Buying your first Kiln (used or new)

#kiln #beginner #pottery
hello Potter's, this has been a long request video for many of you were thinking about buying your very first kiln.
please pay attention to the time stamps at the beginning and throughout the video as they are very important for those of you who are looking for specific information. we talk about everything from the warning signs you should pay attention to when buying a used kiln, to things you will need to know before even thinking about getting a kiln, we go over different types and specs of kilns, and finally at the end of the video I will give you the suggestion that I would give most people who have the money, space, and time who are looking for a new beginners kiln. we are going to go over the majority of things you're going to need for buying your kiln and what you will need firstly to consider before bringing it into your house.
big shout outs go Jon the Potter, Tim see, Sue and Lindsey m Dillon for letting me use them as examples. all of their social media links will be posted down below here.
-side note: i see a few spelling errors in the vid but it took 14 hours to edit and 6 hours to render an upload. hopefully you are smart enough to figure out the missing letters ;)
- If you do not have a wheel or kiln you should watch this one first. ( buying your first wheel)
• Buying your first pott...
Skutts channel: / skuttvideo
-JTP Instagram : ...
Tim see Instagram: ...
Sue Instagram : ...
Lindsey's M Dillon Instagram: ...
Time stamps!
( for navigating the video easily)
skip hard talk 12:19
things you need first 12:24
buying a used kiln 20:02
types of kilns 29:01
looking at kiln specs 33:32
basic things I like in kilns 43:45
final suggestion 49:17
wanna send me food and make me fatter?
p.o box : 4540 florin road # E 138 Sacramento
zip:95823
name: Donte the potter
Music by: Fluffy - Smith The Mister [Vlog No Copyright Music]
*Instagram : / earth_nation_ceramics
Facebook community page : / earthnationceramics
** support the channel : / earthnationceramics
** join us on Discord : / discord
*** I have a Sponsorship with bigceramicstore.com , you can use the code earthnation5 to get discounts from their website :).
*for business or sponsor inquiries please message me on the Facebook fan page or my Instagram. (links above)

[@sapphire_7783]

This is why KZbin is great. Nobody is trying to sell you anything (unless the video is sponsored) and they’re really just giving you their honest opinion.

[@ramanmonkey]

You're on the good side of youtube. Everyone is selling something..

[@gadblatz4841]

Lol

[@AryAyala]

I took ceramics in high school and see myself retiring and doing pottery but Covid has made me want to start now

[@allenwilliams4857]

Dang buddy , That was a mother load! 👍

[@ccorourke8116]

As a barely college student I’m no where near buying my own kiln but this vid was great for my research and future planning

[@laciwainscott4860]

Have you gotten your kiln yet?

[@sleepy.timaeus.arts.]

i would also like to know if youve gotten your kiln yet, and if not, are you close to getting it? ❤️

[@christopherhachet8204]

I am an electrician. You don't want to put a 100 Amp breaker on a piece of equipment that calls for a 90 Amp Brreaker. That's illegal and unsafe, in theroy. Equipment has a max rating for a reason. That being said, excellent video. Became a patreon supporter. Love the way you explain things.

[@maiaotaku]

I watched the whole thing and it was really interesting and well structured and not boring at all, thank you so much for the work and thought you put into this, the help you are providing is precious.

[@preparingforretirement]

New Hobbyist here - my local pottery studio is my kiln. :-) Hubby wants me to look into getting my own and so thanks to your wonderful video I'm thinking about the 818.... and as the wife of an Italian I can tell you with 100% certainty that he would consider putting a body in at least one of these. LOL!!!

[@theexpotition]

Just finished watching this entire thing, so worth it. This was exactly the information I needed, wanted, and didn't know yet that I wanted. You rock.

[@juliewilde9413]

Okay, I really did watch this video and others...TO THE END!!! I have enough experience of throwing and hand building to know it does so much for my heart and soul! So, before I made the decision to buy my first used 1970's Skutt 818 yesterday. Not kidding, it is in really great shape!!! I am seriously considering adding the vent, because this is in my basement. I traveled 4.5 hours to pick it up. I am having an electrician the wiring soon. But I am prepping my basement walls and putting up shelves first...so excited about the journey. Can't even tell you how happy my heart feels today. It certainly will be work to get to where I start throwing again. Oh yeah, I need to find that used Brent IE X! I am still researching wheels. Will be taking before and after photos! Thank you so much for all you do and share!

[@ivanlocke2208]

Dante, you just saved me a big headache by getting a used 2018 without having the electrical sussed out and it was humbling to realize I know nothing! Keep up the great vids, love your humor and style mixed in with invaluable expertise.

[@mandaS1975]

Truly appreciate this information. I started “playing” at a local pottery studio with my daughter and our other homeschool friends about 6 months ago. Am now obsessed and want my own setup. This is the first video I found that answered my ?’s and gave me a realistic idea of what it would take to have it. And yes, my husband is one of those who cringes at the idea of the electric bill so now I can give him all the stats and numbers he requires to be reasonable 😂

[@susybot]

I’m a homeschool mama also! I did ceramics in college and then had a kid and kinda dropped off doing much for myself. But now my kiddo has a passion for ceramics, and I got back on that wheel (so to speak). Now we’re kindof outgrowing our classes and are ready to set up a studio here at home. This video answered all my questions and has me feeling confident-we’re looking at a used kiln tomorrow!

[@donaldmalbrough7931]

I am 53, been doing ceramics since I was 17. Just bought a used kiln with low fire times from local shop going out of business, and although I done some research prior to buying this kiln, you have given me more information that is very useful. Still setting up and haven't used it yet so thanks for sharing your experiences so I can enjoy mine. BTW, I paid $400 for a kiln sitter LT-3K. I am doing slip mold initially because that's what I am most familiar with but may branch out more after watching you.

[@annettebowen1540]

Hey thanks! I am just getting started and can not find a local class or a kiln available for time/ rent. Sooooo these videos are my class! I will begin to research test kilns or small kilns based on this video; yes I made it all the way through. So grateful that so many artists re willing to offer their knowledge for free; bless all of you!

[@mcargill1]

Would it be possible for Lindsay and yourself to do a video showing how much fits in your kilns? It would be really great to show basic mugs and bowls and tests in the 1027 and 818 for comparison.

[@eileenc5159]

Thank you sooooo much for doing this video. I am in the process of thinking about buying a kiln. Since this will be my first kiln I am considering not buying a new one based on what I heard you say. I started taking classes at alpha fired three years ago and I was in love with the wheel first try. I am one of those 70 plus retired gals. I am 5’4” tall. I saw this one kiln where I could try loading it and fall in never to be seen again. Anyway I feel your passion for teaching and helping. Thanks for being there.

[@dianachophy]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂

[@netalexhk]

This is very informative. I like the detail and nerdiness on the kiln! Much appreciated!

[@phburdett]

Extremely helpful! Thank you! Watched the entire thing.

[@wackyjackievideoproduction3417]

Entertaining and informational. Watched it ALL….Including the hard talk, which my husband walked in on and laughed and laughed … the big “told you so laugh.” Lots to think about. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from you.

[@chanelledamour474]

Super information and looked at the full video EXCELLENT presentation . A must watch.

[@Demigod334]

I watched the whole video, so much great information thank you! Added bonus I now also know the best sized kilns for firing people in.

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Lolol yes.

[@joshthalheimer]

This is great information; professional - yet personable : ) Thank You!

[@ninnush]

Thank you so much for this whole video!

[@skeeterburke]

safety first! i hope the electrical setup doesn't get in the way ..... posted 7 months ago ..... how's it coming along?

[@UnKnown-bl4yv]

Love how u breakdown ur video. Thanks for all this info from 4 years in the future. !1!!

[@amsid5030]

really appreciate this video man, as a hobbyist i needed to hear that hard talk and suggestion at the end.

[@heathersweet-moon332]

A great help thanks so much. Get frustrated with my small L&L Feugo and thinking of buying a bigger kiln.

[@45Muu]

I have been wondering of getting my own kiln and GLAD I WATCHED THIS BEFORE DECIDING!!!!!!!! Great info for making decision whether to buy or not, which size to go with, and many other things! Thanks tons!!!!

[@chelemathewsmartines1861]

Very good information, especially the "hard talk". Thank you!

[@larisalarson1979]

Thank you so much for this video! In fact, all of your videos are fantastic. I really appreciate how articulate you are and the humor helps, too.

[@kathrynostergreen8480]

yes i watched your video all the way threw i did have to pause you a few times to look up the excellent kilns on clay king. I truly enjoy your videos they are very helpful and informative. I look forward to your next video.

[@manchitas3531]

WOW! Thank you for this. In my efforts to be more independent, I overlooked all these facts about having a kiln. Thanks! Best to rent a pottery studio with a kiln

[@erikalissania3134]

I rarely like videos but yours I might just subscribe.Thank You so much for giving a lot of IMPORTANT information very organized that I understand and extremely helpful I have all my info in just 1 video.

[@CreatedbyLaney]

I’m an art student and taking the year off because of corona and am investing in a kiln and wheel. Your video was so helpful thank you!

[@tammyfirsing402]

Thankyou so much for all the great info! Can't wait to check out your other video's. I've been doing alot of research and happen to stumbled onto this video. Best find yet. Thankyou again for the great info!

[@christopherhachet8204]

A 60 Amp circuyit is not a problem, basic clay knowledge is a problem. Taking a class and getting started. This channel is part of the kick in the butt I needed.

[@shirleycirio6897]

Your are THE funniest Potter EVER! I laughed out loud during the "Little Mermaid" segment. Thank you! :)

[@1976LFonseca]

This was the most useful and informative video I’ve seen on kilns! Thank you!

[@jenniferjordan6795]

Informative video! Thank you. We have a better understanding of what we are getting ourselves into.

[@user-ow7bi3se2b]

Thank you!! My pops and I are looking for one and I was the nervous person giving HIM the "Dad" talk while he's been saying for a year I should get one hahaha I feel a little more comfortable purchasing one - he has a lot more confidence, but he's an electrician as well! He even made my pottery wheel :) so thank you, we really appreciate this! Feeling confident on the hunt.

[@doreenwood3508]

This video really helped me decide on which kiln to purchase thank you

[@silvialiberti8824]

You are a legend! Fount of all knowledge! You make a lot of sense and you possibly just saved me a few thousand pounds. A humble ignorant beginner (me) shall follow your tips closely! Thank you for sharing!!

[@sailon8832]

Stayed til the end. Learned A LOT! Great job. Humorous. Worth watching. Liked. Saved. Thank u for putting this out!

[@pegokeef-sparksmillhouse]

Thanks so much! I know so much more now. Watched it all. Informative and-as I’ve come to expect from you-wildly entertaining.

[@jessicagrant3571]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this long video. It's super informative and I learned a lot! 👊

[@sandrabrown6326]

Well, there goes my ideal of buying a Kiln! thank you so much.

[@javieralvarez8082]

I actually watched the video in its entirety. Great job very informative, and what I would put in the money at the very end of the video would be a nice dragon 🐉 head piece

[@lucasnogueira9215]

you are such a cool genuine dude, the lesson was much appreciated

[@awaithim4103]

I appreciate the BLUNT. You've answered so many of my questions.

[@maricarmenrios9638]

I really appreciate your honest approach and hard talks. I'm taking pottery classes and I will certainly take advantage of their wheels, kilns and materials. I will wait until I am more comfortable and experienced before making these huge purchases.

[@Heartwing37]

Super professional video! Loved the outline at the beginning! Thank you!

[@Laura70263]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much.

[@mongoosebuddy]

i really really appreciate this video! i'm a student who's trying to get into having a home studio of my own, and while i've been throwing and firing for several years now, i'm not very good with technology/machinery-related stuff and can get easily overwhelmed with that sort of thing. this video helped put it in easily comprehensible language without being boring or droning on and on. thanks for posting!

[@bmsohal1]

I am going to buy a new one on December 6th and looking for some videos on kiln, what to buy and why? And you can't believe that your video appears up like God send. Thanks a lot to speak on our minds. Blessings from Canada.

[@debrabarber-wilson3305]

I thank you so much for taking the time to explain!!!! I’m new at this and I’m trying to soak up any and all info on the equipment.

[@connieschooley5447]

Hi Donte love your videos great information I am a beginner planning to apprentice with a friend thanks for all your knowledge.

[@tobywollin8978]

This is the best thing I've seen - we're just starting to talk about kilns and this is a great video.

[@kelceyjones6264]

Thanks for this! So helpful! Side note: my dad worked for walmart and on christmas eve he couldn't come home till all the shopping carts were put away, so my siblings and I would push the carts back so my dad could come home on christmas eve....so definitely agree with the conclusion on what should go in the massive kiln!

[@deborahmotter]

Watched the whole thing and found it very informative.

[@Bonnieriley]

Yes I watched the whole thing. Thank you very much.

[@HellfireMT]

Thank you so much for making this video! It answered every single question I had about how to prepare before bringing one into my house.

[@Hands0meJay]

So helpful! Just landed a teaching job at an elementary/middle school and I’m looking to talk to administrators about getting a setup.

[@timclark4931]

Great tips on such a confusing topic. Thanks for the info! Aaaaand I made it all the way through including the hard talk.

[@fawnruch8962]

Great video. I am so glad you made this. I have been doing ceramics for 15 years. I teach Ceramics so I have always had access to kilns. However, since covid hit I have not had access so now is the time and I am so excited. It really is going to change my artistic life.No more hauling pieces back and forth! I needed a video like this so my husband could watch it and understand everything I am saying to him, lol. He is super supportive and already knew we would have to upgrade our breaker box but this video was perfect in explaining why, what and how. P.S. I do sculptural work so I could totally fill that big box kiln. But, until I win the lottery I will do with the KM1027! Have a great day.

[@Rainistudio]

thank you so much i really appreciate this much time that u spend for us to learn something new. it was practical and useful🤩🥰

[@zia_kat]

thanks so much for this! i've been researching for a few years now and had pretty much decided on the km-818 but your video makes me feel confident that it will best suit my needs.

[@nataconly8685]

Wow- this video was just what I needed to make a better choice. As for what would I put in the last kiln- my best guess is something of Voulkos sized- big and bold. That said I am going with the jewelry sized kiln because small is good in my apartment with only a balcony- worth the watch anyway because I might grow one day. A big thank you🙏.

[@atelier_du_peyron]

Heyyy omg so informative, I just come across this! I love it! I've subscribed and now I will go and spend a few hours watching all of your videos hahahaha Had my first ever pottery class two weeks ago and apparently I'm a natural and 'very talented', as I did 12 nice pieces on the wheel in one day :) the teacher asked few times 'is this really your first time ever on the wheel?' , yes sir it 100% is :) looking to buy my first wheel , probably Shimpo.

[@arlitagibson4921]

Thanks for this video. Fyi I watched the entire video 😉 I'm in the process of buying a used kiln. The information gives me a better understanding of what to look for. I'll let you know what I bought.

[@juliesheetz1]

Thank you for the wheel video, Dante is right, should put that on a mug lol! I bought a shimpo rk and could not be happier because I listened to the hard talk, and saved a thousand bucks, thank you sir! So I’ll let you know how the kiln buying turns out!

[@RyanFedora]

Thanks for the great info in this video. Just pick up a gently used Duncan EA820-2 and love it

[@Deedee-tt8pt]

Thank you that was excellent. I'm frustrated because I want to fire to cone 6 & my studio doesn't fire that high. So I was considering my own kiln. But......I will now chill for a while and get more experience. FYI.....I watched the entire video, no skipping!!!

[@SuzeJS]

Just bought my first used kiln and your video was so very helpful! Thanks so much.

[@lauraallen1941]

Great info for a beginning potter! Especially the segment about what to look for when buying a used kiln.Thank You!

[@sweet4cakes791]

This was an awesome video and very informative...And much appreciated, especially for someone like myself that basically followed the suggested "appropriate" flow of becoming a pottery artist or a working potter. Myself, I just purchased the Skutt KM-614 3 Model to start me off and running as I feel that I'm still a beginner. I also bought my wheel first, aprox. 6 months prior to the Kiln, and this was after attending pottery classes at my local community center. Thank you again and keeps these types of videos coming.

[@estherl8731]

Super helpful and informative. Thank you!

[@janprezlock2798]

I just ordered my KM1027 and I’m looking forward to never having to schlep my work to a kiln again! Love your videos, BTW.

[@CrissCrux]

Real talk, This is how all product reviews should be! 🤣

[@StephanvanVuurenza]

"It's a box of fire!" :-D cracked me up!! bwhahahaha. Great talk. Food for thought, thanks.

[@shelleyabbott9897]

Thank you for the great information on kilns. I have been wondering about all of this.

[@janetteaguirre-terry2986]

I want make my own dinnerware and found your vids helpful. Just for a hobby. But I like top of line and I would gladly buy if I know I would be able to be good at this. I will research with taking some classes 1st. Thanks again

[@lilyanaaceves4430]

Okay this is amazing and hilarious I love it!!! So informative thank you!!!! I had an idea of what I wanted and you just provided so much reassurance!!!! God bless!!!🙏🏼

[@_xelizaa]

This is my recap of the video I’m taking in when buying my first kiln! For kiln- ❤️Need a dedicated breaker, wired to the kiln ❤️Large ampage, can take up large amount of electricity to house while running ❤️need an amp breaker ❤️need a brand new plug to fit into wall for kiln ❤️needs to be 2 ft away from all walls and burnable substances ❤️ventilation systems in kilns helps but isn’t mandatory ❤️all kilns need a metal stand or 4-5 cinder blocks no kilns should be on the ground(fire hazard) ❤️broken springs in kilns doesn’t matter too much, but avoid kilns with cracks and huge amount of broken springs ❤️elements need to be tightly knit together not rusted and the bricks not falling apart inside but you can change the elements and it’s not too difficult ❤️make sure people aren’t covering the bottom of the kiln with a shelf to check for cracks ❤️thermocouple? ❤️kiln sitter? ❤️ask person to plug in kiln start it up put it on low for ten minutes or so, check for heating up noises of kiln starting up and buttons glowing. Really important ❤️Skutt kilns ❤️Olympic kilns ❤️Amaco kilns- standard ❤️kilns can keep top open with a metal thing for oxidising pottery otherwise use a brick to vent ❤️it’s not too expensive to do a load! ❤️experienced potter recommends the skutt KM 818 for beginners ❤️I don’t need a big kiln as a beginner

[@toricaple1327]

Omg...made me chuckle. I so appreciate your honesty in this video...and yes, I lasted through the "hard talk". I think it helped me to figure out my first step...so I'll research my needs a bit more and explore ALL options.

[@tashasowell4128]

This video was sooooooooo helpful!!!! My community studio is not as flexible with their hours as I would like for them to be. It's not actually reasonable for me to expect them to be. But the bottom line for me is that THIS Potter is just getting "dirty" enough! So, I'm looking into what it would take for me to buy a wheel, and a small kiln, to have it installed it into my house. I had no idea where to start. This video gave me a pretty good nudge in the right direction. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@brandydavis2744]

I'd put a giant version of the sculptures I made this past year. I'd have to coil around a person sized space though..so basically a person. Just bought my first kiln, it's around the size of your recommendation, just an old kiln sitter baby. Looking forward to producing on my own schedule. Glad to hear I did all the steps you would have!

[@aylal.2065]

appreciate your directness/bluntness. very good info

[@midlifeblessings]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting all this info into a video! Before watching I had disjointed bits and pieces of explanations from here and there. NOW I feel much more confident as I look for a kiln! You are an excellent teacher and I truly appreciate the details and effort you put into this and all your videos!

[@jokubasvaicius]

Watched full video. Great, informative and fun video. Thanks!!!

[@raquelreyes4325]

Thanks for sharing this info about kilns! I used to take ceramics at school! It was fun! Ceramics class was my favorite class, you can make a huge sculpture in that big kiln, like those sculptures in the public parks.

[@patriciac9663]

Excellent video. You are a great teacher, full of great info and lots of humor. I like all your videos.

[@goneeti]

Just watched this video and it’s super helpful :) Thank you, this is incredibly helpful for someone who wants to take their pottery to the next level

[@designed_by_nina]

me: "I don't have the patience to watch movies. they're too long" also me: watches this video in its entirety

[@rosemarysmith3508]

I speed the language up .

[@tammyfreyberg3640]

Thank you so much for all of this wonderful information! We just moved and having a hard time finding a place to fire my pots. I have been looking at kilns but had no idea where to start (other then I wanted a Skutt). I do have my own wheel and have been playing in the clay for about 2 years just as a hobby and love making things when I have time. This really helped me to look at things we hadn’t considered yet (hard wiring it in, total house amps & amps Kiln will use, etc.). Thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience!

[@amandacolbeck374]

I have been prepping to purchase the Skutt KM 818 and this was really helpful in validating my purchase and it being a good fit for me. Thank you!

[@ElisabethPilgrim1]

Thank you so much for all your knowledge and experience you share! I’m learning so much from you!!

[@RetsuRose]

Thank you for this info! I’m also super glad I watched this a good 2 years ahead of when I anticipate to go kiln shopping. I knew it wouldn’t be simple but I definitely learned a lot of new things!

[@Efferheim]

Here I am, having bought my first kiln, a Scutt 181. I am thrilled, no matter that my kiln is at least 45 years old.

[@janettewilson5368]

Awesome informative as always ! Thank you. for all your hard work and dedication to this craft. It is truly appreciated and this was worth the wait!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ryrire82]

Peepee poopoo. I found a functional manual kiln, with great brick, stand and new elements on Facebook marketplace for $40. I am nowhere ready to set up my garage/ electrical to use it but I knew I wouldn't find a deal like that again. So I bought it. I would try to make a giant planter.

[@redbeanart848]

I always came across that wheel on Amazon so this video was really helpful! Something for me to share with friends interested in starting the hobby

[@cassondragiacomazzo6416]

This video was absolutely fantastic. Thank you for filling my brain with knowledge. Very much needed!

[@stevecampo1532]

Dude, you are amazing! Not gonna lie .. kinda man crushin' lol , don't worry, my husband is already aware haha. Watched the whole thing and love the content and your delivery. I'm shopping for a large oval ... found several gently used but looks like I'm driving 5 1/2 hrs to pick it up. My electric oval is going to be an Olympic 42"x33"x30" ...cone 10... super excited because I always sculpt larger than any of my kilns and then have to "stack" collars etc to squeeze pieces in . If I sculpt pieces too big for this baby, well, then I'm just stupid! Haha thanks for the joyful presentation, you're awesome!!