Susie Stern on tue 17 jun 97
In a message dated 97-06-14 20:40:36 EDT, you write:
<< The elements are and always have been
Kanthal wire and PROVIDED they are fired in in an empty kiln when new
they last a heck of a long time >>
I've never heard of this practice before. What are the advantages of firing
an empty kiln when it's new? Do others out there do that too?
Curious,
Susie
stevemills on wed 18 jun 97
In message , Susie Stern writes
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>In a message dated 97-06-14 20:40:36 EDT, you write:
>
><< The elements are and always have been
> Kanthal wire and PROVIDED they are fired in in an empty kiln when new
> they last a heck of a long time >>
>Firing Elements in an empty Kiln (no pots at all) allows the element to
aquire a microscopicly thin layer of oxide which provides a degree of
protection against the erosion caused by the extremely hostile
atmosphere in any Kiln. If the first firing after installing an element
has pots or any other water carrying charge in it, it is that combined
with heat which damages the surface and shortens the element's life. As
usual nothing is perfect; tha layer of oxide will eventually ( after a
LONG time) become thicker than the active core and so make your firing
times longer.
Steve
>
>I've never heard of this practice before. What are the advantages of firing
>an empty kiln when it's new? Do others out there do that too?
>
>Curious,
>Susie
>
--
Steve Mills
@Bath Potters Supplies
Dorset Close
Bath
BA2 3RF
UK
Tel:(44) (0)1225 337046
Fax:(44) (0)1225 462712
David Cowdrill on thu 19 jun 97
Here's what Skutt says in my Operating Manual:
"It is important to the life of your kiln that your first firing be done
properly.....
"New elements and foreign matter like dust give off vapors that tend to
discolor glazes. Therefore, your first firing should be a Cone 04 empty
test fire with only your dry shelves in the kiln, posted as though ware were
on them.....
"A Cone 04 is recommended for proper pre-oxidation of a new element....."
>
>I've never heard of this practice before. What are the advantages of firing
>an empty kiln when it's new? Do others out there do that too?
David Cowdrill in Great Falls, VA
David Woodin Set Clayart Digest on fri 20 jun 97
This is another reason to try the ITC 100 which acts as an isolator against
the harsh environment of a kiln. It saves industry thousands of dollars by
increasing the life of elements. Call 904-285-0200 for information.
celine.gura@alz.org on fri 20 jun 97
David:
The manuals also have firing instructions which you can or do not follow
depending on your firing style. I bought a new Skutt electric a year ago and did
not do an intial empty firing-I stacked that baby to to the top with ware. I had
no problem with uneven firing or elements burning out. I did however carefully
vacuum out the dust that had settled from shipping etc and checked all the
elements for visual damage before firing. So far no problems. I would do an
overnight warm up with the lid open with a brick propping it.
On Thu, 19 Jun 1997, David Cowdrill wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Here's what Skutt says in my Operating Manual:
>
>"It is important to the life of your kiln that your first firing be done
>properly.....
>"New elements and foreign matter like dust give off vapors that tend to
>discolor glazes. Therefore, your first firing should be a Cone 04 empty
>test fire with only your dry shelves in the kiln, posted as though ware were
>on them.....
>"A Cone 04 is recommended for proper pre-oxidation of a new element....."
>>
>>I've never heard of this practice before. What are the advantages of firing
>>an empty kiln when it's new? Do others out there do that too?
>David Cowdrill in Great Falls, VA
>
>
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Celine Gura
Associate Director
Alzheimer's Association
Benjamin B. Green-Field National Alzheimer's
Library and Resource Center
312-335-9602 : 312-335-0214 fax
Personal: celine.gura@alz.org
Library: greenfld@alz.org
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