PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Finishing Fires: Hands-on Sanding and Grinding at Black Hound Clay Studio
A one-hour, members-only workshop in Philadelphia teaching safe use of studio Dremels, grinding disks, and finishing techniques with emphasis on atmospheric firing applications.
Finishing Fires: Hands-on Sanding and Grinding at Black Hound Clay Studio.
In the deliberately lit workroom of Black Hound Clay Studio West, pots move from rough to resolved under the steady hum of power tools and the practiced hands of fellow members. This short, concentrated workshop peels back the curtain on electric-kiln–aged ware, demonstrating how the right sanding and grinding techniques erase firing flaws, refine foot rings, and prepare surfaces for final display.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dremels, grinding disks and studio gear
Participants learn to operate the studio’s Dremel and grinding disk and are shown additional tools used to remove stubborn glaze drips and to polish pot bottoms.
Hands-on finishing and polishing
Instruction centers on practical sanding and grinding methods that finish work cleanly—techniques applicable across firing styles and clay bodies.
Atmospheric firing emphasis
While the methods taught apply broadly, the workshop places particular emphasis on the requirements and outcomes of atmospheric firing, helping members understand post-firing cleanup specific to that approach.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
The session moves quickly: a compact primer on safe tool use, live demonstration of sanding and grinding, followed by hands-on time at the bench to practice removing glaze drips and refining footrings. Expect a focused, practical rhythm—short demonstrations, immediate practice, and opportunities to ask technical questions about kilns and firing outcomes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop works for — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a focused, one-hour workshop.
Bring your pots ready for finishing; the studio provides the Dremel, grinding disk and key finishing tools used during the session.
Attendance is restricted to current members of Black Hound Clay Studio West—plan accordingly.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who can attend this workshop?
This session is limited to current members of Black Hound Clay Studio West.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop runs for one hour.
Are tools provided, or should I bring my own?
The studio provides the Dremel and grinding disk and other finishing tools used in the class.
What topics will be covered?
Instruction covers safe use of sanding and grinding tools, removing glaze drips, polishing pot bottoms, and an emphasis on techniques relevant to atmospheric firing.
Will there be hands-on time?
Yes—after demonstrations, members practice sanding and grinding their own pieces under supervision.
Is the workshop focused only on atmospheric firing?
The workshop emphasizes atmospheric firing applications but teaches techniques that apply to all sanding and grinding needs.