​Days 2–6: Firing Shifts

• The kiln is fired continuously over 5 days

• Each participant is required to complete:

  • 4 shifts (7 hours each)

  • A half hour overlap between shifts will ensure smooth transitions and communication of teams

• Teams will be assigned with a mix of:

  • Experienced and inexperienced participants

  • Each team includes a team leader, working under the direction of the firing leader(s)

• Shift sign-up will be organized once participation is confirmed

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During the Firing (Ongoing Responsibilities)

When not on shift:

• Assist with wood preparation (cutting and stacking for future firings)

• Bring:

  • Work gloves

  • Food, water, and snacks (often shared potluck-style)

• Camping on-site is allowed

  • Check with Al for appropriate tent locations

• Facilities:

  • Outhouse available

  • Practice carry in / carry out

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Safety Requirements

• Kiln temperatures reach 2300°F, with possible flame exposure

• Required clothing:

  • Natural fibers only (cotton, wool, leather)

  • Long sleeves and full coverage

  • Closed-toe shoes (no sandals)

• Recommended:

  • Headscarf for hair, scalp, and neck protection

• Provided:

  • Limited face shields and welding gloves

• You may bring your own protective gear

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Unloading Day (Approx. 1 Week Later)

• A date will be scheduled after the firing

• Plan for 5–6 hours of work

• Responsibilities include:

  • Unloading the kiln

  • Cleaning pots, shelves, and kiln interior

  • Reapplying kiln wash

  • Cleaning the kiln shed

• Dust is significant:

  • Wear a mask and gloves

• All participants are expected to stay until all work is complete

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Costs & Requirements

You must be a member of the NHPG to participate

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• Cost of firing will be relative to the amount of cubic footage of your work loaded into the kiln.  Our aim is to cover our costs for wood, materials (wadding, basic glazes, kiln cones), maintenance, equipment (such as new kiln shelves), saving for the next kiln and to keep the price reasonable. 

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• We trust everyone to keep an accurate account of work they put into kiln, both what they sign up for, any extra cubic footage put in during the load, any amount that didn't fit into the kiln. Payment for work fired will be collected at unload.  The minimum payment is $50 (your deposit) and covers the first two cubic feet.  Each additional cubic foot costs $25.  

• Clay shrinks an average of 10% during the firing.  If you do not calculate the cubic feet of your work before the firing, an extra 10% will be added to calculations made after the firing.  Any amount owed above the first $50 deposit will be collected at unloading.​​

• How many cubic feet of work will you bring? Give your best estimate.   A cubic foot is 12" x 12" by 12".  We use this information to see if there is enough work to fill the kiln. 

• Watch this video from potter Mike Roche on how to calculate cubic feet of work. You can bring pieces of different heights.  Your work will be loaded with other work of a similar size. 

• Note: remember it's always good to bring extra work (small filler pieces and 9”cylindrical especially), as we need a fully loaded kiln in order to fire.

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Location

20 Perry Road
Deerfield, NH 03037