Sue Beach on sat 28 jul 07
I just had a thermocouple die in my L&L kiln. This will be the first time I
have replaced a thermocouple since I've owned the kiln. Any tips, tricks or
warnings?
Also, the other 2 thermocouples seem to be fine. Can I just replace the dead
one or is it better to replace all three?
Thanks.
Sue Beach
Beach Pottery
Muncie, IN
Gayle Bair on sat 28 jul 07
Hey Sue,
I had trouble with what I thought was a thermocouple. (I have a jd230 bought
in 1998)
I bought a new set as the old ones were different than the new one.
After installing I found I was having similar problems.....
firing stalling because the temp on the bottom shelf lagged.
I removed the bottom and top one thermocouples leaving only the
middle one in use & perhaps more importantly also cut my shelves in half.
These actions have resulted in faster & more even firings proven by
the self supporting cones I've used in each firing.
So what I'm saying is that your kiln will likely work with 1 or 2
thermocouples.
(If your kiln is newer or older check your manual... it may be different.)
You may not have to buy a new one. I have 5 and right now am using only one
(& one of the old ones to boot).
All I know is that my firings have been great. Might be due to a more even
heating
from using the 1/2 shelves now.
BTW replacing the thermocouples is pretty easy.
Good luck and happy firings,
Gayle Bair
Bainbridge Island, WA
Tucson, AZ
http://claybair.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Sue Beach
I just had a thermocouple die in my L&L kiln. This will be the first time I
have replaced a thermocouple since I've owned the kiln. Any tips, tricks or
warnings?
Also, the other 2 thermocouples seem to be fine. Can I just replace the
dead
one or is it better to replace all three?
Thanks.
Sue Beach
Beach Pottery
Muncie, IN
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3:50 PM
Rogier Donker on sun 29 jul 07
Hey Sue,
In time thermocouples burn up and get less accurate. I'd
replace all three in your kiln and be prepared to have to get used to
a new rate of firing... Replacement is as easy as undoing the
connections of the yellow and red wire and replacing the thermocouple
element only. Don't reverse the wires or you'll get a negative reading!
Rogier
See us on the web at http://www.donkerstudio.org
David Berg on sun 29 jul 07
I just replaced all three thermocouples and all the elements on
my L&L and it was easy. Just follow the instructions that come
with the kiln - also available online at hotkilns.com.
I was advised to go ahead and replace my thermocouples at the
same time that I replaced the elements after about 140 firings.
Replace all three at once and it might be a good idea to replace
your elements at the same time. You won't be disappointed. Its
like having a brand new kiln again.
Just do one at a time and replace the new wires back the same way
I took a photo of the wiring before I took anything apart just to be
sure I had it right.
I also had to tweak the thermocouple offsets a little for the first few
firings after installing the new equipment to get the kiln to fire even
top to bottom. That procedure is explained in the manual too.
If you need help, then call L&L. They have a friendly, helpful fellow
that will explain anything you need over the phone.
David
David Berg
dberg2@comcast.net
http://bergstoneware.com/
On Jul 28, 2007, at 8:18 AM, Sue Beach wrote:
> I just had a thermocouple die in my L&L kiln. This will be the
> first time I
> have replaced a thermocouple since I've owned the kiln. Any tips,
> tricks or
> warnings?
>
> Also, the other 2 thermocouples seem to be fine. Can I just
> replace the dead
> one or is it better to replace all three?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Sue Beach
> Beach Pottery
> Muncie, IN
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
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Arnold Howard on tue 31 jul 07
From: "Sue Beach"
>I just had a thermocouple die in my L&L kiln. This will be
>the first time I
> have replaced a thermocouple since I've owned the kiln.
> Any tips, tricks or
> warnings?
The main point is to position the thermocouple far enough
into the kiln. Otherwise the controller will fire too hot.
The general rule of thumb: The thermocouple length inside
the firing chamber should be 4 times its diameter.
I would also examine the thermocouple lead wires for bare
spots. They can cause erratic temperature readings.
The screws that hold the thermocouple to the ceramic block
must be tight.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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