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duncan kiln

updated sat 19 nov 05

 

William Heath on mon 7 jul 97

Hello to all. I recently bought a 12++ year old Duncan Kiln that is in
real good shape. However, I need to replace one or both cone supports as
well as the firing guage before I can do a test fire. This kiln has been
in storage for 12 years. I am having a major problem finding these
parts. Is there a dealership in the Midwest that can help me? Or do I
need to go directly to Duncan? And, are they still in Fresno Ca. Any
information would be greatly appreciated.
Jetta

Barb Lund on wed 5 may 99

my neighbor was gifted with a duncan kiln of questionable age which appears
to be inpretty good shape inside-bricks are perfect and the elements look
barely used. However, the switches are labeled something along the lines
of "Low fire," "ceramic." and "overglaze." anybody able to interpret what
this means. The switch is labeled on the right side with no info at all on
the left side of the knob. No paperwork with this gadget, of course. I've
reccommended that she look up one of the "painted bird" ceramic people in
the area to see what they might say since they might be more likely to have
duncan kilns. If anyone has a clue, I'll cheerfully pass the info along to
her. thanks folks
barb in Bloomington
barblund@bluemarble.net

Jim Brooks on thu 6 may 99

I think that Duncan Kilns are out of business... However, you can get repair
parts for Paragon Industires in Mesquite Texas.. Check the clay magazines
for addresses and phone numers... They have ads in all of them....

Euclids on fri 7 may 99

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> my neighbor was gifted with a duncan kiln of questionable age which
appears
> to be inpretty good shape inside-bricks are perfect and the elements look
> barely used. However, the switches are labeled something along the lines
> of "Low fire," "ceramic." and "overglaze." anybody able to interpret
what
> this means.

Hi Barb,
It is just a simple 240 volt infinite heat switch (stovetop switch). Duncan
painted "Lo fire, Ceramic, ect..." on the wiring chamber ... I believe it
was to give the impression that it was more than just a simple infinite
heat switch behind ... as well as a poor guide as to how to set the switch.
It is very misleading.
Chris @
Euclids Kilns & Elements
1-800-296-5456
euclids.com
mail@euclids.com

jklust on fri 7 may 99

Barb, I too have an old duncan kiln I looked through my paperwork on it and
they didn't explain what overglaze was??However, when I bought in 10 years
ago they told me it was for luster art glazes??? I didn't use it at the time
so I didn't pay much attention. Call Duncan direct they should be able to
help you out, or call a duncan distributor. Duncan is located in Fresno Cal.
Sorry I couldn't help out more. Kim
-----Original Message-----
From: Barb Lund
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 12:31 PM
Subject: Duncan kiln


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
my neighbor was gifted with a duncan kiln of questionable age which appears
to be inpretty good shape inside-bricks are perfect and the elements look
barely used. However, the switches are labeled something along the lines
of "Low fire," "ceramic." and "overglaze." anybody able to interpret what
this means. The switch is labeled on the right side with no info at all on
the left side of the knob. No paperwork with this gadget, of course. I've
reccommended that she look up one of the "painted bird" ceramic people in
the area to see what they might say since they might be more likely to have
duncan kilns. If anyone has a clue, I'll cheerfully pass the info along to
her. thanks folks
barb in Bloomington
barblund@bluemarble.net

Mary White on fri 4 oct 02


Last night my husband came home with a Duncan electric kiln he bought
secondhand. I just looked on the web and found out that they haven't
been made since 1996 and Paragon sells the parts, so that's good. It
looks about the same size as my gas kiln, about 7 cu. ft. The woman
he bought it from was making ceramic angels, very low-fire. It has a
kiln sitter and there are several boxes of tiny little white cones
for it labelled Pyro Mini Bar as well as some small Orton cones, all
below zero.

I'm thrilled to have an electric kiln, but can I fire stoneware in it?


--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mary
on the wet west coast of British Columbia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marianne Lombardo on fri 4 oct 02


Hi Mary;

As long as the kiln is capable of getting hot enough, then you can fire
stoneware. Assuming you want to fire stoneware at cone 6, you probably need
the kiln to be capable of firing up to cone 8. I think if you telephone
Duncan and give them the model number they should be able to tell you.

Otherwise, you can test the kiln yourself. Get some large Orton cones and
put one of each cone 5 cone 6 and cone 7 on each kiln shelf (make sure you
remember which cone is which). Put a small cone or mini bar for cone 7 in
the kiln sitter. (I suggest using cone 7 in the sitter because in my kiln a
cone 6 in the sitter is like a 5-1/2 large cone.) If you have a timer as
well on the kiln sitter (mine does) set that for perhaps 12 hours as an
extra safety feature.

If the kiln sitter cone/bar doesn't melt because the kiln doesn't reach
temperature, the timer will shut it off. But you should be there as well
and manually shut off just in case. When the kiln cools down, refer to the
large cones you placed on the shelves.

Marianne Lombardo
Omemee, Ontario, Canada
email: mlombardo@nexicom.net

Snail Scott on sat 5 oct 02


At 10:48 AM 10/4/02 -0700, you wrote:
>Last night my husband came home with a Duncan electric kiln he bought
>secondhand....
>I'm thrilled to have an electric kiln, but can I fire stoneware in it?
>


It should say on an info plaque on the side.
If not, record the model number or name and
ask the nice Paragon folks. They may even
have a manual. By the way, 'stoneware' is a
really general term, encompassing (depending
on whom you ask,) anything from ^4 on up.
If you have a specific temperature in mind,
like ^8 or ^10, mention it when you ask, or
the answer may be 'yes', but could still be
inapplicable to your needs.

-Snail
Reno, NV

Catherine White on sat 12 oct 02


Hooray for you! I felt that way when I got my Paragon 18 X 21dp. Used, of
course. Now I have my ancient Crusader that's about 2' X 2'. My partner's
installing a new cord/plug this coming week. The ramp controller from Dawson
is awaiting installation. Isn't it just so darned exciting! Do I have
jewels? Nope....... but I have two kilns and a wheel and clay and lots of
glaze materials. Can't get much richer than that.

Catherine in Yuma, AZ
Two ancient electric kilns. Both outside.
One partner, one kid, three cats. All inside.

----- Original Message -----
Subject: Duncan Kiln
> I am so excited, I just obtained a second hand kiln, large, in excellent
> shape, a Duncan Pro Model! Its about four feet tall. the kiln was only
> $200 :-) because the woman who had owned it couldn't use it anymore
> due to physical problems. Wow, am I lucky or what?! There is an angel
> on my shoulder.

Ilene Richardson on sat 12 oct 02


I am so excited, I just obtained a second hand kiln, large, in excellent
shape, a Duncan Pro Model! Its about four feet tall. the kiln was only
$200 :-) because the woman who had owned it couldn't use it anymore
due to physical problems. Wow, am I lucky or what?! There is an angel
on my shoulder.

Ilene

Joyce Donahue on sun 13 oct 02


Congratulations Irene,
It is heaven when that little used Duncan is all yours and you can get your
surpises and prizes opened up at your very own studio from your very own
kiln...........I still using mine and may the Lives of the Used Duncan
Kilns live on for ever !!!!!!!!!!!! and ever.

Valice Raffi on sun 5 oct 03


>Hi,
> I have just brought a second-hand Duncan kiln, DK1029-2, volts:240,
>cone: 8, and its a single phase. ... When i took it home i noticed that it
>didnt have the plug adjustment, thers a hole at the bottom of the box that
>holds the switches and knobs, the plug part. I was just wondering whether
>you can tell me where i could purchase this piece from, or who i could
>contact,


Joanna,

If Paragon doesn't have what you need... I bought a plug for a Duncan 1020
from Graybar (www.graybar.com/). They have branches all over, there web
site branch locator lists US, Canada, & International
(www.graybar.com/branch/).

When I remodeled my studio, I discovered that some arcing had damaged the
plug, but the wire was fine, so I don't know if Graybar has those, but I'd
expect so. I wound up hardwiring my kiln and feel safer. (Took the plug
back)

Valice
in Sacramento

=?iso-8859-1?q?joanna=20Eliades?= on mon 6 oct 03


Hi,
I have just brought a second-hand Duncan kiln, DK1029-2, volts:240, cone: 8, and its a single phase. I brought it along with a potters wheel and lots of other equipment. I didnt really need it but i just took it as the seller was only going to throw it out. When i took it home i noticed that it didnt have the plug adjustment, thers a hole at the bottom of the box that holds the switches and knobs, the plug part. I was just wondering whether you can tell me where i could purchase this piece from, or who i could contact,
thanks,
i would really appreciate the help,
Joanna Eliades



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Arnold Howard on mon 6 oct 03


Hi Joanna,

I 'm not sure which part you refer to. However, Paragon sells parts for
Duncan kilns. When Duncan discontinued their kiln line, they made an
arrangement with Paragon to sell Duncan parts.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P.
arnoldhoward@att.net

From: joanna Eliades
> I have just brought a second-hand Duncan kiln, DK1029-2, volts:240,
cone: 8, and its a single phase. I brought it along with a potters wheel
and lots of other equipment. I didnt really need it but i just took it
as the seller was only going to throw it out. When i took it home i
noticed that it didnt have the plug adjustment, thers a hole at the
bottom of the box that holds the switches and knobs, the plug part. I
was just wondering whether you can tell me where i could purchase this
piece from, or who i could contact,
> Joanna Eliades

Leland G. Hall on mon 6 oct 03


Joanna,

Some folks may have better specifics for you, but for starters, Duncan is
defunct. Paragon Kiln Co. bought them out, and they have a limited supply
of parts. You can find their toll free Phone # at their website.

I run two Duncans. They were over engineered with failing electonics. I
stripped out all the complicated circuits and rewired both of them to run
fully manual. They work great now. Good luck, and hope the above is of
some help.

Leland Hall
Before The Wheel Pottery
La Pine, OR
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Original message follows:
Hi,
I have just brought a second-hand Duncan kiln, DK1029-2, volts:240, cone:
8, and its a single
phase. I brought it along with a potters wheel and lots of other equipment.
I didnt really
need it but i just took it as the seller was only going to throw it out.
When i took it home
i noticed that it didnt have the plug adjustment, thers a hole at the
bottom of the box that
holds the switches and knobs, the plug part. I was just wondering whether
you can tell me where
i could purchase this piece from, or who i could contact,

thanks,
i would really appreciate the help,
Joanna Eliades

Beth DeBor on wed 16 nov 05


Are you selling the wheel, slab roller, and kiln together or will you
sell them separately? If so, what kind of slab roller do you have and
how much are you asking for it? Thanks.

Smtauger@AOL.COM wrote:

>Hi-I purchased a used Duncan kiln a few years ago. The model number is
>DK-1020-1 (with a kiln sitter). I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome,
>and am no longer able to pot. I am going to have to sell the kiln (wheel and
>slab roller), and have absolutely no idea of what the kiln is worth, since
>Paragon bought the company.
>
>I've never used it-had my work fired at a local potter's guild because it
>needs 220v. According to the working potter I bought it from, it works well, but
>I've never tested it because of needing to run 220 to my shed.
>
>I wonder if anyone could please help me with a price range so that I'll know
>what to ask for it.
>
>Thanks very much for (hopefully) assisting me with this!!!
>
>Susan Tauger
>Denver, CO
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>

Smtauger@AOL.COM on wed 16 nov 05


Hi-I purchased a used Duncan kiln a few years ago. The model number is=20
DK-1020-1 (with a kiln sitter).=A0 I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel=20=
syndrome,=20
and am no longer able to pot. I am going to have to sell the kiln (wheel and=
=20
slab roller), and have absolutely no idea of what the kiln is worth, since=20
Paragon bought the company.

I've never used it-had my work fired at a local potter's guild because it=20
needs 220v. According to the working potter I bought it from, it works well,=
but=20
I've never tested it because of needing to run 220 to my shed.

I wonder if anyone could please help me with a price range so that I'll know=
=20
what to ask for it.

Thanks very much for (hopefully) assisting me with this!!!

Susan Tauger
Denver, CO

Mary White on thu 17 nov 05


Hi Susan--

I have a Duncan DK 820 bought used 3 years ago, rated to ^8 but I use
it at ^6. The previous owner made low-fire dolls and figurines in it
so the elements were in good shape. It cost $500 Cdn ( $420 US) and
included all the necessary furniture. Also a bunch of miscellaneous
stuff which I don't need, like low-fire manufactured glazes, stilts
and sitter cones. My kiln is only 2.9 cubic feet and yours is 5,
however.

Hope this helps,

Mary White
Madeira Park, BC
Canada



>Hi-I purchased a used Duncan kiln a few years ago. The model number is
>DK-1020-1 (with a kiln sitter). I have been diagnosed with carpal
>tunnel syndrome,
>and am no longer able to pot. I am going to have to sell the kiln (wheel and
>slab roller), and have absolutely no idea of what the kiln is worth, since
>Paragon bought the company.
>
>I've never used it-had my work fired at a local potter's guild because it
>needs 220v. According to the working potter I bought it from, it
>works well, but
>I've never tested it because of needing to run 220 to my shed.
>
>I wonder if anyone could please help me with a price range so that I'll know
>what to ask for it.
>
>Thanks very much for (hopefully) assisting me with this!!!
>
>Susan Tauger
>Denver, CO
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.


--

Mary White
HARBOUR PUBLISHING
Box 219
Madeira Park, BC
V0N 2H0
------------------
For current news and complete book & author information, visit our
website, http://www.harbourpublishing.com.

Arnold Howard on fri 18 nov 05


It may be of some assurance to a potential Duncan kiln owner that parts are
still available. When Duncan discontinued making kilns in 1997, they sent
all their parts to Paragon and contracted with us to take care of warranty
work.

Sincerely,

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


From: "Mary White"
> I have a Duncan DK 820 bought used 3 years ago, rated to ^8 but I use
> it at ^6. The previous owner made low-fire dolls and figurines in it
> so the elements were in good shape. It cost $500 Cdn ( $420 US) and
> included all the necessary furniture.