Wood Firing
Welcome to the Wood Firing Service at the Canton Clay Works! CCW offers terrific firing opportunities for ceramic artists, including outside artists who are not enrolled in our educational programs. Below you will find information about our methods and procedures.
We fire our kilns according to a “firing service” format; the goal of which is to provide experienced ceramic artists the opportunity to engage in our wood firing program, with a dramatically reduced time commitment and at a significantly lower cost than a workshop. The wood firing service at CCW is NOT a workshop. That being said, you get what you put into it; there is so much to learn! Even after 450 firings, we continue to learn more and more about our kilns. All participants are welcome and encouraged to invest as much time as they would like.
Our Priorities
A successful wood firing at CCW accomplishes these priorities; first, of course, is safety. We’re working with high temperatures and fire, after all! The next priority is to produce the best results possible that we are capable of. We fire our wood kilns based on science, knowledge, and experience. We are aiming for results that are reliably consistent. Our third priority is education and a thorough understanding of the firing process. There is endless information to learn about wood firing, and we learn something new each time we fire! Our staff and shift supervisors will willingly train you and pass along their knowledge.
Loading and Firing Shifts
All participants purchasing half or full templates are required to do 2-3 shifts. Participants that are reserving over one template are expected to do 3-5 shifts. Shifts are typically 4-5 hours long. Loading shifts are primarily the weekdays prior to firing weekend. Firing shifts are usually Friday evening into Sunday evening. This is the time frame in which the majority of shifts occur. It takes a village, so most shifts will comprise a 2-4 person team in addition to an experienced shift supervisor.
Wood kiln firings can require a degree of physicality. In the situation that the participants are not available to fulfill their shift requirements, they have the option pay an extra fee of $100 per shift for CCW staff to fulfill their obligation. In the case that a participant is a no-show to their shift, a $100 penalty per missed shift will be charged. In the case that a firing ends early, we will do our best to notify you if your shift is canceled, so that we may respect your time.
Registration and Payment
Our firing fee structure is one of the lowest in the eastern U.S. for wood firing. We charge 8 cents per cubic inch in our wood kilns. Participants reserve volume in a wood firing according to two-cubic-foot increments. The minimum volume is called a “half template,” which equates to about two cubic feet or 3000 cubic inches. Participants can also reserve a “full template” which equals about four cubic feet and 6000 cubic inches. All registration and payments are made via our website HERE. All participants must be registered and paid in order for their volume to be reserved. No refunds, credits, or transfers are available for any cancellations. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur; however, please take commitments to participate seriously and with forethought.
Clay Bodies
Clays absolutely must be cone 10-11 reduction clay bodies. We highly recommend you always know your clay body; choice of clay is imperative to reach the best results and has a profound impact on the aesthetics of your final product. Different clay bodies may be recommended for the Climbing Train Kiln vs Noborigama.
Clay bodies offered at CCW (PDF) >
Work Drop-Off and Glazing
All participants are required to make an appointment to drop off their wares. Upon arrival, participants’ volume will be measured to ensure their work fits in their space allotment. It is the participant’s responsibility to fulfill their allotment.
Participants are encouraged to glaze their work at the time of drop-off. CCW supplies countless spectacular glazes and flashing slips which are included in your fees for wood firing service. Up to one hour of glaze instruction is included with your registration.
Glazing appointments can be made by signing up for a time slot in our “Studio Sign-Up Sheet,” a Google Sheets file, which will be sent out at least a few weeks in advance of the firing. Participants must adhere to the time frame they sign up for. Participants are expected to show up on time for their measuring in and glazing appointment. Any participant showing up more than an hour late for their appointment must pay a $100/hour penalty. Please understand we are working professionals; we will respect your time, please respect ours.
Unloading
All participants are encouraged to attend the unloading in order to gain greater knowledge of the firing process and results. Unloadings are the culmination of hours of work and preparation. Seeing the results is a crucial part of learning what you like or dislike. Participants who miss the unloading can make arrangements to pick their wares up at another time. It should be noted that the wood kiln area is not handicap accessible.
Click here for photos of the kilns, loading and unloading, finished pieces, and all things wood firing at the Canton Clay Works!
Thank you for your interest in our wood firing service! Please feel free to reach out if you have additional questions.
Phone: (860) 693-1000
Email: cantonclayworks@yahoo.com
