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old electric elements?

updated fri 5 nov 04

 

Randy McCall on thu 4 nov 04


Is there any reason to keep old electric elements? Can they still serve =
a useful purpose of some kind?
Just replaced my elements in a old skutt 1027.

Is there any reason to pre fire the new elements to a specific temp =
before bisque or glaze firing?

Randy

Arnold Howard on thu 4 nov 04


Kiln manufacturers recommend firing the kiln empty the first time after
replacing elements. As the theory goes, firing the kiln empty helps form a
protective oxide coating on the elements before they are subjected to fumes
from the clay and glazes.

Paragon recommends firing to cone 01 or hotter during that first firing. At
this temperature, the elements will soften and conform to the shape of the
grooves. Once the elements settle into the grooves, they are unlikely to
bulge out later.

But before firing the new elements, you should make sure they are seated all
the way down into the grooves and pushed to the back of the corners.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net / www.paragonweb.com

------------------
From: "Randy McCall"
Is there any reason to pre fire the new elements to a specific temp before
bisque or glaze firing?

Laurie Kneppel on thu 4 nov 04


Hi Randy,
I know a sculptor who loves to use old elements as "hair" or other
design elements in her work. Sometimes she even paints them with glaze.
I changed some ancient elements in an old Cress kiln years ago and gave
her most of the old elements pieces.
I would imagine you can use them for all kinds of things.

Laurie
Sacramento, CA
http://rockyraku.com
Potters Council, charter member
Sacramento Potters Group, member
On Nov 4, 2004, at 4:04 AM, Randy McCall wrote:

> Is there any reason to keep old electric elements? Can they still
> serve a useful purpose of some kind?
> Just replaced my elements in a old skutt 1027.
>
> Is there any reason to pre fire the new elements to a specific temp
> before bisque or glaze firing?
>
> Randy

wjskw@BELLSOUTH.NET on thu 4 nov 04


Randy:
Yes! Absolutely! Don't throw them all out.
They make great textured cutoff wires (stretch or compress as
desired)
They can be used to "temporarily" repair a broken element (cut off a
piece and put it in place, it could save a production schedule)

It's always a good idea to keep one or two around...you just never
know.
Hope that helps,

Wayne Seidl

Is there any reason to keep old electric elements? Can they still
serve a useful purpose of some kind?
Just replaced my elements in a old skutt 1027.