jeden@PO-Box.McGill.CA on fri 31 may 96
Our experience with the oxyprobe that we bought 3 years ago here at John
Abbott College has been a good one. I haven't any experience with the Axner
version but if Nils approves that would be good enough for me. The one we
bought came with information on the various readings. Easy to use and you do
not need a separate pyrometer ( with the version we have). You just switch
from temp. to oxyprobe as and when you want. It is very easy to use. Just
make sure you put the probe in a suitable place inside the kiln where it won't
get damaged. We also do not move the probe at all. We are about to build
another Nils Lou kiln and I will buy just the probe and plug it into the
meter when required. My only complaint is that they are expensive. I can
only assume that it is the probe part that is the costly part as the meter I
am sure is available at Radio Shack (or some such place). Perhaps someone on
the list has found a cheaper source or substitute. No more black smoke , no
accumalation of soot in the kiln room and consistent firings. Every potter
should have one. :-)
John Eden
Please use new e-mail address john.eden@johnabbott.qc.ca
RB & LA Klopper on wed 5 jun 96
Hi,
I am going to be in Toronto for a few weeks and Nashville for a week or so
and I was wondering if any one could let me know the price of oxyprobes over
in th USA or Canada and where to buy them from.
They are quite expensive here in Oz and I thought I could perhaps do a price
comparison.
10 days to go before I leave for my vacation.
Is there any one in Nashville or near, that I could visit & check out some
pottery
TIA
Lorraine
Russell and Lorraine Klopper Phone 619-3396067
38 Allen Street Fax 619-3519443
East Fremantle
Western Australia E-Mail klopper@iinet.net.au
(See our Total Flower Export web page at www.iinet.net.au/~total)
Klopper Pottery Phone 619-3363779
3 Banister Street
Fremantle Western Australia
Nils Lou on wed 5 jun 96
The best price right now for the oxyprobe is $595 from Axner Co. in
Florida.It includes a protection tube, commercial digital meter and
indicates temp as well as atmosphere. Their 800 # is 843-7057--Nils Lou
On Wed, 5 Jun 1996, RB & LA Klopper wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi,
>
> I am going to be in Toronto for a few weeks and Nashville for a week or so
> and I was wondering if any one could let me know the price of oxyprobes over
> in th USA or Canada and where to buy them from.
>
> They are quite expensive here in Oz and I thought I could perhaps do a price
> comparison.
>
> 10 days to go before I leave for my vacation.
>
> Is there any one in Nashville or near, that I could visit & check out some
> pottery
>
> TIA
> Lorraine
>
>
>
> Russell and Lorraine Klopper Phone 619-3396067
> 38 Allen Street Fax 619-3519443
> East Fremantle
> Western Australia E-Mail klopper@iinet.net.au
>
> (See our Total Flower Export web page at www.iinet.net.au/~total)
>
> Klopper Pottery Phone 619-3363779
> 3 Banister Street
> Fremantle Western Australia
>
BobWicks@aol.com on sun 9 jun 96
John:
It cost about 35 cents to make a thermo couple probe. The wire itself is not
the expensive part; its the calibrated meter. If you are interested in
inexpensive probes let me know.
Bob@aol.com
Fay & Ralph Loewenthal on wed 26 nov 97
I have seen "Oxyprobe" mentioned often on Clayart. I have
never come across one here in South Africa. Could
someone please explain to me in technical terms what one
is and what and how does it measure? Please email me
privately unless there are others who also want to know
about oxyprobes. TIA Ralph in PE SA
email: fayralph@intekom.co.za
Owen Rye on thu 27 nov 97
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I have seen "Oxyprobe" mentioned often on Clayart. I have
> never come across one here in South Africa. Could
> someone please explain to me in technical terms what one
> is and what and how does it measure? Please email me
> privately unless there are others who also want to know
> about oxyprobes. TIA Ralph in PE SA
The oxyprobe is an Australian invention, produced now by my friend
and colleague Max Murray and advertised widely. I cannot give you the
theory (which has something to do with the rate of diffusion of gases
through a zircon pellet) but in practice it has two functions. One:
it has a thermocouple to measure temperature, read from a digital
readout (platinum thermocouple so it will measure well over 1300C; I
do not know if you can get them calibrated in Fahrenheit). Two: it
tells you VERY accurately where you are in the oxidation/reduction
range. It is the best tool ever invented for accurate control of
atmosphere in gas kilns and you will be astonished the first time you
use one at how crudely you were working before. In woodfired kilns
which are my thing, the tip must be protected from direct flame
contact with a sheath otherwise it fluxes over. Ditto salt kilns
where it may not be wise to use at all. No use whatever in electric
kilns (they oxidise because the atmosphere is air).
Using them you can accurately calculate the amount of excess oxgen
(oxidising) or carbon monoxide (reducing) in the kiln atmosphere.
I wish they were cheaper, but if accuarte atmosphere control, or fuel
savings are important, get one. The fuel savings alone will pay for
the thing if you fire large or often.
Owen Rye
Owen.Rye@Arts.Monash.Edu.Au
David Hendley on sat 29 nov 97
Owen Rye wrote:
> In woodfired kilns
>which are my thing, the tip must be protected from direct flame
>contact with a sheath otherwise it fluxes over.
------------------
It sounds like you use an oxyprobe in your woodfired kiln.
How can an oxyprobe be of value in a woodfired kiln
where the atmosphere is constantly changing?
Your reading would alrerady be out of date before you
could do anything to adjust it.
Thanks,
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
See David Hendley's Pottery Page at
http://www.sosis.com/hendley/david/
Mel Jacobson on wed 22 apr 98
one of my favorite tools is the oxyprobe. the first one is the old
australian type that is about 12 years old. the new one is the
axner/lou model. as with flat top kilns, people have a great deal of
confusion about these tools.
I have never had a tool that helps me better understand what
my kiln is doing and how to adjust and change things as it is
firing, just as a pyrometer is a guide to the course of heat
rise, the oxyprobe charts heat rise and amounts of oxygen in
the kiln (or carbon present). it reads on a digital read out
and you can switch from heat to carbon levels. the heat sensor
reads in increments from 0 to near 135 for early cone 10. i start
reduction at about 85 and hard reduction at 100. i usually put
the kiln in light reduction about 3.5 on the carbon scale and then
about 6.0 during the remaining time of firing...going to neutral
at about 132.
seat of the pants firing.
`hell i know my kiln`.
for years i would say that to people, but the oxyprobe as taught
me to be a great deal more humble. it is possible, depending
on wind conditions, or weather, to move my damper a quarter of
and inch and be able to see reduction leave my kiln, yet some
of the visual signs, like back pressure remain the same.
i have been able to set my kiln into severe back pressure, with
8-10 inches of flame from every port and read out only very
light reduction in the kiln. conversely i can have a one inch
flame coming from the spy ports and have heavy reduction in the
kiln.
balance.
the oxyprobe has taught me to understand kiln balance. in my
opinion, one must learn that gas pressure, damper position,
and most important, control of primary air, allows control of
reduction. i have stated often that too much gas, or over-
powering your kiln is a great fuel waster, does nothing for
your pots, and slows the firing. i have observed with my oxyprobe
that the greatest heat rise comes from a very soft lazy flame, and
a very slight reduction atmosphere. (very old denver burners, no
forced air source and natural gas (about a pound and a half)).
of course i was lucky to find from the construction of my
very first kiln in about 1962 that the exit port size of about
36 square inches is ideal. i now use the classic nils lou
double venturi system...but did not have to change anything
in my port sizes. just added the second choke down. (read nils
lou's old book, or buy the new one in july)
the oxyprobe has paid for itself many times over. when making
sets of dishes, matching old firings, and in general, keeping
a set of consistent colors working in the pottery the oxyprobe
does its job. but in many ways, the knowledge that it has given
me, is the oxyprobes greatest gift.
mel/mn
http://www.pclink.com/melpots
mel jacobson on mon 23 aug 99
i have used both the new and old oxyprobes, and have found
the axner one to be very good, much more solid and long lasting.
all oxyprobes need special care as they are fragile. nils has designed
the new axner model, and has really beefed it up.
the controls are nothing more than a mulit-meter from radio-shack.
he has buried the platinum wire in a stout tube.
nice.
have you tried nils for repairs?
he does most of it in america. (if the platinum wire has to be replaced,
i can see why it may be expensive.)
i continue to assert that the oxyprobe is one of the greatest tools invented
for the potter. i have learned more about kilns using this tool, than 40
years of firing. (although i would not trade the experience.)
mel/mn
http://www.pclink.com/melpots
from minnetonka, minnesota, u.s.a.
Hank Murrow on tue 24 aug 99
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
have you tried nils for repairs?
>he does most of it in america. (if the platinum wire has to be replaced,
>i can see why it may be expensive.)
>
>i continue to assert that the oxyprobe is one of the greatest tools invented
>for the potter. i have learned more about kilns using this tool, than 40
>years of firing. (although i would not trade the experience.)
>mel/mn
>http://www.pclink.com/melpots
>from minnetonka, minnesota, u.s.a.
Amen to both thoughts from Hank Murrow in Eugene, OR. Nils Lou just
returned the thermocouple section of my probe and he did a great job and I
got to talk to him instead of some desk person. Kudos, Hank
citrus on tue 25 jul 00
I am looking for a used oxyprobe in good condition. If you have one, please
let me know off-list.
Thanks,
Roger
mel jacobson on fri 25 aug 00
i find the oxyprobe to be a very valuable tool when going out
and helping people fire their kilns.
on a number of occasions i have shown folks how moving the
damper a quarter of an inch can take a kiln out of reduction, but
more important, when a kiln is smoking like mad it does not mean
it is reducing inside.
it is a great tool, fabulous, but expensive and somewhat fragile.
i would not recommend one for casual use, it does not pay to
have a tool this expensive placed on a kiln that fires two or three
times a year. it is great for schools and colleges that have many
kilns that need to be tuned.
i totally agree with johnathan, it must be understood, tested and
compared with other factors in the firing. it is like itc, not a magic
pill that will solve all your problems...just a great tool that helps
us understand the firing process and measure it, and makes for
better firings.
mel
each firing of a kiln has its own and unique qualities, and if you
have a tool that helps measure those factors, well, you are a better
potter for it.
FROM MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA, USA
http://www.pclink.com/melpots (website)
Anne Guthrie on wed 31 oct 01
Hoping for more reliability in getting ^9-10 blue celadons (and to learn
how to fire my kiln better), I=92ve now acquired an oxyprobe. Before I fire=
again, I=92d much appreciate any words of advice on firing schedule/oxyprobe=
readings that might be helpful for that particular result. Many thanks.
Hank Murrow on wed 31 oct 01
Anne Guthrie wrote;
>Hoping for more reliability in getting ^9-10 blue celadons (and to learn
>how to fire my kiln better), I=92ve now acquired an oxyprobe. Before I fir=
e
>again, I=92d much appreciate any words of advice on firing schedule/oxyprob=
e
>readings that might be helpful for that particular result. Many thanks.
Dear Anne;
I have seen many potters through their first firings with the
OxyProbe. I reccommend that you fire much the same as you previously did,
and keep a log of the OxyProbe readings throughout the fire. Do not
'believe' the numbers. Then fire again and begin to re-calibrate your idea
of what is going on in there. Too many potters have fired by the OxyProbe
manual, and 'lost' their good firings for awile, until they recovered their
confidence. Invaluable tool.....and You must be the boss.
Cheers, Hank in Eugene
mel jacobson on mon 30 sep 02
remember, if the probe numbers are jumping around
it is probably your kiln. read the numbers and believe.
if you do not trust the tool, you will learn nothing.
i high wind will cause the numbers to jump, damper in the
wrong position, too much gas, too little gas, too much
primary air, too little primary air all cause the numbers to change
on the probe.
believe your tool, chart it...and then do the firing again.
if the firing was not what you want, change things.
the oxyprobe is a tool to analyze. if you think the probe
is wrong, well, don't use it. i know what the probe is telling
me, trust it. i know that just visual inspection does not tell
you what is going on in the kiln. the oxyprobe does.
learn to use it. it will take ten firings. keep good records and
learn to trust it. you will learn to love it.
it is like a chain saw, takes time to learn to use it properly.
the first time you fire up a chain saw it is scary has hell.
mel
From:
Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
web site: my.pclink.com/~melpots
or try: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
Steve Dalton on fri 4 oct 02
Greetings,
It's been said that oxyprobes are great, to me they're priceless. I use
mine for every single firing, and each time I have a great firing with
excellent reduction for high fire. I even use it for bisque firings to make
sure I am in full oxidation.
I like a heavy reduction for my pots from 6.0(temp reading on probe, roughly
^011) all the way up until ^11 is just starting down, usually 14.3 on the
probe. Reduction reading, around .7 - .75. As soon as ^11 is down, I'll
take it to a light reduction until 14.6 and then open it all the way open
until 14.9-15.0.
I know my cone readings are different from what it says in the chart that
came with the probe, but I'm gauging everything from knowing my kiln. I
know that I need to open up the damper after ^11 drops to even out the kiln,
especially by the flue. All it takes is about 15-20 minutes before the pots
by the flue are to temp. A lot of testing and learning.
I tried Nils' method of reduction in the 'Art of Firing,' but I personally
didn't like the results I achieved. Not enough reduction for my taste.
I've broken some of my pots to look for carbon trapping and I've had none.
I've even figured out how much propane is used, only 25-33 gallons for a
12-14 hour firing in a 36 cubic foot kiln and I always have it packed(98-120
pots).
Like Mel always tells us...I've learned my kiln, oxyprobe and my clay to get
what I want.
--
Steve Dalton
Clear Creek Pottery
Snohomish, Wa
www.clearcreekpottery.com
sdpotter@gte.net
LindaBlossom on mon 14 jul 03
I did the first firing to cone 6 in the new kiln. The oxyprobe was very far
off on the temperature reading - I was surprised to find the cone 5 down
while the probe was reading 1000 C. (06) Does anyone have an idea as to
why the probe would be so far off or how to get it back? It is an AIC
probe. It was doing fine with the atmosphere.
Linda
Ithaca, NY
Bruce Girrell on tue 15 jul 03
Linda Blossom wrote:
> I did the first firing to cone 6 in the new kiln.
I think your answer is in your first sentence. The main thing that changed
is your firing method. Did anything else change (probe location, perhaps?).
Of course, you could have had a failure in the probe, too. Check it again in
your conventional setup. Start eliminating variables one at a time.
Bruce Girrell in rainy northern Michigan
where, despite an almost three week delay in the strawberry season, our
black raspberries have already started to ripen.
Steve Dalton on wed 16 jul 03
Linda,
I own an AIC and I've never noticed this, then again I only use the temp
reading as a guidline. My main concern is the atmosphere, nice heavy
reduction. Keep a log and record everything and to watch your cones. As
you use it more, you will know roughly what's going on inside by checking
the readout.
Also, look to see how far are you putting the probe in. If you're getting
to close to shelving or pottery, this will through off your readings as
well.
--
Steve Dalton
Clear Creek Pottery
Snohomish, Wa
www.clearcreekpottery.com
sdpotter@gte.net
on 7/14/03 8:29 PM, LindaBlossom at lindablossom@ATT.NET wrote:
> I did the first firing to cone 6 in the new kiln. The oxyprobe was very far
> off on the temperature reading - I was surprised to find the cone 5 down
> while the probe was reading 1000 C. (06) Does anyone have an idea as to
> why the probe would be so far off or how to get it back? It is an AIC
> probe. It was doing fine with the atmosphere.
>
> Linda
> Ithaca, NY
LindaBlossom on wed 13 aug 03
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for the reply. I wonder that the temperature reading was so wrong
but the atmosphere appears fine. I can't do the old set up as the kiln is
long gone. I ordered a new probe from Axner today. I will be so cheap
about using now that I know it is a consumable item!
Linda
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce Girrell"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 9:02 AM
Subject: Re: oxyprobe
> Linda Blossom wrote:
>
> > I did the first firing to cone 6 in the new kiln.
>
> I think your answer is in your first sentence. The main thing that changed
> is your firing method. Did anything else change (probe location,
perhaps?).
> Of course, you could have had a failure in the probe, too. Check it again
in
> your conventional setup. Start eliminating variables one at a time.
>
> Bruce Girrell in rainy northern Michigan
> where, despite an almost three week delay in the strawberry season, our
> black raspberries have already started to ripen.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> 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.
LindaBlossom on wed 13 aug 03
Hi Steve,
thanks for responding to this. I think my probe may have had its day. Now
we learn that they are a consumable item....
Linda
> Linda,
>
> I own an AIC and I've never noticed this, then again I only use the temp
> reading as a guidline. My main concern is the atmosphere, nice heavy
> reduction. Keep a log and record everything and to watch your cones. As
> you use it more, you will know roughly what's going on inside by checking
> the readout.
>
> Also, look to see how far are you putting the probe in. If you're getting
> to close to shelving or pottery, this will through off your readings as
> well.
> --
> Steve Dalton
> Clear Creek Pottery
> Snohomish, Wa
> www.clearcreekpottery.com
> sdpotter@gte.net
>
>
>
> on 7/14/03 8:29 PM, LindaBlossom at lindablossom@ATT.NET wrote:
>
> > I did the first firing to cone 6 in the new kiln. The oxyprobe was very
far
> > off on the temperature reading - I was surprised to find the cone 5
down
> > while the probe was reading 1000 C. (06) Does anyone have an idea as
to
> > why the probe would be so far off or how to get it back? It is an AIC
> > probe. It was doing fine with the atmosphere.
> >
> > Linda
TRobert on fri 9 jul 04
In response to posting by June,
It maybe true that her oxyprobe was used only a couple/few times, however
her particular version was built and sold nearly ten years ago.
We can repair any oxyprobe although certain types of damage are so costly t=
o
repair that it is less expensive to replace it. This is true of any model,
brand or repairperson. When this is the instance we advise you accordingly.
As mentioned in my last response the probe is made of fragile components an=
d
great care should be taken in handling and storing them.
As far as repair of probes, when someone here mentioned they would =B3have it
sent out=B2, they meant it would be taken to our repair center right down the
road (a couple of blocks). We consider this to be in house.
Sincerely,
T. Robert
Axner
John Weber on wed 8 dec 04
OK, this is the second time I have posted this for sale. This time I am not
putting anything about it being for sale in the subject line to see if that
stops the Scamers. In fact if you are interested in purchasing this you
will need to pass my test. You must be able to tell me the color of Tenmoku
(as fired with perfect results using an Oxyprobe, of course). Here are the
specs on my probe:
This is a Fireball Oxyprobe Manufactured by Storm Equipment and distributed
by Axner. It has a 12" probe. I purchased it in September of 2002, but only
used it about 15 times. I paid $818.95 which included shipping. I am
willing to sell it now for $575.00, plus shipping. If we use UPS it costs
around $10 to $15 to send it ground to mid USA from my home in Virginia. If
interested please contact me by e-mail and we can figure out the details.
Thanks, John Weber
JODO Pottery
Manakin-Sabot, VA
E-Mail: jodopottery@comcast.net
WEB PAGE: http://home.comcast.net/~jodopottery/index.htm
Barbara Lewis on mon 1 may 06
Hi all: My husband wants to buy me an oxyprobe for Mother's Day. Any =
recommendations? Just was on Axner's site and the Fireball sounds good. =
Thanks, Barbara
Mark Issenberg on tue 2 may 06
I have the Oxyprobe from Axner.. I use it every firing. I DONT move the
probe part. I did break the wire and sent it to Axner for repair last year,, It
get worn out after gobs of firings.
Mark
Barbara Lewis on tue 2 may 06
Mark: Thanks so much for the information. One of my biggest fears has been
that I would break the probe -- I'm kind of hard on things. It is the
reason I used a CO 2 analyzer for several years, at the recommendation of
Steven Hill. But had many problems lately with that equipment.
But what I've gained from both you and Hank is to mount the probe
permanently. Good idea. Maybe I'll be able to sleep nights! Barbara
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Issenberg"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 7:23 AM
Subject: Re: Oxyprobe
>I have the Oxyprobe from Axner.. I use it every firing. I DONT move the
> probe part. I did break the wire and sent it to Axner for repair last
> year,, It
> get worn out after gobs of firings.
>
> Mark
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> 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.
>
mel jacobson on thu 26 may 11
i have used my oxyprobe often as a tool for
analyzing kiln performance.
for example...someone has a cold bottom kiln, and
we can adjust the air/gas/pressure to make the heat move.
the probe can see the changes in minutes.
same for reduction.
you have to place the probe in the area you want tested.
i don't use the probe any longer. i know my kiln, and how
to correct things.
the probe is not as fragile as you think. if you take it
out during firing...just do it slowly. then move it.
once you know your kiln, and have things all written
down....then leave it in a prime place.
mel
from: minnetonka, mn
website: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/
clayart link: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/clayart.html
new book: http://www.21stcenturykilns.com
alternate: melpots7575@gmail.com
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