Paul Borian on fri 28 aug 09
it was probably Euclid - they have the best prices on elements & wire. the
next time you order i suggest buy several yards of extra wire - the kind
with the black braided coating on the outside that connects the elements to
the power supply - so you have it on hand when it fries. That way you can
possibly save a load in mid firing if it burns out (very carefully & turn
off breaker of course). Also keep lots of crimp connectors (spade, ring,
whatever yours uses). I even keep an extra switch on hand because they will
burn out as well.
Paul
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dawn Kleinman
Date: Aug 28, 2009 12:33pm
Subject: Re: my poor kiln
To: Clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
CC:
> Thanks Bill,
> I replaced them myself with the help of a friend who is an electrician. I=
t
> turned out to be fairly easy. I will open up the control boxes and check
> everything.
> Gayle,
> I am at 66 firings since the new elements and switches. But I dont
> remember
> it being that expensive to buy the elements. I hope I still have the kiln
> supply phone number. It was in Canada
> On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 12:28 PM, William & Susan Schran User
> wschran@cox.net> wrote:
> > On 8/28/09 9:51 AM, "Dawn Kleinman" dkpottery@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >
> > > I have a used kiln that I replaced all the elements and switches
> about 2
> > > years ago. Gets to a ^6 in about 6 1/2 hours. Lately, it has been
> taking
> > > close to 9 1/2 hours. I figured it was because I was packing it prett=
y
> > full
> > > and the elements are starting to wear out. Yesterday, it was the
> correct
> > > color inside when I turned it to high at the 4th hour. 13 hours
> later, I
> > let
> > > the timer shut it down. I figured the cone in the sitter broke. This
> > morning
> > > I opened the kiln which was much cooler than I had anticipated. The
> > glazed
> > > pieces were VERY underfired. Ok - so I turned the kiln back on to
> > re-fire.
> > > Nothing. Flipped the breaker off and then back on. Nothing.
> > > Now what?!
> >
> > Did you replace the elements or did somebody replace the elements for
> you?
> > Asking to see if you are comfortable opening up the control boxes to
> check
> > connections.
> > Shut off breaker/unplug kiln.
> > Open control boxes and check carefully for signs of corrosion/burned
> areas.
> > Wiggle each connection to make sure all are tight. Loose connections ca=
n
> > cause problems.
> > Get yourself a volt/circuit meter and check the ohm reading of each
> element
> > (inexpensive meter - easy to check - hold meter leads against pigtails
> of
> > elements).
> > You can check with the kiln manufacturer of what the ohm reading should
> be
> > for each element. If your 's are off by 20%, it's time to replace the
> > elements again.
> > Given your description of longer firings, this is probably a time to
> > replace
> > elements.
> >
> > Bill
> >
> > --
> > William "Bill" Schran
> > wschran@cox.net
> > wschran@nvcc.edu
> > http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> --
> www.DawnPottery.home.comcast.net
> www.DawnPottery.etsy.com
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