Laura Taylor on wed 6 nov 96
Thank you for your responses to Autofire Frustration a couple of weeks
ago. I've
been very busy and we changed internet servers(which caused some delay) so I
haven't
had time to share what I've learned. The net is such a great place to talk
to eachother, as working potters we have such a well spring of experience.
I think Janet said it best regarding the Autofire- "you can lead a
horse to water
but you can't make it drink." The Autofire cannot make any kiln perform any
more than
it's going to, no matter what you program in. My 48 amp kiln from P.S.H. has
a natural
firing time of 11 to 12 hours for cone 6(although P.S.H. suggests an option
of putting
slightly higher amp elements in to shorten firing time if I so desired). I
have been happy with the glaze ware, and am confident of the construction of
the kiln, and have read that longer firings are actually better for the pots.
I have come to learn the role of the autofire for me. It turns the
kiln on early
in the morning so I don't have to stay at my studio into the evening to shut
it off(I
know- it shuts off automatically, but I sleep better when my own hand flicks
the switch). I also appreciate seeing the temperature so I know things are
working right.
For these things it is worth it. If I ever get into holding at a certain
temp., it will also be beneficial.
As for the most perplexing piece of this puzzle- the old kiln that
fires in 8 to 9 hours to cone 6 and has the same specs. as the new kiln
stamped in metal on it's
casing- well, don't believe everything you read! It's actually drawing 58
amps, as was dicovered by a member of the Pottery Supply House service team,
who I have been in contact with from the start and have been very helpful.
Thanks again, perhaps this will help others.
Laura Taylor.
| |
|
