Michael Wendt on sat 6 sep 08
We need Dawson Kiln Sitters!
Why? Added safety. The timer and the cone
sensor rod are simple, reliable and robust.
Electronic controls are also elegant, simple,
and effective, BUT... electrically vulnerable.
When I took Industrial Electronics at the
University of Idaho, the instructor
explained it this way.
The old electrical equipment like Dawson's is
mechanical and thus unaffected by power outages,
surges and even lightning strikes.
Computers in contrast cannot stand even small
spikes in voltage before the transistors burn out.
Moreover, recently, Scientific American mentioned
that we are due for a major solar flare which can
disrupt operation of computers and in extreme
cases, burn them out.
If need be, the kiln manufacturers need to join
forces and build the sitters along with manual
controls into each kiln so that even if the electronic
controls fail, users can continue to fire.
Regards,
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave.
Lewiston, Id 83501
U.S.A.
208-746-3724
wendtpot@lewiston.com
http://www.wendtpottery.com
http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
Ingeborg Foco on sat 6 sep 08
Michael,
I fully agree with you. While I generally embrace new innovation and
products, I only do so if they make sense for me.
I elected to order a manual kiln with a Dawson Kiln sitter rather than
buying the electronic controlled model. The electronic control kilns were
not equipped with a kiln sitter. We suffer thru many electric surges and
outages and living in "the lightening capital" of the country a electronic
controlled kiln made no sense to me. I also like the added safety of a
timer and sensor rod. So far, it has NEVER failed to shut off.
Our boat has been hit by lightening twice. Believe me, it is an expensive
proposition to replace electronic equipment. I do hope someone will pick up
on the need for this equipment and continue to provide a kiln with a
sitter/timer of some kind.
Michael, maybe this could be a new venture for you!
Sincerely,
Ingeborg
www.thepottersworkshop.com
On Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 10:50 AM, Michael Wendt wrote:
> We need Dawson Kiln Sitters!
> Why? Added safety. The timer and the cone
> sensor rod are simple, reliable and robust.
> Electronic controls are also elegant, simple,
> and effective, BUT... electrically vulnerable.
> When I took Industrial Electronics at the
> University of Idaho, the instructor
> explained it this way.
> The old electrical equipment like Dawson's is
> mechanical and thus unaffected by power outages,
> surges and even lightning strikes.
> Computers in contrast cannot stand even small
> spikes in voltage before the transistors burn out.
> Moreover, recently, Scientific American mentioned
> that we are due for a major solar flare which can
> disrupt operation of computers and in extreme
> cases, burn them out.
> If need be, the kiln manufacturers need to join
> forces and build the sitters along with manual
> controls into each kiln so that even if the electronic
> controls fail, users can continue to fire.
> Regards,
> Michael Wendt
> Wendt Pottery
> 2729 Clearwater Ave.
> Lewiston, Id 83501
> U.S.A.
> 208-746-3724
> wendtpot@lewiston.com
> http://www.wendtpottery.com
> http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
>
--
William & Susan Schran User on sat 6 sep 08
On 9/6/08 10:50 AM, "Michael Wendt" wrote:
> We need Dawson Kiln Sitters!
> Why? Added safety. The timer and the cone
> sensor rod are simple, reliable and robust.
> Electronic controls are also elegant, simple,
> and effective, BUT... electrically vulnerable.
This is essentially true, but I've run across more mechanical failures from
Kilnsitters than I have from programmable kilns, at least so far...
> When I took Industrial Electronics at the
> University of Idaho, the instructor
> explained it this way.
> The old electrical equipment like Dawson's is
> mechanical and thus unaffected by power outages,
> surges and even lightning strikes.
> Computers in contrast cannot stand even small
> spikes in voltage before the transistors burn out.
> Moreover, recently, Scientific American mentioned
> that we are due for a major solar flare which can
> disrupt operation of computers and in extreme
> cases, burn them out.
Will this happen if the computer is not on at the time pf the solar flare?
> If need be, the kiln manufacturers need to join
> forces and build the sitters along with manual
> controls into each kiln so that even if the electronic
> controls fail, users can continue to fire.
For manually controlled kilns, I'm sure kiln manufacturers needed the
Kilnsitter to obtain their UL rating. I'm certain all are scrambling around
deciding what to do when their supply of Kilnsitters runs out. Will they
find another source for a similar device? Will they stop producing manually
controlled kilns or offer them without Kilnsitters and without UL rating?
Who knows.
I doubt manufacturers will offer kilns with both programmable & manual
controls as they don't offer that now.
Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
Logan Johnson on sat 6 sep 08
No Gerstley Borate I could eventually learn to live with out. But no kiln s=
itter?=A0 I don't even want to think about that ! (Yes, I have a pyrometer =
& do use it often every firing)=A0 I don't know what everyone else is going=
to do but I know I'll be talking to as many vendors at nceca=A0 that might=
be interested in producing them as I can. (once Dawson stops making them).=
=A0 I'm hoping if enough people do that=A0 those of us that want them won't=
have to go without.=A0 I know I could fire without one but I really feel m=
uch more secure with the back up of a kiln sitter.
Just my .02=20
Have a Good Saturday All !
Logan
Logan Johnson=20
Yakima Valley Pottery & Supply=20
719 w. Nob Hill blvd.=20
Yakima Wa. 98902=20
(509) 469-6966=20
www.yakimavalleypottery.net=0A=0A=0A
Joseph Herbert on sat 6 sep 08
I am seeing this in the shared art studio I use now. The ceramic "artist"
in charge is convinced that the electrical supply system is incapable of
supplying power to fire to cone 6. Because she sets the computer controls
and leaves for the entire firing period, she never knows when there is that
momentary outage that turns the computer, and hence the kiln, off. There
have been frequent short power bounces here, work on the 115kV lines from
Santa Fe and ABQ I hear, and several of her unobserved firings have been
aborted. So, it is the kiln's fault, the power supply, any number of
things. Not her inattentive firing practices.
There is a kiln-sitter regulated kiln that she also does not trust. I have
no idea what that is about.
Looking for a different place to do pottery,
Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Michael Wendt
Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2008 8:51 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Dawson Kiln Sitters
We need Dawson Kiln Sitters!
Why? Added safety. The timer and the cone
sensor rod are simple, reliable and robust.
Electronic controls are also elegant, simple,
and effective, BUT... electrically vulnerable.
When I took Industrial Electronics at the
University of Idaho, the instructor
explained it this way.
The old electrical equipment like Dawson's is
mechanical and thus unaffected by power outages,
surges and even lightning strikes.
Computers in contrast cannot stand even small
spikes in voltage before the transistors burn out.
Moreover, recently, Scientific American mentioned
that we are due for a major solar flare which can
disrupt operation of computers and in extreme
cases, burn them out.
If need be, the kiln manufacturers need to join
forces and build the sitters along with manual
controls into each kiln so that even if the electronic
controls fail, users can continue to fire.
Regards,
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave.
Lewiston, Id 83501
U.S.A.
208-746-3724
wendtpot@lewiston.com
http://www.wendtpottery.com
http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
Steve Mills on sat 6 sep 08
Michael you are so right!
There is also another reason for needing this wonderfully simple piece of k=
it: They use cones!!!
Cones measure accumulated heat-work, something no electronic gizmo can do,=
=A0 whatever the makers claim. Additionally, Thermocouples begin to degrade=
the moment the two elements are joined, not immediately noticeable, but ov=
er the years they get more and more inaccurate. Combine that with heating e=
lement degradation, and you've got the perfect scenario for duff firings an=
d the often heard cry: "My glazes aren't working any more!!".
I have a controller and a Kiln Sitter on my electric Kiln. The controller r=
uns the firing, the Sitter switches it off at the right moment.=20
Like me: Simple and Effective.
I rest my case!!!
Steve
Bath
UK
--- On Sat, 9/6/08, Michael Wendt wrote:
From: Michael Wendt
Subject: Dawson Kiln Sitters
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2008, 3:50 PM
We need Dawson Kiln Sitters!
Why? Added safety. The timer and the cone
sensor rod are simple, reliable and robust.
Electronic controls are also elegant, simple,
and effective, BUT... electrically vulnerable.
When I took Industrial Electronics at the
University of Idaho, the instructor
explained it this way.
The old electrical equipment like Dawson's is
mechanical and thus unaffected by power outages,
surges and even lightning strikes.
Computers in contrast cannot stand even small
spikes in voltage before the transistors burn out.
Moreover, recently, Scientific American mentioned
that we are due for a major solar flare which can
disrupt operation of computers and in extreme
cases, burn them out.
If need be, the kiln manufacturers need to join
forces and build the sitters along with manual
controls into each kiln so that even if the electronic
controls fail, users can continue to fire.
Regards,
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave.
Lewiston, Id 83501
U.S.A.
208-746-3724
wendtpot@lewiston.com
http://www.wendtpottery.com
http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
=0A=0A=0A
gayle bair on sat 6 sep 08
My L&L JD230 kiln has the electronic controller but I also
opted for the additional Dawson Kiln sitter as a fail safe backup.
I'm not happy to hear about them shutting down.
Gayle Bair
Bainbridge Island WA
Tucson AZ
gayle@claybair.com
www.claybair.com
On Sep 6, 2008, at 9:08 AM, Ingeborg Foco wrote:
> Michael,
>
> I fully agree with you. While I generally embrace new innovation and
> products, I only do so if they make sense for me.
>
> I elected to order a manual kiln with a Dawson Kiln sitter rather than
> buying the electronic controlled model. The electronic control
> kilns were
> not equipped with a kiln sitter. We suffer thru many electric
> surges and
> outages and living in "the lightening capital" of the country a
> electronic
> controlled kiln made no sense to me. I also like the added safety
> of a
> timer and sensor rod. So far, it has NEVER failed to shut off.
Steve Slatin on sat 6 sep 08
I suspect that the demand for
Dawson sitters has dropped precipitously
since the price of computer controlled
kilns dropped to just a little more than
that of a manual kiln.
The Dawson design is simple, proven,
and involves no extraordinarily
unusual hardware. If the demand
were still sufficient, they'd
probably still be in business.
And given the age of the design, there's
probably no reason why anyone who
wants to can't get in the business
of making a copycat item ... if
they can find the market to justify
it.
Steve Slatin --
--- On Sat, 9/6/08, William & Susan Schran User wrote:
> For manually controlled kilns, I'm sure kiln
> manufacturers needed the
> Kilnsitter to obtain their UL rating. I'm certain all
> are scrambling around
> deciding what to do when their supply of Kilnsitters runs
> out. Will they
> find another source for a similar device? Will they stop
> producing manually
> controlled kilns or offer them without Kilnsitters and
> without UL rating?
> Who knows.
> I doubt manufacturers will offer kilns with both
> programmable & manual
> controls as they don't offer that now.
>
> Bill
Donald Burroughs on sun 7 sep 08
Fellow Clayarters
=20
Kiln sitters like all technologies have their flaws. Electronic controllers=
are not excluded from this realm and their fault is in their sensitivity t=
o power surges and the like. Kiln sitters have been known to "over fire" an=
d I have witnessed this in an academic setting which is why we had a monito=
r schedule where everyone participating in that firing was assigned a one h=
our time slot to check on the status of the kiln in question and to turn up=
the switches at the needed intervals. Electronic controllers have freed us=
of this rigorous type of physical monitoring=2C but that does not mean tha=
t we should leave the kiln entirely to it's own means. Occasional monitorin=
g is still a prudent practice because even electronic controllers can still=
over fire on rare occasions. I agree that power interruptions can be a nui=
sance in some regions more than others even within a particular state or pr=
ovince and even county or municipality. Maybe what is needed is a next leve=
l development of the controller which might include some sort of UPS backup=
source for the computer part of the controller or maybe a backup memory mo=
dule that monitors and stores the controller's firing data to the last poin=
t prior to a power outage or surge. Given the rapid advancement in computer=
technologies this isn't out of the question. In the last year there has be=
en the development of taking old technology like record players and cassett=
e tape decks and merging those analog mediums with digital technologies lik=
e ipods=2C cd burners and hard drives. Why not the kiln sitter with the com=
puter controller? If there is a need or desire someone will develop this be=
ast to satisfy the market.
=20
Regards=2C Don Burroughs=20
_________________________________________________________________
Michael Wendt on sun 7 sep 08
William "Bill" Schran
asked:
Will this happen if the computer is not on at the time
of the solar flare?
Read:
"Bracing for a Solar Superstorm"
p. 80 Scientific American, August 2008
http://www.SciAm.com
Generally, electronic gear needs to be hardened
against electromagnetic radiation to survive.
Devices need not be plugged in to fry because
whenever magnetic lies cross conductors, they
induce voltage, just the way a generator does.
A grounded metal enclosure around the entire
building (sheet metal buildings bonded electrically
and fully grounded) might offer a degree of
protection since magnetic lines of force caused
by electrical sources would be given a metallic path
around the enclosed structure, but I can't guarantee
it without testing.
A few years back there was a discussion of the
danger posed to satellites and electron gear by
nuclear bomb induced EM pulses... same idea.
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave.
Lewiston, Id 83501
U.S.A.
208-746-3724
wendtpot@lewiston.com
http://www.wendtpottery.com
http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
W J Seidl on mon 8 sep 08
What Michael refers to is a "Faraday cage".
Recently, there has been discussion on the Web about storing spare
electronic components in old
microwave ovens to safeguard them from EMP.
Apparently, microwave ovens by virtue of their construction are Faraday
cages all by themselves, as long
as they are grounded and NOT plugged in. Burying them may also help.
There is quite a bit of information out there on how to safeguard
electronics against "disasters" such as EMP,
but as Michael pointed out, testing hasn't been done.
Best,
Wayne Seidl
Michael Wendt wrote:
> William "Bill" Schran
> asked:
> Will this happen if the computer is not on at the time
> of the solar flare?
>
> Read:
> "Bracing for a Solar Superstorm"
> p. 80 Scientific American, August 2008
> http://www.SciAm.com
>
> Generally, electronic gear needs to be hardened
> against electromagnetic radiation to survive.
> Devices need not be plugged in to fry because
> whenever magnetic lies cross conductors, they
> induce voltage, just the way a generator does.
> A grounded metal enclosure around the entire
> building (sheet metal buildings bonded electrically
> and fully grounded) might offer a degree of
> protection since magnetic lines of force caused
> by electrical sources would be given a metallic path
> around the enclosed structure, but I can't guarantee
> it without testing.
> A few years back there was a discussion of the
> danger posed to satellites and electron gear by
> nuclear bomb induced EM pulses... same idea.
>
> Michael Wendt
> Wendt Pottery
> 2729 Clearwater Ave.
> Lewiston, Id 83501
> U.S.A.
> 208-746-3724
> wendtpot@lewiston.com
> http://www.wendtpottery.com
> http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
>
>
Carl Finch on mon 8 sep 08
Wayne, I think your microwave oven storage idea is just great!
I urge everyone to store their cell phones in their
microwaves. (Especially those of you who use them while driving your
automobiles. After all, haven't we all slipped a cooled cup of
coffee into the oven for a quick nuke and discovered a minute later
that another cup was already in there? ;-)
Or bury them, as Wayne suggests.
--Carl
At 04:33 AM 9/8/2008, W J Seidl wrote:
>What Michael refers to is a "Faraday cage".
>Recently, there has been discussion on the Web about storing spare
>electronic components in old
>microwave ovens to safeguard them from EMP.
>Apparently, microwave ovens by virtue of their construction are Faraday
>cages all by themselves, as long
>as they are grounded and NOT plugged in. Burying them may also help.
>There is quite a bit of information out there on how to safeguard
>electronics against "disasters" such as EMP,
>but as Michael pointed out, testing hasn't been done.
>
>Best,
>Wayne Seidl
>
>Michael Wendt wrote:
>>William "Bill" Schran
>>asked:
>>Will this happen if the computer is not on at the time
>>of the solar flare?
>>
>>Read:
>>"Bracing for a Solar Superstorm"
>>p. 80 Scientific American, August 2008
>>http://www.SciAm.com
>>
>>Generally, electronic gear needs to be hardened
>>against electromagnetic radiation to survive.
>>Devices need not be plugged in to fry because
>>whenever magnetic lies cross conductors, they
>>induce voltage, just the way a generator does.
>>A grounded metal enclosure around the entire
>>building (sheet metal buildings bonded electrically
>>and fully grounded) might offer a degree of
>>protection since magnetic lines of force caused
>>by electrical sources would be given a metallic path
>>around the enclosed structure, but I can't guarantee
>>it without testing.
>>A few years back there was a discussion of the
>>danger posed to satellites and electron gear by
>>nuclear bomb induced EM pulses... same idea.
>>
>>Michael Wendt
>>Wendt Pottery
>>2729 Clearwater Ave.
>>Lewiston, Id 83501
>>U.S.A.
>>208-746-3724
>>wendtpot@lewiston.com
>>http://www.wendtpottery.com
>>http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
>>
Ron Roy on mon 8 sep 08
I'm not a fan of any device that simply shuts a kiln down when a cone bends
- soaking for even a short time is a much better idea - wish someone would
make a sitter that you could add a hold at the end.
Besides - I have seen them fail.
I think a controller is a much better idea - ramping up and down makes so
much sense in terms of getting better glazes results.
I also think kilns should be minded - at least be there at the end to make
sure the kiln shuts off.
I don't remember anyone having a problem with a controller - aside from
contacts wearing out - how many have had problems?
Wouldn't some sort of surge protection be OK for protecting a controller
from spikes?
RR
Ron Roy
15084 Little Lake Road
Brighton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 1H0
Jo Smith on tue 9 sep 08
Ron,
I'll probably get some flak on this but when the kiln sitter would cut =
off, sometimes too soon or if I wanted to soak I just pushed the little =
white button in until it caught and then set a timer until the witness =
cones bent or adjusted the switches for a soak.. Always use witness =
cones !!!!! Saw a kiln once that was left to its own devises , not a =
pretty sight.
Have a computer controller now....still use witness cones and a timer to =
remind me to go check it, esp when on the computer...
Cheers,
Jo
Michael Wendt on tue 9 sep 08
Jo wrote:
I'll probably get some flak on this but when the kiln
sitter would cut off, sometimes too soon or if I
wanted to soak I just pushed the little white button in
until it caught and then set a timer until the witness
cones bent or adjusted the switches for a soak..
Always use witness cones !!!!! Saw a kiln once that was
left to its own devises , not a pretty sight.
Have a computer controller now....still use witness
cones and a timer to remind me to go check it, esp when
on the computer...
Cheers,
Jo
end quote.
Jo,
As far as I am concerned, that is the correct way
to fire if the cone sitter drops. For glaze firing,
I always use a cone one hotter than the goal and
fire with cone packs on the shelf.
I think bisque is a little less critical than glaze,
so I let the kiln sitter cone and timer be the backups
and fire cone fire with the Bartlett Electronic
controller.
Regards,
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave.
Lewiston, Id 83501
U.S.A.
208-746-3724
wendtpot@lewiston.com
http://www.wendtpottery.com
http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
marci Boskie's Mama =^..^= on tue 9 sep 08
> Ron Roy said:
>I'm not a fan of any device that simply shuts a kiln down when a cone bends
>- soaking for even a short time is a much better idea - wish someone would
>make a sitter that you could add a hold at the end.
********** HI Ron ,
The question of soaking ware comes up from time to time on our
PPIO list.. and this is from our archives about that:
In the Olympic manual there is a way to Soak ware if one has a kiln
sitter.... here is a paraphrase of their instructions and definitions
of kiln parts. Definitions-kiln sitter weight - this is the metal
part on the outside of the kiln that "clunks" down when the cone
melts and causes the button to reset (pop back out) -plunger button-
the button that you depress to set the kiln setter Immediately after
the kiln setter shuts the kiln off, turn all the switches to off.
Lift the kiln sitter weight up and hold it while you push the plunger
button (on button) in to lock it. Slowly lower the kiln sitter weight
so that the plunger button stays locked in the on position. Turn all
kiln switches to Medium (or 4.5 on an infinite switch). Let it run
for the soak period that you want and then turn all the switches off
and push the kiln sitter weight all the way down to reset the plunger
button. I tried this on 2 other makes of kilns that were not running
and got the button to stay in the "on" position.
>You also said : Besides - I have seen them fail.
****** Agreed.. I think usually because the cone is inserted
improperly or it sticks.. I have a computer controller.. but a
lot of my friends who use the Dawson sitters keep
their cones in a little jar of kiln wash which coats
them enough to keep them from sticking..
>You also said: I don't remember anyone having a problem with a
>controller - aside from
>contacts wearing out - how many have had problems?
I ************* actually just had problems with my small Paragon
...The controller started giving me odd error messages... and
sometimes it would fire normally ... and it did even turn
itself back on after shutting down after a firing.. ( It doesnt
have a power cut off switch like my larger Olympic
digital does...with this one, you plug it in and it s on..
unplug to shut off.and yes, I was an idiot for leaving
it plugged in after it fired ) ...Anyway , we traced it down
to a loose connection ... and it is now working fine.( saved me
from having to replace the entire controller ...)
It is small so I take it with me when I teach seminars so we
can fire small things quickly .. and it looks
like things got jostled loose in the process..
And every once in a while, my Olympic will take a few
seconds for the display to come on .. which always freaks me out.. LOL !
but.. I LOVE the computer controllers...
Marci Blattenberger Boskie's Mama =^..^=
http://www.marciblattenberger.com
marci@ppio.com
Porcelain Painters International Online http://www.ppio.com
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1661 - Release Date: 9/9/2008 4:58 AM
Monica Wright on tue 9 sep 08
couldn't firing one cone higher and firing relatively fast give the same re=
sult?=A0 You want to soak at cone 5... fire a quick cone 6.=A0 Just wonderi=
ng.
=A0
-Steve
--- On Tue, 9/9/08, marci Boskie's Mama =3D^..^=3D wrote:
From: marci Boskie's Mama =3D^..^=3D
Subject: Re: Dawson Kiln Sitters
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 2:20 PM
> Ron Roy said:
>I'm not a fan of any device that simply shuts a kiln down when a cone
bends
>- soaking for even a short time is a much better idea - wish someone would
>make a sitter that you could add a hold at the end.
********** HI Ron ,
The question of soaking ware comes up from time to time on our
PPIO list.. and this is from our archives about that:
In the Olympic manual there is a way to Soak ware if one has a kiln
sitter.... here is a paraphrase of their instructions and definitions
of kiln parts. Definitions-kiln sitter weight - this is the metal
part on the outside of the kiln that "clunks" down when the cone
melts and causes the button to reset (pop back out) -plunger button-
the button that you depress to set the kiln setter Immediately after
the kiln setter shuts the kiln off, turn all the switches to off.
Lift the kiln sitter weight up and hold it while you push the plunger
button (on button) in to lock it. Slowly lower the kiln sitter weight
so that the plunger button stays locked in the on position. Turn all
kiln switches to Medium (or 4.5 on an infinite switch). Let it run
for the soak period that you want and then turn all the switches off
and push the kiln sitter weight all the way down to reset the plunger
button. I tried this on 2 other makes of kilns that were not running
and got the button to stay in the "on" position.
>You also said : Besides - I have seen them fail.
****** Agreed.. I think usually because the cone is inserted
improperly or it sticks.. I have a computer controller.. but a
lot of my friends who use the Dawson sitters keep
their cones in a little jar of kiln wash which coats
them enough to keep them from sticking..
>You also said: I don't remember anyone having a problem with a
>controller - aside from
>contacts wearing out - how many have had problems?
I ************* actually just had problems with my small Paragon
...The controller started giving me odd error messages... and
sometimes it would fire normally ... and it did even turn
itself back on after shutting down after a firing.. ( It doesnt
have a power cut off switch like my larger Olympic
digital does...with this one, you plug it in and it s on..
unplug to shut off.and yes, I was an idiot for leaving
it plugged in after it fired ) ...Anyway , we traced it down
to a loose connection ... and it is now working fine.( saved me
from having to replace the entire controller ...)
It is small so I take it with me when I teach seminars so we
can fire small things quickly .. and it looks
like things got jostled loose in the process..
And every once in a while, my Olympic will take a few
seconds for the display to come on .. which always freaks me out.. L=
OL !
but.. I LOVE the computer controllers...
Marci Blattenberger Boskie's Mama =3D^..^=3D
http://www.marciblattenberger.com
marci@ppio.com
Porcelain Painters International Online http://www.ppio.com
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No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1661 - Release Date: 9/9/2008 4=
:58
AM
Ron Roy on mon 15 sep 08
Hi Jo,
You are doing it the right way - wish everyone understood what you know.
That was the way I used to do it as well but a controller does it better.
Still many potters do not know how to soak with a sitter and it is not
covered in the instructions.
I guess it was an improvement over nothing but switches and a shut off but
many used it to shut a kiln off with no one there to make sure it did. Many
kilns lost and not just a few studios.
RR
>Ron,
>
>I'll probably get some flak on this but when the kiln sitter would cut
>off, sometimes too soon or if I wanted to soak I just pushed the little
>white button in until it caught and then set a timer until the witness
>cones bent or adjusted the switches for a soak.. Always use witness cones
>!!!!! Saw a kiln once that was left to its own devises , not a pretty
>sight.
>
>Have a computer controller now....still use witness cones and a timer to
>remind me to go check it, esp when on the computer...
>
>Cheers,
>Jo
Ron Roy
15084 Little Lake Road
Brighton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 1H0
Ron Roy on mon 15 sep 08
Hi Michael,
I once had a pot blow up in a bisque firing and a piece of the clay got in
under the kiln sitter rod - we were there to notice the firing seemed to be
taking too long. The cone was knocked over as well.
The lesson is always the same - don't assume what is supposed to happen - will.
RR
>Jo,
>As far as I am concerned, that is the correct way
>to fire if the cone sitter drops. For glaze firing,
>I always use a cone one hotter than the goal and
>fire with cone packs on the shelf.
>I think bisque is a little less critical than glaze,
>so I let the kiln sitter cone and timer be the backups
>and fire cone fire with the Bartlett Electronic
>controller.
>Regards,
>Michael Wendt
Ron Roy
15084 Little Lake Road
Brighton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 1H0
Jim Litzinger on wed 17 sep 08
NOTICE TO THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY
FROM
The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation
Regarding
Dawson Kiln Sitters
Orton knows that many of you are concerned that you will not be able to get
replacement parts for your Dawson Kiln Sitter and that you will be forced to
purchase an expensive alternative. There has been much speculation and
rumors about the status of the Dawson Kiln Sitter and replacement parts.
Orton is taking positive action to work with the owners of Dawson to acquire
the necessary assets to continue the production of the Kiln Setter and
provide the industry a long term, reliable source of parts for the Kiln
Sitter. This process and the ramp up of production will take a few more
weeks to complete. Orton will strive to make the process as efficient as
possible so that you can get replacement parts as soon as practical. A
public announcement will be made as soon as parts are available. Monitor the
Orton website to be the first to know.
The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation manufactures and supplies pyrometric
cones, kiln vents, electronic temperature controllers and firing supplies to
the ceramic industry worldwide.
www.ortonceramic.com
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