I have been working with clay and kilns for over 33 years, and I have installed hundreds of kilns in the Chicago-Milwaukee area since I opened my shop in 2004. I have been repairing kilns of all brands for more than 25 years, and for the past 2 years I have also been providing nationwide customer tech support for L&L Kilns. I've pretty much seen it all when it comes to electric kilns, and I love passing that knowledge on to other people.
My hands-on electric kiln repair workshops will teach you how to fix every part of your kiln. You'll save hundreds of dollars a year by doing your own repairs, and after attending my workshop you'll have the experience and technical support to do it safely and correctly. Come practice on my kilns before working on yours! My workshops are perfect for anyone who works around kilns, including artists, teachers, and school maintenance techs.
My hands-on electric kiln repair workshops will teach you how to fix every part of your kiln. You'll save hundreds of dollars a year by doing your own repairs, and after attending my workshop you'll have the experience and technical support to do it safely and correctly. Come practice on my kilns before working on yours! My workshops are perfect for anyone who works around kilns, including artists, teachers, and school maintenance techs.
You'll learn how to:
Properly and safely install an electric kiln
Replace elements, relays, thermocouples, bricks, and wiring
Patch bricks
Use an electrical multi-meter
Do a 7 point maintenance checkup
Diagnose common problems
Properly and safely install an electric kiln
Replace elements, relays, thermocouples, bricks, and wiring
Patch bricks
Use an electrical multi-meter
Do a 7 point maintenance checkup
Diagnose common problems
You will actually do all of these things during the workshop! We'll be taking apart kilns from several brands and putting them back together, so you'll have experience with every type of repair before you have to do it on your own kiln. You'll also gain an understanding of electrical circuits (it's simpler than you think), so you understand how your kiln works, not just how to fix it.
Upcoming Workshops
All workshops run from 9am-4pm.
If you have a group of 3-8 people we can schedule
a private workshop for your group.
2026 Workshops
Friday, August 14
Friday, September 18
Friday, October 16
Friday, November 13
Cost: $525 per person. Includes lunch and tool kit.
It will pay for itself after just 2-3 repairs!
Artists receive a $50 discount if you purchased your kiln from me
Location:
Neil Estrick Gallery
888 E Belvidere Rd #101
Grayslake, IL 60030
To sign up please send me an email through the Contact page
All workshops run from 9am-4pm.
If you have a group of 3-8 people we can schedule
a private workshop for your group.
2026 Workshops
Friday, August 14
Friday, September 18
Friday, October 16
Friday, November 13
Cost: $525 per person. Includes lunch and tool kit.
It will pay for itself after just 2-3 repairs!
Artists receive a $50 discount if you purchased your kiln from me
Location:
Neil Estrick Gallery
888 E Belvidere Rd #101
Grayslake, IL 60030
To sign up please send me an email through the Contact page
Workshops cover the maintenance and repair of both digital and manual electric kilns. They also include instruction on how to get the most out of your digital controller, including how to design and program custom firing schedules to fix common glaze defects. If time permits, I'm also happy to answer questions on non-kiln topics such as clay and glazes, studio safety, and more.
Workshops include lunch, and a tool kit with everything you'll need to fix your kiln- including a digital multimeter. L&L Kiln owners get discounts on all future repair parts orders.
Out of town/state attendees please CLICK HERE for information on airports, lodging, transportation, etc.
Workshops include lunch, and a tool kit with everything you'll need to fix your kiln- including a digital multimeter. L&L Kiln owners get discounts on all future repair parts orders.
Out of town/state attendees please CLICK HERE for information on airports, lodging, transportation, etc.