Bisque and Glaze Firings in different kilns or alternate Bisque and Glaze in the same kiln?

[Timothy McCosker]

We have two kilns at our craft school.

Should we use one kiln for Bisque Firing and the other for Glaze Firing?

I have heard that is best to alternate Glaze and Bisque in the same kiln. 

Thoughts and references are welcome.

Thanks,

Tim McCosker

CraftStudies

White Rive Junction,Vt

[neilestrick]

If you only use one for glaze, assuming you're glazing hotter than you bisque, you're going to wear out that kiln a lot faster than the bisque kiln. The glaze kiln will need a lot more maintenance than the bisque kiln, and need replacing a lot sooner. The bisque kiln will corrode faster due to moisture from the clay, but it'll still outlive the glaze kiln. A downdraft vent will help to reduce corrosion a lot. If you use both kilns for glaze and bisque, they'll age at the same rate. It's nice on the budget to only have to replace one kiln at a time, but it's also nice to have them on the same maintenance schedule, so really it's up to you.