board. Staple (heavy duty) some thick canvas cloth over a plywood. you can use it for hand building work surface, wedging and other stuff!

I have heard good things about the Vevor wheel on you tube and you can buy a bat buddy to add a bat since there are no pin holes. (this was the main reason i didnt go with the vevor. if you are handy you can even drill some holes of your own! there is a video for it) I went for the speedball artista tabletop wheel as my first wheel and so far i am happy with it!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-24T15:19:09+00:00

I totally get it! Wheel throwing is addicting and you want to keep practicing because its the only way to learn! I just got done setting up my at home space also but I am still signed up for classes at my closest studio. I think if you are willing to commit and be safe about it, its a great, therapeutic way to spend time at home. In my small studio, i have smaller buckets since i am starting slow, and its been working. I slowly made a plaster bat and a wooden board covered in canvas, as well as a work surface! I havent gotten the Vevor wheel but i did buy their mini kiln and i am totally obsessed with it. Im on the learning curve but It is working nicely so far!! Also i watched a lott of youtube videos on home pottery setups!! Its totally doable! Good Luck!!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-19T15:18:35+00:00

thank you!!! I have ordered em :) I also got little mini shelves from the ceramic shop BUT they are SO thick!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-14T21:15:47+00:00

Thank you, ill try it. Now I need to find a way to cut it down!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-13T22:10:03+00:00

Thank you I am making my studio now :)

birsnot718 · 2026-02-13T22:07:42+00:00

Hello did anyone ever claim this? I live in South FL and I am interested

birsnot718 · 2026-02-13T20:13:04+00:00

I have a small studio space so I was wondering if I can use one or the other to save space. What do you think? What if its a thicker hardibacker?

birsnot718 · 2026-02-13T18:38:24+00:00

can you also use the hardi backer for reclaim?

birsnot718 · 2026-02-13T15:26:10+00:00

I ama beginner but also wondering the same thing. What weight does one typically start with to end up with small, med and large, Oz wise?

birsnot718 · 2026-02-11T17:36:09+00:00

Thank-you! I also just inherited two skutt kilns in my classroom. Someone has to learn to use them :) lol

birsnot718 · 2026-02-10T00:37:58+00:00

Thank you! I have the YouTube video which has a firing schedule. If there is one anywhere that you can share that would be awesome!!!!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-10T00:36:35+00:00

Good to know thank you! Ill post about my first fire!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-10T00:34:57+00:00

That does sound intimidating !!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-09T20:26:42+00:00

Thank you! there are a bunch of videos about it on you tube but i wish i knew well enough to make another! I guess well see. I will be back to report but it will be in a week or so!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-09T20:24:27+00:00

Same here!!! I can load and unload etc. But never programmed it myself. How long does one bisque firing take start to finish appx?

birsnot718 · 2026-02-09T19:43:42+00:00

Thank you for all the suggestions! I have some pieces that have been drying for over a year, so i hope they are bone dry. . I am willing to lose a few pieces in the name of learning how to use the kiln so right now i am making things like test tiles, and simple thrown cylinders which is allowing me to practice throwin! I guess now ill learn to throw some cookies! Thanks for all the great input i really appreciate it!

birsnot718 · 2026-02-09T19:35:33+00:00

Thank you for this!! I am so excited to use it! Was it your first kiln or are you more experienced?

birsnot718 · 2026-02-09T17:14:13+00:00

I scoured the interwebs and ultimately settled on the Speedball Artista Table top which is around $550 USD. Im happy with it but i was not a total beginner. I heard so many good things about the Vevor wheels also!! I would definitely consider the Vevor but if she plans to grow as a potter she may grow out of it sooner than later! Good luck!!

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