So the pottery class has been a bit interesting. I'm not sure our instructor had much of a class outline for learning the various things about working with clay. I have learned quite a bit more just doing youtube videos as far as technical things. She's been in the process of moving from her old space to her new, and she's been a bit distracted. The first few classes we start throwing something on the wheel and then she's off doing something else. This last class I was a bit more persistent about making her stick close by asking lots of questions, it made her finally sit down and stick with us. She is very knowledgable, I just don't think she's used to teaching adults as most of her day is teaching classes for kids that are home schooling.
Overall, the class is kind of a bust from being a crash course in pottery. I can certainly center and throw a pot just fine now, but I couldn't tell you a lot about the details of pottery.
It has been good though for my wife and I doing some kind of hobby together, and as an enjoyable date night activity.
We did decide we like it well enough to do maybe more specific classes and buy a wheel.
I actually bought a used kiln that the instructor for $100. It needs some new elements and patches/repairs, but for the price I'm well ahead already...I think.
I don't think the manufacture is around anymore, but there are companies that make the replacement elements, specific to this kiln. I'll need to also patch a crack in the lid. It's a hairline, but they make cement for the purpose. A few of the element channels are broke on the inside in a short section. The pieces are there and I may be able to re-attach those, but will use element staples to hold the elements otherwise.
It does have a kiln sitter on it rather than the newer touch controls with a thermocouple.
I'll have to also figure out how I want to vent this, and set it up with a rolling base. We're looking to order a wheel and we'll buy supplies from our instructor. I'm also wanting the kiln for some fused glass work and may get back to doing some stained glass that I used to do.