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During the first firing of a new kiln, do you fire the kiln empty?

Updated on Jan 24, 2025

Fire only empty shelves, posts, and witness cones the first time you fire the kiln. Some people have fired the kiln for the first time with all the shelves stacked together at the bottom. This can crack shelves. Instead, separate the shelves with posts, as if you were firing a load of ware.