Barbrox@aol.com on tue 31 dec 96
I have made the decision to puchase a new kiln for 1997 and have decided to
go with the Skutt 1027. As a result of recent discussion, I have decided to
go with an automated controller ( though I must admit giving up control is a
little scarey). Now, I am stuck on the decision as to whether to get 3" kiln
walls. As I will be firing in a somewhat drafty basement, I thought I would
do well to get the extra instalation. I do plan to get the envirovent. My
problem is this- when I called to place the order, I was told the price of
kiln shelves for the 3" insulation kiln is about double the standard
insulation kiln. Outside of the fact that this most likely means postponing
my purchase (as I can only tap into somewhat limited funds) I really would
like to know if it is worth the difference? I would appreciate any feedback
from anyone with knowledge or experience in this area. TIA Barbara in Lyme,
Ct. (somewhat bummed as I was hoping to do my first firing in 1997 in my new
and larger kiln.)
Karen Gringhuis on wed 1 jan 97
bARBARA -
wht cone do you fire to? And how often? I have an
L&L barrel which I've fired to C/10 approx. 20 times & I think that
it's just now about to need new elements. I'm not sure.
I'd love 3" walls but if you're firing ower, maybe you don't need them
o reach temp.
Are there other alternatives - Bailey puts an extra layer of board
in their electrics but not up to 3". Good luck.
LINDA BLOSSOM on thu 2 jan 97
Dear Barbara,
Not only do I think the extra insulation is worth it, I would wait until I
could afford one with an inch of fiber board outside the three inches AND I
would get the insulated lid. I don't know if Skutt has all of these - (I
modified my skutt with 3" of blanket over the 3" of brick and insulated my
lid and put the kiln on insulating brick)...but I do know that Frank
Tucker's Cone Art Kilns have all of the above. It is ludicrous to let so
much heat escape, just to replace it.
Linda Blossom
2366 Slaterville Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
blossom@lightlink.com
http://www.artscape.com
607-539-7912
Evan Dresel on thu 2 jan 97
At 09:45 PM 12-31-96 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I have made the decision to puchase a new kiln for 1997 and have decided to
>go with the Skutt 1027. As a result of recent discussion, I have decided to
>go with an automated controller ( though I must admit giving up control is a
>little scarey). Now, I am stuck on the decision as to whether to get 3" kiln
>walls. As I will be firing in a somewhat drafty basement, I thought I would
>do well to get the extra instalation. I do plan to get the envirovent. My
>problem is this- when I called to place the order, I was told the price of
>kiln shelves for the 3" insulation kiln is about double the standard
>insulation kiln. Outside of the fact that this most likely means postponing
>my purchase (as I can only tap into somewhat limited funds) I really would
>like to know if it is worth the difference? I would appreciate any feedback
>from anyone with knowledge or experience in this area. TIA Barbara in Lyme,
>Ct. (somewhat bummed as I was hoping to do my first firing in 1997 in my new
>and larger kiln.)
My understanding is that the 3" thick walls don't make that much difference in
firing cost and the smaller interior dimension is, as you note, a pain. Skutt
only uses 2 1/2" brick on the top and that is where the extra insulation
probably would make the most difference. For what it's worth, my Crucible
kiln has 3" brick all around and takes normal shelves. So that's an option
if you want the extra insulation. If you want the best insulation, check
out the ConeArt/Bailey kilns. I do like the slow cooling with the 3" brick.
-- Evan starting to do all those glaze tests I've been putting off.
John Post on thu 2 jan 97
Hi Barbara,
The kiln that I recently purchased is an Evenheat Deluxe Model. I purchased
the deluxe model because it has an addition of 1-inch block insulation
(mineral wool) between the firebrick and jacket. The reason that I like
this extra layer of insulation is that it helps the kiln to retain its heat
longer after it reaches temperature. This is important for me because my
kilns are in an unheated studio/garage that is not attached to my house. I
live in Michigan and have fired this kiln when the temperature was only 20
degrees outside and the cone 7 glaze load fired perfectly. If I try this in
my other electric kiln which does not have the extra layer of insulation the
glazes craze, probably due to the rapid cooling they experience. The well
insulated Evenheat kiln takes almost 24 hours to cool down after reaching
temperature. The poorly insulated kiln cools down in 8-10 hours. These
times are based on firings that occur when the outside temperature is below
30 degrees. For me the extra insualtion in the kiln was well worth the
extra cost.
I have worked with two kilns that have electric controllers instead of
cone-sitters. One is the Evenheat mentioned above and the other is a large
Alpine. In both kilns I have found that it is necessary to fire the kiln to
a temperature that is lower than the one found in a cone temperature
conversion chart. As an example, I normally fire with a small Orton cone 7
in the kiln sitter. When I look this up to find its temperature equivalent
I see that it is listed as 2307F. When I program this into the kiln
controller the glazes overfire. The temperature that I have found to give
results that are consistent with a small Orton cone 7 is 2230F. You
probably will just have to experiment until you find what temperature you
need to program into your controller to get the results you need.
If you have ony questions feel free to e-mail direct. I hope this helps.
John Post
e-mail johnpost@c3net.net
> Now, I am stuck on the decision as to whether to get 3" kiln
>walls. As I will be firing in a somewhat drafty basement, I thought I would
>do well to get the extra instalation.
> I really would
>like to know if it is worth the difference? I would appreciate any feedback
>from anyone with knowledge or experience in this area.
Terrance Lazaroff on thu 2 jan 97
By all the thickness you can. Save up now to save money later. Better
insulation will repay itself many times over in time and money.
Terrance. F. Lazaroff
St Hubert, Quebec, Canada!!!!
Kristin Conrad on thu 2 jan 97
>little scarey). Now, I am stuck on the decision as to whether to get 3" kiln
>walls. As I will be firing in a somewhat drafty basement, I thought I would
>do well to get the extra instalation. I do plan to get the envirovent. My
All I can tell you is that when I went to buy the exact same kiln you are
looking at, I asked about whether I should buy the model with the 3" walls.
Even though my supplier had both in stock, he said he really didn't notice
a large benefit from the thicker walls. I purchased the regular 1027 and
use it in an unheated basement which is a bit drafty and this time of year
averages about 40 degrees F. I use to use this kiln in a heated second
bedroom, and since moving to the basement studio, I haven't noticed any
difference in firing time (due to the cold and drafts). That is my
experience with it, for what it's worth.
-----Kristin Conrad
Rollinsville, CO
BobWicks@aol.com on fri 3 jan 97
Greetings:
I read your memo regarding the skutt 1027. I just purchased one also with
the controller and the shelf price is about $70 each. I also reacted like
you, however my supplier suggested that I take a regular ^6-^9 shelf and cut
it to size, saving around 50%. Apparently the expensive shelf is made of
very high refractory thus the high cost, however that's not necessary if you
only fire at lower temps.
I haven't tried my Skutt yet, but that is forthcoming with the new classes
starting this month.
Good luick.
Bob
Robert Kittel on fri 3 jan 97
At 04:03 PM 1/2/97 +0000, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>At 09:45 PM 12-31-96 EST, you wrote:
>>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>>I have made the decision to puchase a new kiln for 1997 and have decided to
>>go with the Skutt 1027. As a result of recent discussion, I have decided to
>>go with an automated controller ( though I must admit giving up control is a
>>little scarey). Now, I am stuck on the decision as to whether to get 3" kiln
>>walls. As I will be firing in a somewhat drafty basement, I thought I would
>>do well to get the extra instalation. I do plan to get the envirovent. My
>>problem is this- when I called to place the order, I was told the price of
>>kiln shelves for the 3" insulation kiln is about double the standard
>>insulation kiln. Outside of the fact that this most likely means postponing
>>my purchase (as I can only tap into somewhat limited funds) I really would
>>like to know if it is worth the difference? I would appreciate any feedback
>>from anyone with knowledge or experience in this area. TIA Barbara in Lyme,
>>Ct. (somewhat bummed as I was hoping to do my first firing in 1997 in my new
>>and larger kiln.)
>
>My understanding is that the 3" thick walls don't make that much difference in
>firing cost and the smaller interior dimension is, as you note, a pain. Skutt
>only uses 2 1/2" brick on the top and that is where the extra insulation
>probably would make the most difference. For what it's worth, my Crucible
>kiln has 3" brick all around and takes normal shelves. So that's an option
>if you want the extra insulation. If you want the best insulation, check
>out the ConeArt/Bailey kilns. I do like the slow cooling with the 3" brick.
>
>-- Evan starting to do all those glaze tests I've been putting off.
I have found that you can go direct to the kiln shelf manufacturer if your
order is within their minumum order requirements. I would look around in
your area or nearby cities and find someone who manufactures shelves. You
will be surprised at how much you can save. Custom sizes are available also.
Gavin Stairs on fri 3 jan 97
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
>>little scarey). Now, I am stuck on the decision as to whether to get 3" kiln
>>walls. As I will be firing in a somewhat drafty basement, I thought I would
>>do well to get the extra instalation. I do plan to get the envirovent. My
>
The effect of a cold and drafty basement is probably no more than the
difference in temperature between the basement and where you would
"normally" fire. So, if the summer temperature above ground is 100F, and
the basement is 0F (a really cold basement: most are no colder than 40F),
you will take the same time to reach a point 100F LOWER in the basement
(eg., 900F instead of 1000F). This difference you may not notice. However,
you will find that your highest temperature will also be depressed by 100F
(eg., 1200F instead of 1300F). If you high fire, you may well notice this.
Also, you will lose the same amount of heat at the lower temperature in the
cold basement as you would at the higher temperature in the summer heat
aboveground. Lost heat you have to pay for.
If you want to reduce the cost of firing, more insulation is your best bet.
You can save twice: in the rate of heat loss at any given temperature, and
in the time required to heat to maturation. Of course, if you wish to heat
slowly anyway, you don't get the second benefit.
The kiln vent is another source of heat loss. The air that you suck out of
the kiln carries heat with it. During drying preheats, this is good, as it
reduces the possibility of water condensing on the kiln casing. And while
volatiles are being burned off it is also good, as it carries away
potentially harmful fumes. However, if you find that you have trouble
getting those last few degrees to cone 10, you might try turning off the fan
for a short while.
Bye, Gavin
Louis Katz on sat 4 jan 97
Have your supplier order a shelf kit from Skutt. This should help keep the
shipping price down, but I don't know. My memory is that in Montana Skuttt
shelf kits were reasonably price in comparison with buy components
individually.
Louis
***************************************************
*Louis Katz lkatz@falcon.tamucc.edu *
*Texas A&M University Corpus Christi *
*6300 Ocean Drive, Art Department *
*Corpus Christi, Tx 78412 *
*Phone (512) 994-5987 *
**************************************************
Barbrox@aol.com on sat 4 jan 97
Karen
I fire primarily to ^6, but am hoping with the new kiln to have the
versatility to fire to ^10. I am quite blessed to be apprenticing at a local
Handcraft Center and have access to the chemical room so I can do lots of
glaze testing.I can also use the tried and true ^10 glazes from the Center (
except in oxidation instead of reduction).
Barbara.
Brooks Burgess on sat 4 jan 97
At 10:52 AM 1/3/97 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Greetings:
>I read your memo regarding the skutt 1027. I just purchased one also with
>the controller and the shelf price is about $70 each. I also reacted like
>you, however my supplier suggested that I take a regular ^6-^9 shelf and cut
>it to size, saving around 50%. Apparently the expensive shelf is made of
>very high refractory thus the high cost, however that's not necessary if you
>only fire at lower temps.
>
>I haven't tried my Skutt yet, but that is forthcoming with the new classes
>starting this month.
>
>Good luick.
>Bob
>
> I'm looking at Kickwheel Pottery Supply Inc. catalogue pg. 79. The list
the shelves sized for a skutt 1027-3(controller or sitter version) as $31.00
for 1'' thick half shelf or $66.00 for a 1" thick full(round) shelf. They
also have kin furniture kits listed on page 80 . The kits are 5/8" thick
half shelves ( 8 of them) and an assortment of 1-1/2" inch triangular
posts. IMHO you dont want the triangular posts(too flimsy).Granted 95% of my
electric kiln use is bisque fire but i can't see paying 70 bucks for a
shelf. I've been using the ? mullite? corderite? whatever they are inch
thick yellow clay looking 12x24" shelves in cone ten reduction for years
with no cracks and ( knock on wood) very little warping. I bought them used
for $15-20 each i think.
Good luck,
Brooks
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