PDFs, Downloads, General Info
Manuals, how-to guides, firing tips and safety information for potters, schools and studios. Most files are PDFs and open in a new tab.
Quick links: Catalog · Electrical & Kiln Installation · Manuals & Setup · Firing Tips & Cones · Glaze & Clay Problems · Materials & Safety · Glass Fusing · Lesson Plans
Our Catalog
We no longer print a catalog. This website is our catalog, and it is kept up to date with all the latest offerings and prices. We can also send printed catalogs from the manufacturers of many of the products we carry.
Vendors may change prices at any time without notice. If you are planning a large purchase, please call customer service to confirm pricing: 1-888-774-2529.
Electrical & Kiln Installation
- NEMA Standard Configurations for General Purpose Nonlocking Connectors
- Electrical Confirmation Form (online form) – required for commercial electric kilns
- A Great Primer on Electrical Service (PDF)
- Ordering and Installing an Electric Kiln: Preflight Checklist (PDF) – from L&L Kilns, but applicable to any electric kiln
- Sheffield Pottery Services – kiln setup and ceramics studio equipment setup for potters and schools
Manuals, Setup & Usage
Kilns, controllers and venting
- L&L Easy-Fire Kilns Instruction Manual (PDF)
- Dynatrol Electric Kiln Controller Instructions (PDF) – for L&L kilns
- Sentry Kiln Controller Instruction Manual (PDF) – found on Paragon kilns
- Olympic Gas Kilns Manual (PDF)
- Olympic Electric Raku Kiln Instructions (PDF)
- Orton VentMaster Kiln Vent System Manual (PDF)
- Electric Kiln Troubleshooting (PDF) – from L&L, applicable to most electric kilns from other manufacturers
Equipment and materials
- Debcor Damp Greenware Cabinets 9100 and 9150: Instructions and Usage
- US Gypsum (USG) Mixing Procedures
- AMACO Encyclopedia of Products and Techniques (PDF) – a large guide to product features, ceramics safety information and usage tips
- Free Goodies with Purchase of Brent Wheels (PDF) – Models A, B, CXC, EX or 16
Firing Tips & Cones
Important: firing our Mass White clays
Mass White and Mass White SS (with silica sand) have changed over time. Fire the clay according to what is stamped on the box.
| If the box says | Bisque | Glaze |
|---|---|---|
| Mass White TX or Mass White TX SS | Slow to Cone 06 | Slow to Cone 05 |
| MWTX10 or MWTX10SS | Slow to Cone 04 | Slow to Cone 05 |
- Orton Cone Wall Chart (PDF)
- Using Orton Cones for Consistent Kiln Firing (PDF)
- Firing Ceramic Bodies: Tips from Orton (PDF)
- Tips for Firing Thick and Handbuilt Wares (PDF)
- Firing Porcelain Bodies: Tips from Orton (PDF)
- Success with Decals (PDF)
Glaze & Clay Problems
- Solving Glaze Defects (PDF)
- Understanding Glaze Crazing: Troubleshooting and Prevention (PDF)
- Tips on Firing Lead-Free Glazes (PDF)
- Mason Stain Problems and Tips (FAQ) – answers to frequently asked questions about using Mason Stains
- Preventing S-Cracks in Clay (PDF) – from Zamek
Materials & Safety
- Raw Materials Dictionary – alphabetical information on pottery glaze-making materials and clay body ingredients
- AMACO Glaze Usage and Safety Information
- Ceramic Studio and Materials Safety – a brief article on general principles
Glass Fusing
- What Is the Difference Between a Glass Kiln and a Ceramic Kiln? (PDF) – yes, you can fuse glass in your ceramics kiln; an article from Skutt Kilns
Lesson Plans
- AMACO Clay Project Lesson Plans – great clay projects for the classroom
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