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Everything You Need to Know About Controlling Your Kiln 

Controlling a 2,000-degree box of heat to craft the perfect piece is no easy feat. One wrong move and you can get cracking, melting, run-off, or worse. But with the right resources, practice, and a precise, easy-to-use kiln control device (might we suggest a TAP Kiln Controller?!) you can become one with your kiln.

 

So, let us welcome you to TAP IN, SDS Industry’s resource center and blog, full of tips and tricks on how you can take total control of your kiln firings and transform your firing experience in the future.

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Learn about the functionality and purpose of PID temperature controllers

What Is a PID Temperature Controller?

Scott ShannonJuly 28, 2026,,,,,,,,,,
If you’re shopping for a new kiln or oven or exploring controller upgrades, you might...
Read More
Header Image for Complete Guide to Kiln Safety for Your At Home Kiln

Complete Guide to Kiln Safety for Your At Home Kiln

Brittany GabelJuly 21, 2026,,,,,,
When it comes to kilns, it’s safety first! With proper precautions, using an at home...
Read More
Cover image for blog about low fire clays that includes a Cone 06 firing schedule and Cone 04 temps.

Low-Fire Clay: Cone 06 Firing Schedule, Setpoints, & More

Scott ShannonJuly 8, 2026,,,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to pottery, low-fire clay (also known as earthenware) is a popular choice...
Read More
Guide for explaining heat treat processes, use-cases, and supplies

Heat Treat 101: Guide to Heat Treating [2026]

Scott ShannonMarch 24, 2026,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Let’s talk heat treat! Whether you’re crafting knives, blades, jewelry, tools, industrial components, or any...
Read More
A detailed, comprehensive guide for heat treating knives

Heat Treating Knives: A Complete Guide to Knifemaking [2026]

Scott ShannonMarch 10, 2026,,,,,,,,,,,,
Heat treating knives is an integral part of the knifemaking process. After designing the knife...
Read More
SDS Industries' Brittany Gabel shares her review for The Ultimate Guide to Kilns and Ovens, a brand-new kiln guide by Kiln Academy.

Book Review: Kiln Academy’s “The Ultimate Guide to Kilns and Ovens”

Brittany GabelFebruary 24, 2026,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to firing kilns, some of us had to learn the hard way!...
Read More
Check out the SDS Industries 2025 Year in Review to learn more about new kiln control products and partnerships.

SDS Industries 2025 Year in Review: New Products, Partnerships, Milestones, and More!

Scott ShannonFebruary 3, 2026,,,,,,
We hope 2026 has been amazing for you so far! But before we leave 2025...
Read More
Tips for kiln maintenance and for taking care of kiln controllers

Complete Guide to Kiln Maintenance [2026 Guide]

Brittany GabelJanuary 20, 2026,,,,,,,,,,
Owning a kiln is a little bit like owning a car. With mindful operation and...
Read More
Kiln firing chart for ceramics and pottery

Kiln Firing Chart for Pottery and Ceramics [Infographic]

Brittany GabelJanuary 6, 2026,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to firing ceramics, different types of clays and glazes are rated for...
Read More
TAP Kiln Controllers are now default kiln controller options on Paragon Kilns

TAP Kiln Controllers Now Available on Paragon Kilns!

Brittany GabelDecember 9, 2025,,,,,,,,,,
What happens when the brand that built one of America’s very first electric kilns partners...
Read More
TAP II Pro's Cone Fire Mode makes it easier and faster for ceramicists to program ceramic firing schedules.

Execute Faster Cone Firing with TAP II Pro [Video]

Scott ShannonNovember 4, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
In 2025, a meeting with a kiln manufacturer gave us an idea: We could make...
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Comprehensive guide for different types of oven controllers

All About Oven Controllers

Scott ShannonOctober 28, 2025,,,,,,,,,
Whether you’re making swords, sterilizing lab equipment, or roasting coffee beans, there are tons of...
Read More
Description of kiln costs - from purchase and shipping to installation, operation, and maintenance.

How Much Do Kilns Cost? The True Costs of Owning a Kiln [2025 Update]

Scott ShannonSeptember 23, 2025,,,,,,,,,
For most artists, purchasing a kiln is a pretty big investment. Newer artists, especially, will...
Read More
A guide to annealed glass that contains steps and schedules for the glass annealing process

What Is Annealed Glass? Understand the Glass Annealing Process to Avoid Heartbreak

Brittany GabelSeptember 9, 2025,,,,,,,
Have you ever spent hours working on a kiln formed glass art project only to...
Read More
Explore the best digital kiln controllers of 2026 – with touchscreen controls, remote monitoring, and schedule adjustments, and more

The Best Digital Kiln Controllers of 2026

Scott ShannonAugust 26, 2025,,,,,,,,
Over the past decade, digital kiln controllers have evolved massively. While a lot of the...
Read More
An article exploring the different applications of temperature controllers – from coffee roasting and beer brewing to laboratory and industrial applications.

Different Applications for Temperature Controllers That Go Beyond Art

Scott ShannonAugust 19, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Temperature controllers aren’t just used by artists. While most people associate temperature controllers with fusing...
Read More
Featuring veteran art projects by Cliff Leonard and Jimmy Floyd

Veteran Art Projects: How Two Artists Use TAP to Honor Vets

Scott ShannonAugust 5, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
We receive a lot of art submissions from artists who use TAP to power their...
Read More
Get kiln controller maintenance tips for taking care of your TAP Controller

Kiln Controller Maintenance: How to Care for Your TAP Controller

Scott ShannonJuly 22, 2025,,,,,,,
TAP Kiln Controllers are built for reliability. Manufactured from high-quality components and backed by an...
Read More
Tips and tricks for mastering the bladesmithing process

Perfecting Your Bladesmithing Process

Scott ShannonJune 24, 2025,,,,,,
Eight hundred years ago, you’d have to leave home at 12 or 13 years old...
Read More
Temperature control for manufacturing requires more precision, monitoring capabilities, and integration.

Temperature Control for Manufacturing and Industrial Processes

Scott ShannonJune 10, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Temperature control isn’t just limited to at home kilns. Many manufacturing and industrial processes rely...
Read More
A view of Brittany Gabel's glass studio, which inspired the creation of the TAP Kiln Controller

How to Manage Your Glass Studio More Efficiently

Brittany GabelMay 27, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Did you know that the inspiration behind the TAP Kiln Controller came from my experiences...
Read More
TAP Kiln Controllers make managing ceramic studios more efficient.

Benefits of TAP for Your Ceramic Studio

Brittany GabelMay 13, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
We spend a lot of time discussing the benefits of TAP Kiln Controllers for individual...
Read More
An example of a Cone 10 porcelain plate for a comprehensive article about Cone 10 temperatures and firing schedules.

High-Fire Clay: Cone 10 Temperatures, Firing Schedule, & More

Scott ShannonApril 29, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,
While there are some definite pros to using low-fire and mid-fire clays – like more...
Read More

How to Install TAP Monitor Digital Pyrometer [Video]

Brittany GabelApril 15, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,
Does adding precise, remote temperature monitoring – that you can check from anywhere from your...
Read More
Firing mid-fire clays to cone 6 temps results in ceramics that are hard and waterproof on the surface.

Mid-Fire Clay: Cone 6 Temp, Firing Schedule, & More!

Scott ShannonApril 1, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to mid-fire clay, Cone 6 is an extremely popular option. In fact...
Read More
An overview of glass firing art techniques and a step-by-step guide for glass firing art.

9 Steps for Glass Firing Art (Plus Examples!)

Brittany GabelMarch 18, 2025,,,,,,,,
Few things are more satisfying than the process of glass firing art. From choosing the...
Read More
An overview of different fusing glass techniques, such as full fuses, contour fuses, and tack fuses.

Tips, Tricks, and Glass Fusing Techniques [Plus Examples!]

Brittany GabelFebruary 18, 2025,,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to kiln forming glass, learning glass fusing techniques will unlock new possibilities...
Read More
A collections of firing schedules for bisque

Firing Schedules for Bisque

Scott ShannonFebruary 4, 2025,,,,,,,,,,,,
What temperature is pottery fired at? Firing schedules for bisque depend on what type of...
Read More
Learn about the differences between low-fire and high-fire clay

Clay Firing: Low-Fire vs High-Fire Clay

Brittany GabelJanuary 21, 2025,,,,,,,,,,
Before starting a new pottery project, artists face an important question: What type of clay...
Read More
Overview of collected kiln price data in 2025 for a variety of different types of kilns.

Kiln Prices: How Much Should You Pay for a Kiln in 2025?

Brittany GabelJanuary 7, 2025,,,,,,
What price should you pay for a kiln in 2025? Kiln prices can vary drastically...
Read More
Cover image for a comprehensive guide to heat treatment.

Complete Guide to Heat Treatment

Scott ShannonDecember 23, 2024,,,,,,
Whether you’re making knives, blades, jewelry, or overseeing industrial processes that involve changes in temperature...
Read More
A blog header for a comparison of commercial kilns, studio kilns, and at home kilns.

Differences Between Commercial Kilns, Studio Kilns, and At Home Kilns

Scott ShannonDecember 3, 2024
Different types of kilns have different features and characteristics depending on their application. Commercial kilns...
Read More
Some artists still use a kiln sitter in 2024, but it is outdated versus more modern kiln control methods.

Are Kiln Sitters Out of Date in 2024?

Scott ShannonNovember 12, 2024,,,,,,,,
When it was invented in the 1950s, the kiln sitter revolutionized kiln firing. Although kiln...
Read More
Guide providing an overview and detailed steps for kiln firing with an electric kiln.

Complete Guide to Kiln Firing for Electric Kilns

Brittany GabelOctober 22, 2024,,,,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to kiln firing an at home kiln, a little bit of preparation...
Read More
An overview of how to use electric heat treat furnace controls.

Understanding Electric Heat Treat Furnace Controls

Brittany GabelOctober 1, 2024,,,,,,,,,,
Whether you’re heat treating knives or making jewelry, understanding electric heat treat furnace controls is...
Read More
Get tips and tricks for troubleshooting your TAP Kiln Controller

Troubleshooting Tips for Your TAP Kiln Controller

Scott ShannonSeptember 10, 2024,,,,
We designed all of the controllers in the TAP Ecosystem to be as reliable and...
Read More
A guide for shopping for heat treat ovens

Features to Look for in Your Next Heat Treat Oven [2026]

Brittany GabelAugust 20, 2024,,,,,,,
Whether you’re shopping for your very first heat treat oven or looking to upgrade, you...
Read More
TAP Kiln Control Mobile provides artists with remote kiln control and remote start.

Remote Kiln Control: How Do I Get Remote Start for My Kiln?

Scott ShannonJune 18, 2024,,,,,,,,,,,,,
When we launched the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app in 2016, our vision was to...
Read More
Guide for shopping for kilns, with advice on how to pick the right kiln based on your needs as an artist.

Shopping for Kilns That Have TAP Controllers

Brittany GabelMay 28, 2024,,,,,,,,,,,,
If you’re in the market for a new kiln, why not purchase a kiln with...
Read More
Guide for understanding electric kiln temperature controllers.

Understanding Electric Kiln Temperature Controllers

Brittany GabelMay 7, 2024,,,,,,,,,
As an artist, your electric kiln temperature controller will have the single biggest impact on...
Read More
Guide for understanding the difference between different types of electric kiln relays

All About Kiln Relays

Scott ShannonApril 23, 2024,,,,,,,,,,
No matter what type of kiln or heat treat oven you have, choosing the right...
Read More
Header image for a guide for shopping for kiln controllers

Shopping for Kiln Controllers: Should I Purchase a Digital Controller, a Conversion Kit, or a Standalone?

Brittany GabelApril 2, 2024,,,,,,,,,
If you’re shopping for kiln controllers, you’ve come to the right place! Buying a new...
Read More
Editing setpoint temperatures of the TAP II Kiln Controllers

Setpoint Controls: What Is a Setpoint?

Scott ShannonMarch 19, 2024,,,,,,,,,
If you’re new to heat treatment or it’s your first time using a kiln controller...
Read More
An overview of different kiln formed glass techniques such as fusing, casting, and slumping.

Exploring 9 Different Kiln Formed Glass Art Techniques (Plus Examples!)

Brittany GabelFebruary 20, 2024,,,,,,,,,,,
What is kiln formed glass? When exposed to heat, glass becomes soft and malleable. This...
Read More
TAP Standalone Wall Mount Kiln Controller allow you to upgrade from manual to automatic kiln controls.

Standalone Kiln Controllers: Wall Mount Kiln Controllers and Tabletop Kiln Controllers

Scott ShannonFebruary 6, 2024,,,,,,,,,,,,,
For newer artists, figuring out what type of kiln controller you need for your kiln...
Read More
Single setpoint controllers are used for metal heat treat and executing simple kiln firing schedules.

When to Use a Single Setpoint Controller

Brittany GabelJanuary 23, 2024,,,,,,,,,,
When shopping for a kiln controller, it’s important to get the functionality you need. While...
Read More
Multi-setpoint controllers are capable of executing schedules with multiple steps, while single setpoint controllers can only automatically execute schedules with a single setpoint.

Setpoint Controllers: Single Setpoint vs Multi-Setpoint Controllers

Scott ShannonJanuary 9, 2024,,,,,,,,,,,,,
During a firing schedule, a setpoint is the pre-set firing temperature the kiln must reach...
Read More
A definitive guide for understanding kiln firing temperatures.

Complete Guide to Kiln Firing Temperatures

Brittany GabelDecember 26, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Whether you work in pottery, glass, or heat treat, kiln firing temperatures play a critical...
Read More
Learn all about kiln relays and how to prevent kiln relay failure.

Understanding and Preventing Kiln Relay Failure

Scott ShannonDecember 12, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,
Three words no artist wants to hear: kiln relay failure. At best, kiln relay failure...
Read More
Safety limit controllers enhance kiln safety by automatically shutting off your kiln if it exceeds a certain temperature.

How Safety Limit Controllers Help With Kiln Safety

Brittany GabelNovember 28, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Kilns get hot! When it comes to kiln safety, using a safety limit controller helps...
Read More
Learn more about the difference between limit controllers and process controllers.

The Difference Between a Limit Controller and a Process Controller

Scott ShannonNovember 14, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to different types of kiln controllers, there are two broad categories you...
Read More
Using a kiln temperature monitor lets you monitor kiln firing temperatures and adds kiln safety.

How to Use a Kiln Temperature Monitor

Brittany GabelOctober 31, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,
A kiln temperature monitor is a device that monitors kiln firing temperatures. Typically, when people...
Read More
What is a pyrometer? A pyrometer is a temperature monitoring device for high temperature applications.

What Is a Pyrometer? Understanding Pyrometers for Kilns

Scott ShannonOctober 17, 2023,,,,,,,,,,
What is a pyrometer? A pyrometer is a device that measures high temperatures for applications...
Read More
Tracking electric kiln firing costs on a kiln firing cost calculator

How to Easily Track Your Electric Kiln Firing Cost

Scott ShannonOctober 3, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Did you know that you can easily program your TAP Controller to track your electric...
Read More
An in-depth comparison of different temperature controller manufacturers

Temperature Controller Manufacturers Side-by-Side Comparison

Brittany GabelSeptember 12, 2023,,,,,,,,,,
Maybe you’re shopping for a new kiln or maybe you’re exploring options for upgrading your...
Read More
A comparison of different kiln control methods.

Kiln Controls: Exploring Different Kiln Control Methods

Scott ShannonSeptember 5, 2023,,,,,,,,,,
Kiln controls are the interface you use to program the temperature of your kiln. There...
Read More
Image of TAP Programmable Digital Kiln Controllers by SDS Industries

How to Use a Programmable Digital Kiln Controller

Brittany GabelAugust 29, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,
Similar to other industries, the mid-1980s brought major advancements to kiln control technology. Manual kilns...
Read More
Overview of ICS Controllers for Industrial Control Systems

ICS Controllers for Industrial Control Systems

Scott ShannonAugust 22, 2023,,,,,,,,,,
Beyond industrial kilns, ovens, and furnaces, electric temperature controllers are used in a wide variety...
Read More
An in-depth guide to industrial kilns and industrial kiln control

What is an Industrial Kiln? Understanding Commercial Kilns, Furnaces, and Ovens

Scott ShannonAugust 15, 2023,,,,,,,,
Kilns aren’t just limited to home and studio applications. Industrial kilns, or commercial kilns, are...
Read More
An in-depth comparison of the different types of thermocouples.

Thermocouples: Differences Between Thermocouple Types

Scott ShannonAugust 8, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,
In order to successfully execute a kiln firing schedule, it’s imperative that your kiln controller...
Read More
Kiln firing schedules for glass, ceramics, pottery, and heat treat

Understanding Kiln Firing Schedules for Glass, Ceramics, Pottery, and Heat Treat

Brittany GabelJuly 25, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
The primary function of a kiln controller is to help users input (and successfully execute!)...
Read More
Blog header image for '14 Types of Electric Kiln Temperature Controllers,' featuring an image of a TAP Digital Touchscreen Electric Kiln Temperature Controller.

14 Types of Electric Kiln Temperature Controllers

Brittany GabelJuly 11, 2023,,,,,,,,,,
When it comes to controlling the temperature of an electric kiln, there’s a ton of...
Read More
History of Kilns Blog Header Image

A Complete History of Kilns

Scott ShannonJuly 3, 2023,,,,,
For millennia, humans have been using kilns to fire pottery, ceramic, glass, brick, limestone, grain...
Read More
Blog header image for new kiln temp controller options

New Kiln Temp Controller Options! Introducing the TAP Monitor, TAP&Go, and TAP Micro

Scott ShannonJune 27, 2023,,,,,,,
We believe that artists should have more flexibility when it comes to firing their kilns. ...
Read More
Blog Header Image for Different Types of Kilns

Types of Kilns: An Informative Guide for Kiln Users

Scott ShannonJune 20, 2023,,,,,,,
Kilns have been used for millennia to create ceramic, glass, and even metal objects. As...
Read More
Header Image for a Blog on Kiln Sitters

What is a Kiln Sitter?

Scott ShannonJune 6, 2023,,,,,,,,,,
Before the invention of automatic kiln controllers, the kiln sitter was a major innovation in...
Read More
Blog header image for Kiln Controller DIY: Complete Guide to Kiln Controller Installation

Kiln Controller DIY: Complete Guide to Kiln Controller Installation

Scott ShannonMay 30, 2023,,,,,,
Excited to upgrade your kiln controller, but intimidated by the prospect of kiln controller DIY installation?...
Read More
Blog header image for Managing Your Kiln Firing Schedule

How to Manage Your Kiln Firing Schedule

Scott ShannonMay 23, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
What’s one thing potters, ceramicists, glass artists, and metal workers have in common? Each relies...
Read More
Blog header image for 'How to Use a Pottery Kiln Temperature Controller.'

How to Use a Pottery Kiln Temperature Controller

Brittany GabelMay 16, 2023,,,,,,,,,
Pottery firing is the process of heating clay to transform raw clay into ceramic. Potters...
Read More
Software-Based Kiln Controllers Blog Header Image

Benefits of Software-Based Kiln Controllers

Scott ShannonMay 9, 2023,,,,,,,,,
Whether you’re working on ceramics, pottery, glasswork, or metals, software-based kiln controllers allow you to...
Read More
Guide to Choosing a Heat Treating Controller Blog Header Image

Guide to Choosing Heat Treating Controllers

Scott ShannonMay 2, 2023,,,,,,,,
When it comes to heat treatment, precision and stability are key. Heat treating controllers ensure...
Read More
How to Use a Glass Kiln Temperature Controller Blog Header

Benefits of Using a Digital Controller for Glass Kilns

Brittany GabelApril 25, 2023,,,,,,,,
Let’s face it: glass is touchy. Heat it up or cool it down too quickly...
Read More
Blog header image for Planning Your Kiln Controller Upgrade, with a photo of a TAP Kiln Controller Standalone

Planning Your Kiln Controller Upgrade

Brittany GabelApril 18, 2023,,,,,,,
So, you’ve decided it’s time for a kiln controller upgrade. Maybe you’re tired of having...
Read More
Header image for blog post on manual kiln controllers vs automatic kiln controllers.

Pros and Cons: Automatic Kiln Controllers vs Manual Kiln Controllers [Infographic]

Brittany GabelApril 4, 2023,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
 Just like with cars, artists and hobbyists have two options when it comes to kiln...
Read More
This image is a blog header showing a TAP Automatic Kiln Controller

What Does a Kiln Controller Do?

Scott ShannonMarch 28, 2023,,,,,,,,,
Let’s talk about the single most important tool when it comes to pottery, glass art...
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TAP Kiln Controllers include alerts and alarms to keep you informed about the progress of your kiln firings.

What’s the Difference Between TAP Kiln Controller Alerts & Alarms?

Scott ShannonFebruary 3, 2023,,,
Alerts, Alarms, Oh My! I’ve got all these settings on my kiln controller, but what...
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