CSG Wood Firing
The Ceramic Study Group now has a wood kiln in the Hunter Valley, 1.5 hours drive from Hornsby and we are excited to begin firing our new kiln soon, expecting to complete several firings each year.
Members worked on building the kiln during a series of workshops in 2024. There were some delays due to weather conditions but we completed the kiln just before the fire season started, and had our first firing in May.
It will be possible to stay overnight at the property, either in a limited number of sofa beds in a large building that contains a kitchen and bathroom, or camping with access to the same facilities.
Joining the wood-fire group is easy:
1. Become a financial CSG member.
2. Apply to join the wood-fire group: complete the Application form (found above the pictures at the bottom of this page) and submit it .
3. After joining you will be sent more details and will be able to email any questions you have. You will be kept informed of any happenings relating to wood-firings such as future firing dates, etc.
Members worked on building the kiln during a series of workshops in 2024. There were some delays due to weather conditions but we completed the kiln just before the fire season started, and had our first firing in May.
It will be possible to stay overnight at the property, either in a limited number of sofa beds in a large building that contains a kitchen and bathroom, or camping with access to the same facilities.
Joining the wood-fire group is easy:
1. Become a financial CSG member.
2. Apply to join the wood-fire group: complete the Application form (found above the pictures at the bottom of this page) and submit it .
3. After joining you will be sent more details and will be able to email any questions you have. You will be kept informed of any happenings relating to wood-firings such as future firing dates, etc.
Woodfiring FAQ's
How do I glaze my pots for wood fire?
One of the best things about wood firing is that it isn’t necessary to glaze the outside of your pottery. The best thing is to let the fire paint the pots. As the fire passes the clay, it deposits ash glaze onto the clay, creating a record of its passage. Some clays react more than others in the wood fire environment, so it is a great idea to try more than one clay body. Remember, the clay must be able to withstand cone 10-11. If you use the wrong clay it can melt into the kiln shelves, affecting the surrounding pots as well.
What is needed for functional ware (for instance cups) is a lining glaze. You can pour and swirl the glaze on the inside of the pot, then pour out the glaze and wipe off anything that may have dripped on the outside. The final step is to carefully dip the rim into the glaze so that the top edge is glazed. For cups this is important so that they feel nice to drink from, but it is good on other items as well.
Pots should be glazed before bringing them to the kiln site. It might be a good idea to bring a small container of glaze for touch ups. At the kiln, we add wads to the bottom of the pots and organise them into height order for efficient packing.
Where is the best place for my pots in the kiln?
The kiln has a “throat” area, where more ash is deposited onto the pots and this is a good place for larger and sculptural works. The “chamber” area is stacked with shelves and props, and fits all kinds of domestic wares.
Can I fire flatware in the kiln?
Flatware presents a special problem in that it takes up a lot of room, but if you make a stack of flatware separated by wads the problem is solved. Such a stack is calculated as one piece.
What sort of clay should I use for the woodfiring?
Please make your work with stoneware or porcelain clay as we aim to fire to cone 10 or 11.
One of the best things about wood firing is that it isn’t necessary to glaze the outside of your pottery. The best thing is to let the fire paint the pots. As the fire passes the clay, it deposits ash glaze onto the clay, creating a record of its passage. Some clays react more than others in the wood fire environment, so it is a great idea to try more than one clay body. Remember, the clay must be able to withstand cone 10-11. If you use the wrong clay it can melt into the kiln shelves, affecting the surrounding pots as well.
What is needed for functional ware (for instance cups) is a lining glaze. You can pour and swirl the glaze on the inside of the pot, then pour out the glaze and wipe off anything that may have dripped on the outside. The final step is to carefully dip the rim into the glaze so that the top edge is glazed. For cups this is important so that they feel nice to drink from, but it is good on other items as well.
Pots should be glazed before bringing them to the kiln site. It might be a good idea to bring a small container of glaze for touch ups. At the kiln, we add wads to the bottom of the pots and organise them into height order for efficient packing.
Where is the best place for my pots in the kiln?
The kiln has a “throat” area, where more ash is deposited onto the pots and this is a good place for larger and sculptural works. The “chamber” area is stacked with shelves and props, and fits all kinds of domestic wares.
Can I fire flatware in the kiln?
Flatware presents a special problem in that it takes up a lot of room, but if you make a stack of flatware separated by wads the problem is solved. Such a stack is calculated as one piece.
What sort of clay should I use for the woodfiring?
Please make your work with stoneware or porcelain clay as we aim to fire to cone 10 or 11.
