Ceramics Policy

From Asmbly Wiki


Introduction

Asmbly Policies outlined in the Member Handbook, HERE apply to ALL shop areas including Ceramics. However Ceramics has some additional policies specific to the studio that are outlined below.

Check out the essential rules on How to Be Excellent, HERE

Ceramics Safety & Information (CSI) is the required free class you must take before access to the studio with membership is granted.  This is separate from the required Orientation & Facility Tour.

We are all caretakers of the shared space, so the cleanliness and maintenance is up to you!

Usage Areas

Refer the Equipment-Specific time limits HERE

Tools

You must reserve time for each tool you plan to use in Skedda. It is your responsibility to CHECK SKEDDA to make sure the tool is not booked. Allow for clean up time within your booked time, NOT after. Members booked in Ceramics at the same time should work together to clean and coordinate space use.

  • Pottery Wheels: 8 machines available: Max booking is 5 hours of time
    • When your time ends, check Skedda.
    • If it is not booked you can rebook the Wheel in Skedda up to 5 more hours

You must book yourself as a User if you plan on sitting at a Handbuilding Table, regardless of tool booking. It is your responsibility to CHECK SKEDDA to make sure the tool is not booked. Allow for clean up time within your booked time, NOT after. Members booked in Ceramics at the same time should work together to clean and coordinate space use.

  • Handbuilding Tables: 8 Users can Book up to 5 hours of time between 4 tables (2 Users/table)
    • It is not a specific table spot, just that you plan on using some table space
    • When your time ends, check Skedda.
    • If it is not booked you can rebook yourself as a User in Skedda up to 5 more hours

Use of the glazing area, slab roller, and extruder are included with booking of either a Pottery Wheel or Handbuilding Table. Please use these collaboratively, if multiple users need to utilize during the same time period. Be friendly and initiate conversations to best share access to these spaces.

Community Tools/Areas

  • Please clean all tools you use from the communal tools and return to their storage location.
  • Place brown paper on handbuilding tables if applying glaze
    • Glaze should be kept from contaminating the canvas table surfaces

Safety

  • Ceramic Dust: Silica dust is going to be present in the studio
    • It is highly recommended you wear a mask while in the studio for prolonged and repetitive periods; especially while cleaning up!
    • Use your own personal discretion
    • NEVER make another person feel bad for wearing a mask.
  • NEVER use a broom, WATER is the best way to safely clean up clay.
  • If there is dry clay on the canvas topped tables, wet it with water to remove
    • Do NOT scrape dry clay, it will kick up unnecessary dust
  • NO FOOD in the Studio, you risk eating glaze accidentally (Closed beverage containers OK)
  • No sanding bisque pieces inside the studio.
  • We have a Blue Ox Air filtration system installed in the studio to help cut back on particulates in the air.
    • Members are not allowed to turn the filtration system off without asking for permission.
    • If you are a staff or a volunteer, and you absolutely need to turn the filtration system off, please make sure to turn it on again before you leave.

Studio Shelves

Member’s Shelves are clearly labeled with their allotted shelf size, and name.

  • Do NOT touch anything on any member’s shelf that is not yours
    • Look with your eyes, not your hands
    • Do not be the one who breaks a member’s piece accidentally

Steward Shelves are clearly labeled

These are for the Ceramic stewards who volunteer 8-16 hours within Ceramics each month

  • Do NOT touch anything on the Steward Shelves
    • Look with your eyes, not your hands
    • Do not be the one who breaks a Steward’s piece accidentally

Class Shelves are clearly labeled with the Class name and date

  • Do NOT touch anything on any class shelf that is not yours
    • Look with your eyes, not your hands
    • Do not be the one who breaks a member’s piece accidentally
  • Kiln Operators will be responsible for moving Class pieces to the Greenware shelf
    • They will monitor moisture levels to ensure kiln safety
    • They will notify they students of the status of their pieces and pick up time limits

Kilns/Kiln Room

The Kiln Room is a hot and potentially dangerous room. As such it is an authorized access room; the Kiln Operators, and the Ceramic Lead, are the ONLY people allowed to be in the Kiln room

  • If you see anyone in the room that is not a Kiln Operator with a clear name tag stating such, it is a Policy violation
  • Under NO circumstances are you allowed to touch, turn on/off, or move the kilns & kiln furniture
  • NEVER touch the kilns if not authorized
  • NEVER operate or change the setting of the Kiln Vents if not authorized

Kiln Shelves

Members are responsible for moving their OWN pieces to the Greenware and Glaze Shelves when ready.***

***Your pieces must be FULLY bone dry before placing them on the kiln shelves. Pieces that are still wet will be emailed by the Kiln Operators and asked to moved to your shelf to dry fully.

Kiln Operators and Stewards will NOT pick out pieces from member’s shelves to fill the Kiln.

All pieces will be Bisque fired to Cone 05-04 and Glaze fired to Cone 6 in oxidation. There is currently no limit to the amount of work you can have fired.

All pieces must have a maker’s mark on the piece somewhere. The Kiln Operators and Ceramic Lead have the right to delay a piece being fired if it is not ready, or deemed a risk. Communication will be provided to the owner in this instance.

Kiln Shelves are clearly labeled with the type of firing:

  • Greenware: BONE DRY pieces ready to be fired for the 1st time
    • Pieces may sit here a bit depending on the Kiln firing schedule or the Kiln Operator's discretion on moisture levels
  • Bisque Fire: Pieces that have come out of their first firing and are in the Bisque state
    • Pieces will sit on the Bisque Shelf for 2 weeks total
    • After the two weeks the piece will be removed and disposed of
    • MEMBERS: you have 21 hours/day  to move your piece to your shelf or to take home, so get it moved!
    • STUDENTS: we have Open hours with a Steward on Duty they can come by to retrieve their piece. Hours are listed here on the Asmbly Event Schedule
  • Glaze Fire: Bisque fired, Glazed pieces ready to be fired for the final time
    • Pieces may sit here a bit depending on the Kiln firing schedule, and the Kiln Operator's discretion on glaze moisture levels/application/adherence
  • Ready to Pick Up(Pick Up Shelf): Pieces that have come out of final firing and are Glazed and ready
    • Pieces will sit on the Pick Up for 2 weeks total
    • After the two weeks the piece will be removed and disposed of
    • MEMBERS: you have 21 hours/day to move your piece to your shelf or to take home, so get it moved!
    • STUDENTS: you can coordinate a time with our kiln operators to pick up your piece by emailing kilnops@asmbly.org.
  • ALL pieces not picked up in their allotted time WILL be disposed of!!!

Clay & Glazes

Clays Provided in Studio

These clays are currently on sale for use in the Studio:

  1. Cinco Blanco
  2. Buffalo Wallow
  • Purchase Clay at the Square Reader
  • Place use provided Sharpie to write your name on your bags, or box, of clay
    • This is visual proof of your purchase so there is no confusion once the clay is on your shelf.

Clays at Armadillo Clay Approved for Purchase

Armadillo Clay is a locally owned and operated store that has over 45 years of experience in Clay and its related tools. They are super nice and helpful and we are excited to be collaborating with them!

These Midfire Clays are approved for usage and firing at Asmbly and available to purchase at Armadillo Clay.

  1. Buffalo Wallow w/ Grog, $21.00/25lb bag
  2. Cinco Rojo, $20.00/25lb bag
  3. Cinco Rojo w/ Grog, $21.00/25lb bag
  4. Cone 5 Porcelain, $24/25lb bag
  5. Laguna Speckled Buff, $28.50/25lb bag
  6. Laguna B Mix, $30.50/25lb bag
  7. Dark Chocolate No. 32, $12.50/5lb bag

NOTE: Clay brought in must be labelled with sharpie found at the Clay Station at Asmbly BEFORE being stored on your shelf!!

Clays at Kentucky Mudworks Approved for Purchase

Kentucky Mudworks began in 2001 as a beginner pottery studio and basic ceramic supply shop. Since then, they've grown to offer classes, workshops, and supplies for all interests and levels of proficiency. Kentucky Mudworks has two physical locations in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky and an online shop where you can purchase the following clays approved for usage and firing at Asmbly.

  1. Elkhorn Red Stoneware Cone 6, $21.00/25lb bag
  2. POLAR BEAR Porcelain Cone 6, $59.25/25lb bag
  3. Roo Stoneware Cone 6, $21.50/25lb bag
  4. Speckled Turtle Cone 5-6, $21.00/25lb bag
  5. Speckled Brown Bear Cone 5-7, $24.00/25lb bag
  6. Dark Star Cone 6, $22.50/25lb bag
  7. Kota Porcelain Cone 5-6, $61.00/25bag
  8. Brown Bear Clay Cone 5-6, $23.25/25lb bag
  9. White Lightning Porcelain Cone 5-6, $53.75/25lb bag
  10. Ranger Cone 6-10, $21.25/25lb bag
  11. Big Turtle Cone 6-7, $21.00/25lb bag
  12. Sheltowee Cone 5–7, $21.00/25 lb bag
  13. Mulhollun Cone 5–7, $20.75/25 lb bag
  14. Iceman with Grog Cone 5–6, $21.50/25 lb bag
  15. White Bear Cone 5–7, $30.00/25 lb bag
  16. Tony Beaver Cone 5–7, $21.50/25 lb bag
  17. Iceman Cone 5–6, $21.25/25 lb bag
  18. River City Red Clay Cone 06-5, $22.00/25 lb bag

NOTE: Clay brought in must be labelled with sharpie found at the Clay Station at Asmbly BEFORE being stored on your shelf!!

Glazes Provided in Studio-READ HOW TO GLAZE PAGE FOR PROCESS

  • All glazes provided are lead free and Food Safe.
  • Lay down brown paper provided to avoid getting glaze on the clay tables or drying boards.
    • Glaze and clay do not mix, please prevent glaze from getting on the canvas
  • Clean up glaze brushes and bowls provide for community use when finished.
  • Do NOT glaze directly out of the jars, use the provided bowls to pour glaze into.
Mid-fire Glazes Currently in Studio for Members & Classes to use:

Commercial Glaze:

The glazes we currently provide on a regular base are:

Amaco Celadon Line

Like the beautiful ancient glazes they are modeled after, the AMACO Celadon glazes are glossy, transparent, and pool beautifully to add vivid accents to textured and carved surfaces. These playful celadons come in many colors and are 100% mixable - great for finding that perfect color!

  1. Snapdragon
  2. Marigold
  3. Wasabi
  4. Cobalt
  5. Mulberry
  6. Snow
  7. Obsidian
  8. Mixing Clear

Mayco Fundamentals Underglaze

Shake well. Apply to wet clay, greenware, or cone 04 bisque; use for design or solid coverage, firing range from cone 06 to cone 10. To intensify color or for use on dinnerware, apply clear or matte clear glaze. For use on clay or greenware, apply and allow to dry. Fire to shelf cone 04. If desired, apply clear glaze and refire to cone 06-05 for earthenware and cone 5-10 for stoneware (999° C–1285 °C). For use on bisque, apply to cone 04 bisque, apply clear glaze if desired and refire earthenware to cone 06 and cone 5-10 for stoneware. Do not spray apply.

  1. Fire Engine Red
  2. Orange
  3. Bright Yellow
  4. Forest Green
  5. Bright Blue
  6. Wild Violet
  7. Chocolate
  8. China White
  9. Jet Black

Dip Glazes

  1. Mayco Dipping Clear, Zinc free, SD004

Glazes at Armadillo Clay Approved for Purchase

These Midfire Glazes are approved for usage and firing at Asmbly, and available to purchase at Armadillo Clay.

  1. Amaco Celadons, $21.00
  2. Amaco Satin Matte, $21.00
  3. Mayco Fundamentals Underglaze, $19.95
  4. Potter’s Choice, $22-$37
  5. Jungle Gems, $22.15

NOTE: Glazes brought in must be labelled with the sharpie found at the Clay Store at Asmbly BEFORE being stored on your shelf!!

Kiln Check-In Procedures

Currently Asmbly Makerspace is not limiting the number of pieces, or firings, you can participate in each month. We aim for a 1-2 week turnaround, but this could be longer or shorter depending on many factors. The Kiln Operators reserve the right to hold or delay a piece if it is not dry enough, or they feel the member needs to correct something to be safe to fire. The Kiln Operators will communicate with you when your piece is out of the Kiln, or before the firing if there are any issues. They can be reached at: [[1]]

Firing Sign In Process

  1. Follow the QR Code to a Google Form for each type of firing
    1. Check in ALL your pieces with just one Google Form.
    2. Fill out ONE form for Bisque, and a NEW form for Glaze

2.    Fill out one WHITE paper slip for EACH of your pieces

  1. This will serve as a physical record the Kiln Operators can track as things come in and out of the Kilns.

Example: You have 7 pieces: 4 for Bisque, and 3 for Glaze. You need to fill out 2 Google Forms (1 for each type of firing), and 7 white paper slips (1 to stay with each piece).

Firing System

We are aiming at Asmbly to have a turnaround of 1-2 weeks after you have placed your bone dry pieces on the shelf, to receive a fired piece. Dry pieces submitted to be fired will be put in the kilns on a first come, first in basis. There could be other factors, like not being dry enough, needing to prioritize a class, not enough pieces to fill a kiln, or other reasons that could potentially cause delays. All firing and kilns will be run by the Kiln Operators.

1. As of 4/22/2025 the Kilns will be fired to:

  1. Bisque Fired at Cone 04 (~1900-1940℉)
  2. Low-fire Glaze at Cone 04 (~1940℉)
  3. Mid-fire Glaze or Stoneware at Cone 6 (~2200℉).

2. Special temperature firings may occur at the discretion of the Lead Kiln Operator

3. ALL pieces must have wax resist on the bottom to avoid getting stuck to the shelves or supports

  1. If you want to put glaze all over and risk it getting stuck to the support, you must discuss this with the Lead Kiln Operators and be aware it may cause damage to your piece

3. We recommend you leave ¼”-½” around the base of your pieces to avoid sticking to the kiln shelves

  1. This is not required at this time, just strongly advised
  2. If serious issues arise it may be made an official policy
  3. The Kiln Operators reserve the right to ask you to make any corrections to your

Usage Violations

  • Usage of unapproved clay & glazes will be recorded and not allowed
    • It may result in damage to your or other’s pieces
    • Kiln damage
  • Repeated reported violations will result in not being allowed to put pieces in the kiln firings AND/OR prohibition from the studio

Clay Body & Glaze Approval System

Asmbly is a community of makers and creators, as such we want to honor the experimental nature that comes with clay and crafting. Ceramics has an endless amount of processes and abilities when it comes to glazing and firing, and we have created a system that strives to be fair and balanced to non-approved clay and glazes, while also maintaining the safety of member’s pieces and the Kilns at Asmbly.

  1. As of 4/22/2025 the Kilns will be fired to:
    1. Bisque Fired at Cone 04 (~1900-1940℉)
    2. Low-fire Glaze at Cone 04 (~1940℉)
    3. Mid-fire Glaze at Cone 6 (~2200℉).
  2. Clay or glazes that need a cooler or hotter maturation temperature will currently not be accepted.
    1. This could change in the future at the discretion of Asmbly
    2. Special projects may be considered
  3. Clay and glaze test pieces will be checked in the same way as other pieces, with the “Kiln Check In Form”, but will be placed on the Test Shelves
  4. We will not accept Glazes with Lead in any form in the studio
  5. The Skutt Kiln (Helios) is the test kiln
  6. Your piece may wait for some time, until we have a full load, and is fully dry before being fired
  1. This is up to the discretion of the Kiln Operators

Asmbly Makerspace is not responsible for any cracks that could occur before, during, or after the firing process.

It is rare, but if any damage to our kiln or kiln furniture is directly caused by your piece, you will be responsible for replacement or repair charges.

Clay Body

Non-Approved clay bodies must go through the following steps to be approved

  1. Bisque Fire:
    1. Please make a small piece out of your clay body, such as a small mug, bowl, sculpture, etc.
      1. The piece should be no more than 6” x 6” x 6”
      2. Please be prepared to possibly lose this piece as it could crack or break in the test
    2. Please allow it to dry, and then dry some more, before placing on the Greenware Test Shelf
      1. The longer you let it dry, the less time it will spend waiting to go in to the kiln
      2. We will not accept pieces that are still wet
  2. If it does not melt, crack excessively or otherwise seem dangerous it will be approved to be used along with our other approved clay bodies.

Glaze

Non-Approved glazes must go through the following steps to be approved

  1. Glaze Fire:
    1. Please make a small piece, such as a small mug, bowl, sculpture, etc.
      1. The piece should be no more than 6” x 6” x 6”
      2. Please be prepared to possibly lose this piece as it could crack or break in the test
        1. If you do not have a piece to test your glaze on, a vertical test tile will be provided to you by Asmbly made of Cinco Blanco
    2. Glaze your piece with the glaze you are testing.
      1. Leave 1” of unglazed ceramic at the bottom to test if it runs or drips excessively
      2. Leave ¼” -  ½” unglazed if using a provided vertical test tile
    3. Please apply the same glaze technique on the test piece you plan to apply on the actual piece, in order to get an accurate test.
      1. Same number of layers, colors, overlaps of glazes, etc.
  2. If it does not melt, crack excessively, craze past your liking, or otherwise seem dangerous it will be approved to be allowed in with the other glazes

Discipline/Violations Policy

Asmbly Discipline Policy can be found HERE

Note: The people enforcing Asmbly policies are volunteers and it's not the most fun job. Failure to comply when approached about a policy violation is very serious. Show your fellow members kindness and respect when receiving redirection. Maintaining a cooperative community space at Asmbly is very important to us and ignoring the redirection of an appointed leader in the space is a serious violation.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.asmbly.org/index.php?title=Ceramics_Policy&oldid=3870"