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Finding A Place To Rent Kiln Space


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I am new to this forum  :) I hope I am posting in the right spot.


I just got my first potters wheel for Christmas. I have been doing ceramics for many years now. I have exhausted all resources trying to find a place to kiln fire my own pots or rent out a kiln.  Is there anyone who can suggest a place to go? I have tried all local studios. 


Thank you for your help


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There are lots of studios around chicago - but there are also pottery programs at some park districts - that might be a place to start. I would suggest joining a studio or taking a class - Lilstreet, Terra Incognito, Penguin Foot, Village Potters are all off the top of my head and I think you need to rent "shelf space" at all of them to fire your work there. Good luck! 

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I have tried all but the Lilstreet

 

Just curious why the others didn't pan out?

 

I don't remember who told me what. but some responses were "we don't offer that" "we only have a small kiln for our classes only" and others didn't respond at all. 

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I hear ya, it was just food for thought in case the issue was one of space and electrical needs. Craigslist is a great place to find used kilns. Some people come on here and mention finding used kilns in really great shape for a great priceand there are small ones that can be plugged into a regular outlet.

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The reason I don't rent out kiln space is because it's a good way to ruin my kilns and create a lot of hassle. You never know just how knowledgable people really are, and whether or not they're going to put something in your kiln that will melt down all over it. And when there's a problem like something cracks or blows up or runs, they won't take responsibility for it and pay for the damage to the kiln, or they expect you to reimburse them for their loss. I only fire for my students, so I know exactly what's going into my kiln.

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At my local clay centres they let you do custom firings, with the caveat that you have to demonstrate your skill level first. If you have A ceramics based BFA they'll take you, otherwise you have to buy a studio membership there and volunteer a certain number of hours helping in the kiln shed. Firing and glaze access are included in the studio membership, so it's not exactly onerous. Would something like this work for some of your techs? I dunno. Are people there open to suggestion like that?

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Before you buy a kiln: Make sure you have the necessary electrical wiring in place, or find out what it will cost to get it done.  Unless you're friends with an electrician, or know how to do it yourself, you could wind up spending more for that than the kiln itself.

 

It would be really frustrating to get a great deal on a kiln, then not be able to use it because there's no $$ left to get the electrical work done.

Good advice.. I know some electricians. :) 

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