Got a kiln question?

Getting a new kiln? Looking to refurb an old one? Need advice on a repair? Maybe your gas kiln is giving you issues? Or perhaps you're even thinking about building a kiln (wood or gas!)?

I have long enjoyed helping folks navigate the wide world of firing their work. But kilns can be tricky...and they can be dangerous. Being careful is important! You have also spent so much time on making your work, why gamble and "see what happens" with a questionable firing situation?

Over the last 25yrs I've had the priviledge to fire, build, and repair an incredible array of kilns - so many types! Give me a holler, maybe I can help. And if not, I can almost certainly point you in the right direction.

Schools and camps included!

Electric Kiln services

Widely relied upon as the workhorses for every studio, electric kilns are the backbone for 99% of our field from professional and commercial studios to the small, basement, beginner studio. When they break down, it can be a calamity for your studio. The upside is that many are designed to be repaired by their owners. This is where I can help. If you need basic "how-to" guidance or a simple consult for buying parts, I've got you covered. If you're looking at a big repair or significant issue, I'm there for you! Need an install? As long as you have the space and appropriate service at your site and in your electrical panel, I can get you firing.

Free estimate/initial contact either email, call, or Zoom.
Site visit within 90min: $100 flat consultation fee.
Repairs: $40/hr
Installs: $50/hr
Rebuilds: $75/hr

Gas kiln services

Gas kilns are bit like that 'complicated' friend of yours: They are sometimes temperamental. They can be hot and cold. They need maintenance. They can be mysterious!

But they can also be amazing and give you some of your best memories. And when they run well, they are so reliable.

I love firing gas kilns and have made it a second passion in my near 30yr career in clay. I've fired nearly every major brand and many custom kilns. If you're having an issue that you simply can't figure out, give me a holler. Sorry, no new builds this year...just repairs!

NB: Legally, I cannot touch gas lines or service systems. I can only repair or address issues with your kiln and burners, which includes your BASO valves, blower, lines/valves on the kiln, frame, door, chimney and exhaust system.

Consultation: Free initial contact, $35/hr for follow-up time.
Firing assistance: $40/hr
Repairs: $50/hr
Burner service: $75/hr
Rebuilds: $75/hr

Wood kiln services

The world of wood kilns is so vast. Here in the U.S. we are still only in the early days of featuring wood kilns as a significant means of firing. My understanding is that there were less than a dozen anagama kilns in the States in the mid 70's. We have certainly come a long way.

My expertise with wood kilns is still expanding, but since moving to western MA ten years ago - a real hub for woodfiring in the Northeast - I've enjoyed firing, repairing, and hanging around a whole new array of kilns.

I'm not building any new kilns this year, but I can help with general maintenance, rebuilding, designing, firing issues, and most questions you might have. And, if I can't help you, I can certainly give you a list of names who can.

Consultation: Free initial contact, $35/hr for follow-up time
Design help: $40/hr
Repairs: $75/hr