Our FAQs

For standard in-stock equipment, our average delivery window is 3-5 business days from the moment payment is cleared by our bank. Large freight items (kilns, wheels, and pug mills) are dispatched via specialized carriers. Once shipped, you will receive a tracking link and a direct contact number for the freight provider to coordinate the final offload.

Kerbside delivery means the driver will lower the pallet to the ground at the entrance of your property using a tail-lift. Because kilns are extremely heavy and delicate, drivers are not permitted to move them over grass, gravel, or up steps. Please ensure you have a flat, paved surface and adequate help on-site to move the equipment into your studio space.

Yes, we regularly ship professional equipment to Australia, Canada, and Europe. For international orders, we provide full crating services and handle the necessary biosecurity documentation (ISPM 15). Please note that international customers are responsible for local import duties and taxes upon arrival.

Only very small "test kilns" are designed for standard outlets. Most professional studio kilns require a dedicated 240V circuit with specific amperage (usually 30, 50, or 60 amps). We strongly advise consulting a certified electrician before purchase to ensure your studio's breaker box can handle the load.

Manual kilns use "kiln sitters" that rely on pyrometric cones to physically shut off the power. Digital controllers (like the Genesis or Bartlett systems) allow you to program precise ramp speeds, hold times, and cooling cycles. Digital units offer much higher consistency for complex glazes but require a steady power supply without frequent surges.

Proper ventilation is non-negotiable. Kilns release carbon monoxide and sulfur fumes during the firing of clay and glazes. We recommend an active downdraft vent system (like the Skutt EnviroVent) which pulls fumes directly out of the kiln and exhausts them outside, ensuring a safe breathing environment in your studio.

To prevent heat damage and fire hazards, you must maintain at least 18 inches (45cm) of clearance on all sides of the kiln. This space is also necessary for proper airflow and allows you easy access for maintenance or element replacement.

For production work involving large amounts of clay (over 25kg at once), we recommend high-torque models like the Brent CXC or the Shimpo RK-3D. These machines feature high-horsepower motors and heavy-duty belts designed to maintain constant speed even under extreme pressure.

Every refurbished wheel in our shop undergoes a 20-point inspection. We replace drive belts, check the foot pedal calibration, and ensure the bearings are smooth and silent. While they may have minor cosmetic wear, they are mechanically sound and include our store's 12-month performance guarantee.

A pug mill automates the "wedging" process. It mixes scrap clay and removes air bubbles, producing perfectly consistent clay ready for the wheel. For studios processing more than 50kg of clay per week, a vacuum pug mill is an investment that saves significant time and reduces physical strain on the potter.

These are "fit" issues between the clay body and the glaze. Crazing (fine cracks) happens when the glaze shrinks more than the clay during cooling. Shivering (glaze flaking off) happens when the clay shrinks more than the glaze. Our technical team can help you select compatible clay and glaze combinations to avoid these defects.

Absolutely. We have a dedicated Institutional Account team that handles bulk orders for universities, schools, and non-profits. We offer tiered pricing for orders of 5+ wheels or multiple kilns and can assist with the formal Purchase Order (PO) process.

Yes! Our showroom is open to the public Monday through Friday. We have a "Demo Area" where you can test-drive various wheels (Shimpo, Brent, and Speedball) to feel the difference in torque and noise before making your investment.

We offer lifetime technical phone support for every kiln and wheel sold. Simply call our main line and ask for the "Equipment Tech" department. Having been in business for 18 years, our technicians can usually diagnose common issues over the phone in minutes.