Joe Kowalczyk Kiln Repair

Services I provide:
- Diagnostic services/evaluations
- Kiln repair for ceramics or glass kilns (both gas and electric)
- Kiln tutorials (basic operation, safety, component identification, maintenance, & custom programming)
- Ventilation setup
- Consultations/recommendations on new or used kiln purchases
- Pottery wheel evaluations and repair
- Slab roller repair
- General studio setup

I’ll give a thorough evaluation of your kiln, tell you what’s wrong with it, tell you a price, and (with your approval) fix it.

I also give tutorials on how to fire your kiln, how to properly maintain it, and how to practice kiln safety. I explain what each part is and what it does, so you understand how it operates.
That digital kiln you have, does it operate on a Skutt, Cress, Bartlett, or Orton controller? I can teach you how to take advantage of its features so you can program your own firings. I even explain what happens in the kiln as you fire your clay.

Thinking of buying a kiln? If you’re planning on purchasing a kiln, but you’re unsure of what to get, I can make recommendations based on what I’ve found to be more reliable and user friendly in my experience. You can also consult me regarding kiln setup, ventilation, proper power supply, and kiln placement in your desired space.

Thinking of selling a kiln? If you have a used kiln you’re thinking of selling and need an idea of how much to price it, I can inspect and suggest a practical price based on its condition and the replacement parts needed.

Please note I am not a licensed electrician and although I have basic electrical knowledge, I don’t do electrical work outside of the kiln.

Pricing:
Each kiln I service begins with a thorough evaluation (like a patient going for an examination before an operation)
You'll find I charge less than any professional kiln service in the Bay Area. I charge hourly for the work I do onsite and for transportation.
SOMETIMES I provide kiln service in exchange for art, but I'm VERY particular. It has to be truly amazing & tantalizing. Don’t be offended if I decline, I can't pay my rent with art.
I’m located in Oakland, but I’m willing to travel (and have!) as far as Yosemite National Park for servicing.
Feel free to contact me with questions on pricing.

Experience:
I’ve been firing kilns for the last nine years and repairing kilns for about six steady years now. My first two years fixing kilns were spent while I was attending the California College of the Arts ceramics program. I was taken under the wing of the studio manager and instructed on firing and kiln repair. The following four years were spent working for a ceramics supply company repairing kilns at high schools, colleges, recreation centers, campgrounds, home studios, and professional art studios within the greater Bay Area. I’ve even received kiln training at the Skutt Kiln manufacturing facility in Portland. I’ve seen all kinds of kilns and have experienced many kiln malfunctions. I have yet to come across a kiln I can’t repair (knock on wood).

Contact:
Interested? Have questions?
e-mail me at...
StudioJoKo@gmail.com
or call at...
510-601-5053
Please note this is not a free consultation service.

Here’s my website if you’re interested in the clay work I do…
www.JoKo.us
And my new kiln repair blog featuring firing info, healthy kiln practices, and recommendations...
Adventures in Kiln Repair

Thank you for your time!