bkaraffa@centuryinter.net on fri 23 aug 96
Hi,
Having used an analog pyrometer and a Fyrite Co2 Analyzer as my only kiln
instrumentation for many years I find myself looking at the Axner OxyProbe with
lust in my heart. While these aforementioned instruments have served me well
over the years I guess I'd just like to get a little more high-tech by going to
the digital readout for temp. and O2.
My main concern lies in the fact that I fire using oil. While oil as a fuel
certainly does give me fine results it does have certain drawbacks as a
fuel,chiefly that of being quite dirty during the early stages of the firing.
If any of you using the Probe out there could give me your opinion about it's
use in this type of application, or if you have tried it with a wood-fired kiln
(Lou are you there?) or better yet in an oil atmosphere I would appreciate any
feedback you could offer.
Bill Karaffa
Firemouth Pottery and Gallery
4384 Hwy 51 N (studio)
Boulder Jct. Wi 54512
715-385-2889
10355 Main Street (Gallery)
Boulder Jct. Wi 54512
715-385-2810
bkaraffa@centuryinter.net
Nils Lou on sat 24 aug 96
I don't think that because you are using oil and that it is dirty-read
sooty- during the early stages that you need to worry. As soon as you get
to red heat or so any residual carbon will likely burn off. Also, you can
wait to fully insert the probe until red heat, since you really don't
need heat and atmosphere information until then anyway. It won't hurt the
probe to insert it at 1200 F. As for wood fire the oxyprobe is not so
useful because of the typically uneven atmosphere wood flames produce.
The sensor reads about 16 times per second and the wood flame's variable
structure makes the readout vary greatly. Nils Lou
On Fri, 23 Aug 1996 bkaraffa@centuryinter.net wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi,
>
> Having used an analog pyrometer and a Fyrite Co2 Analyzer as my only kiln
> instrumentation for many years I find myself looking at the Axner OxyProbe wit
> lust in my heart. While these aforementioned instruments have served me well
> over the years I guess I'd just like to get a little more high-tech by going t
> the digital readout for temp. and O2.
>
> My main concern lies in the fact that I fire using oil. While oil as a fue
> certainly does give me fine results it does have certain drawbacks as a
> fuel,chiefly that of being quite dirty during the early stages of the firing.
> If any of you using the Probe out there could give me your opinion about it's
> use in this type of application, or if you have tried it with a wood-fired kil
> (Lou are you there?) or better yet in an oil atmosphere I would appreciate any
> feedback you could offer.
>
>
> Bill Karaffa
> Firemouth Pottery and Gallery
> 4384 Hwy 51 N (studio)
> Boulder Jct. Wi 54512
> 715-385-2889
> 10355 Main Street (Gallery)
> Boulder Jct. Wi 54512
> 715-385-2810
> bkaraffa@centuryinter.net
>
TRobert on thu 8 jul 04
After much recent conversation on clay art regarding Oxygen probes, I wante=
d
to weigh in with some information I think some will find helpful.
First let me say that anyone who is interested in learning more about their
kiln, firing in general, or firing more efficiently in reduction can benefi=
t
from the Oxy probe, as was defended by many in recent clay art postings.
The recent comparison of the Axner 10=B2 Oxyprobe versus the other brand is i=
n
fact not a fair comparison.
The other brand model 200mm is made to accommodate 4.5=B2 thick kiln walls
while the Axner 10=B2 Oxyprobe can accommodate a kiln wall thickness up to 8=B2
thick.
At first glance the comparison of these two items suggests that the Axner
probe is more expensive. The reality is that at approximately $12 per inch
for platinum wire, at 3=B2 of wire per 1=B2 of probe, the Axner probe can
accommodate up to 4 more inches of kiln wall thickness. This would explain
the perceived disparity in prices.
The more appropriate comparison between the two would be the Axner 10=B2 prob=
e
which uses a 300 mm sensor rod at $695.00 versus the other brand model 300m=
m
at $699.00.
The Axner probe is built here in the USA. Any necessary repairs are done in
house at Axner. It is in stock and ready to ship while the other brand is
manufactured in Australia.
Per my recent conversation with Nils Lou when the Axner probe was compared
to the Australian brand, Axner's was found to be heavier duty, industrial
quality construction especially in regards to the terminal block and case a=
s
well as the read out meter.
The Axner Oxy probe was the first to come out with a protection tube/
sleeve. It is not permanently affixed to the probe itself as suggested in
some of the postings. Axner recommends that the sleeve/ protection tube be
permanently installed in the kiln to facilitate easy insertion and removal
of the probe itself, as well as easy access to its internal workings for
repair in the event it would be needed.
In regards to the conversations of expense and repair, it is true that thes=
e
incredible tools are considered pricey by some. However, if used correctly
and with proper care, the savings of fuel and consistent good firings more
then pays for the investment and provides savings over time. This too can b=
e
confirmed by the number of testimonials in support of the use of the probe.
It=B9s important to keep in mind that these pieces of equipment have some
fragile components and caring for them is imperative to their long life
potential.
I hope this helps those folks who have had questions as of late on clayart
regarding these matters.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
T. Robert
Resident Potter
Axner
June Perry on fri 9 jul 04
I wanted to reply to the Axner, resident potters, message about Axner's
oxyprobe being an in - house repair situation. That is not correct. I recently took
my probe in and was told it had to be sent out. It was over a month or more
before I heard anything and I had to call them to find out what was going on
with the probe, only to be found that it couldn't be repaired and the person who
they sent it to was afraid to take it apart for fear or breaking something
inside. What I got back was a tube that was totally cracked, which it wasn't
before I took it there. It was $50 to just look at the unit and they did replace
one of the outer plugs for me since it seemed to still be registering
temperature.
I was shown the newest version of the probe when I was there, and was told
that the new one can't be repaired. I believe the young man's name was Chris;
but I'm not positive. Now considering that I had to have the probe repaired
after only about 2 uses and then after that, the same thing happened -- about two
or three uses and it was no longer registering atmosphere, I would be a bit
buyer wary to buy another probe which I'm now being told can't be repaired.
Granted, people get lemons in anything and I think I just got a lemon but I
sure am not rushing in to buy another probe right now.
I think it's good that the proper comparison was made between the tube length
of both models. When buying such an expensive piece of equipment it's good to
have all the facts in making the decision about which would be the best
purchase.
If I were to buy another probe in the future, I would certainly find out
about whether or not the Australian model can be repaired and what the repair
costs would be.
Regards,
June Perry
http://www.angelfire.com/art2/shambhalapottery/
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