jonathan byler on fri 9 mar 12
When I was in australia over christmas, I met a man who has a few
electric kilns that he built. They had massive industrial sized
elements. They didn't look like they would ever burn out. are those
available here in the states, and if so, why are they not used more?
William & Susan Schran User on sat 10 mar 12
On 3/9/12 11:41 PM, "jonathan byler" wrote:
>When I was in australia over christmas, I met a man who has a few
>electric kilns that he built. They had massive industrial sized
>elements. They didn't look like they would ever burn out. are those
>available here in the states, and if so, why are they not used more?
Basically two reasons - cost and power.
Most kilns offered to the public are a compromise between keeping the cost
to where the public will buy and durability of the equipment.
Adding heavy duty parts costs more and often requires more power to run
them.
There are manufacturers of heavy duty kilns/furnaces for industrial
applications.
For example L&L kilns has a separate industrial furnace division:
http://www.hotfurnace.com/ where they make heavy/special duty kilns, but
they come at a price most of us can't afford and don't have the power in
our home studio to run them.
Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
>
Bonnie Hellman on sun 11 mar 12
OK Jonathan. This is a test. You have a choice.
You need to buy a kiln. Do you want to spend $2000 on one that will need to
have elements changed at, say, $800, every so often?
Or do you want to spend $5000 on one where you'll never need to change the
elements?
My costs may be off somewhat, but I think this is the answer.
Bonnie
Bonnie Hellman
Ouray, CO. USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of jonathan byler
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:42 PM
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: industrial elements for electric kilns
When I was in australia over christmas, I met a man who has a few electric
kilns that he built. They had massive industrial sized elements. They
didn't look like they would ever burn out. are those available here in the
states, and if so, why are they not used more?
Ben Morrison on mon 12 mar 12
You have to do a full cost/benefit analysis to really understand why we all=
=3D
have what we have.=3D0A=3D0AViability=3D0ACost=3D0AEase of use=3D0ASize Re=
quirements=3D
=3D0ARepair and Maintenance=3D0ASpace Requirements=3D0APower Requirements=
=3D0A=3D0AAl=3D
l of these pointed me in the=3DA0direction=3DA0of a medium sized skutt in m=
y ho=3D
me workshop. The cost of firing is cheap, the install works with my current=
=3D
power output capabilities, and the space in my kiln works well with the me=
=3D
dium sized kiln. I do feel limited in size by the kiln I have currently, bu=
=3D
t not so much that I can't make products I feel are viable. If anything thi=
=3D
s kiln probably brought me back down to earth, as when I left the college s=
=3D
tudio I was making pots that just barely fit in the large kilns there. Whic=
=3D
h if you've tried you know they aren't quite as easy to market or sell as a=
=3D
mug.=3DA0=3D0A=3D0AA large industrial piece of equipment would require sig=
nifica=3D
nt upgrades to my electrical box. My space in the workshop is not sufficien=
=3D
t for a large industrial kiln. They aren't as cheap to fire and if you're n=
=3D
ot full time, or wish to do quick turn around a small kiln gives you flexib=
=3D
ility in timing, where as it would be ridiculous to fire off a huge kiln fo=
=3D
r a handful of rush pots for an order. They do offer ample space for larger=
=3D
work, and allow for greater production in a high production studio.=3D0A=
=3D0AL=3D
arge industrial equipment isn't for everyone, which is why most people don'=
=3D
t have it in their workshop. For the average potter a medium to large top l=
=3D
oading electric fits better than most other kilns. I love mine, and probabl=
=3D
y wouldn't be a potter at all if it weren't for that little kiln.=3D0A=3D0A=
-Ben=3D
=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A________________________________=3D0A From: jonathan byler <=
jebyler2=3D
@GMAIL.COM>=3D0ATo: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG =3D0ASent: Monday, March 12, 2=
012 =3D
7:32 PM=3D0ASubject: Re: industrial elements for electric kilns=3D0A =3D0AI=
would=3D
as a potter (and I'm not a production potter by any means),=3D0Aspend the =
ex=3D
tra money and never waste my time changing the elements.=3D0Atim changing e=
le=3D
ments is time not spent.... making pots.=3DA0 I am never=3D0Agoing to submi=
t to=3D
buying one of those top loaders if I ever have a=3D0Achoice in the matter.=
=3D
=3DA0 I know they work for some people, and they are=3D0Aridiculously cheap=
, bu=3D
t they are hard to load with ware, especially=3D0Afragile ware, and miserab=
le=3D
to work on.=3DA0 I do not like to spend time=3D0Aupside down doing much of=
any=3D
thing, let alone installing elements and=3D0Aelement staples.=3D0A=3D0A=3D0=
AOn Mar =3D
11, 2012, at 12:02 PM, Bonnie Hellman wrote:=3D0A=3D0A> OK Jonathan. This i=
s a =3D
test. You have a choice.=3D0A>=3D0A> You need to buy a kiln. Do you wan=
t to=3D
spend $2000 on one that will=3D0A> need to=3D0A> have elements changed at,=
say=3D
, $800, every so often?=3D0A>=3D0A> Or do you want to spend $5000 on one wh=
ere =3D
you'll never need to=3D0A> change the=3D0A> elements?=3D0A>=3D0A> My costs =
may be o=3D
ff somewhat, but I think this is the answer.=3D0A>=3D0A> Bonnie=3D0A>=3D0A>=
=3D0A> Bon=3D
nie Hellman=3D0A> Ouray, CO. USA=3D0A>=3D0A>=3D0A>=3D0A> -----Original Mess=
age-----=3D
=3D0A> From: Clayart [mailto:Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of=3D0A> j=
onat=3D
han byler=3D0A> Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:42 PM=3D0A> To: Clayart@LSV.=
CERA=3D
MICS.ORG=3D0A> Subject: industrial elements for electric kilns=3D0A>=3D0A> =
When I=3D
was in australia over christmas, I met a man who has a few=3D0A> electric=
=3D0A=3D
> kilns that he built.=3DA0 They had massive industrial sized elements.=3D0=
A> T=3D
hey=3D0A> didn't look like they would ever burn out.=3DA0 are those availab=
le h=3D
ere=3D0A> in the=3D0A> states, and if so, why are they not used more?=3D0A>
Steve Slatin on mon 12 mar 12
Jonathan -- There's some sense to that, and I understand=3D0Ayour annoyance=
w=3D
ith some top loaders.=3DA0 FWIW, my 7=3D0Acu ft L&L is less effort to work =
on t=3D
han either my Skutt=3D0A181 (about half that volume) or my Cress FTE-28=3D0=
A(10=3D
cu ft).=3D0A=3DA0=3D0AIt is harder to load a large pot (or a shelf) near t=
he bot=3D
tom=3D0Aof a top loader than a front loader.=3DA0 It is not, however,=3D0At=
erribl=3D
y time consuming.=3DA0 I sometimes put a small box=3D0Aon the ground near m=
y la=3D
rger kilns to make the loading=3D0Aeasier.=3DA0 Shortening the legs of the =
kiln=3D
stand could have=3D0Athe same effect.=3DA0 =3D0A=3DA0=3D0AI'd rather have =
a Paragon =3D
Dragon (nearly 10 cu ft) kiln, =3D0Abut they also require regular element w=
or=3D
k, I understand,=3D0Aif you work as I do.=3DA0 And they cost almost twice a=
s mu=3D
ch=3D0Aas a comparable capacity top loader.=3DA0 Nabertherms cost=3D0Aeven =
more.=3D
=3DA0 (And still have the kinds of elements that=3D0Aburn out, I've been to=
ld, =3D
but the 'tubes' give them longer=3D0Alife than most elements.)=3D0A=3DA0=3D=
0ASilico=3D
n-Carbide heating elements are used in some kilns,=3D0Abut generally requir=
e =3D
expensive SCR voltage controllers=3D0Aand still burn out.=3DA0 I understand=
tha=3D
t at ceramic temps,=3D0Amolybdenum disilicate elements don't burn out at al=
l,=3D
=3D0Abut they are more=3DA0expensive still, so an easy-to-load,=3D0Aeasy-t=
o-work=3D
-on 10 cu ft kiln would probably cost =3D0Afar beyond what I'd be able to p=
ay=3D
.=3DA0=3D0A=3D0ASteve Slatin -- =3D0A=3D0A=3D0AN48.0886450=3D0AW123.1420482=
=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A=3D0AI=3D
would as a potter (and I'm not a production potter by any means),=3D0Aspen=
d =3D
the extra money and never waste my time changing the elements.=3D0Atim chan=
gi=3D
ng elements is time not spent.... making pots.=3DA0 I am never=3D0Agoing to=
sub=3D
mit to buying one of those top loaders if I ever have a=3D0Achoice in the m=
at=3D
ter.=3DA0 I know they work for some people, and they are=3D0Aridiculously c=
heap=3D
, but they are hard to load with ware, especially=3D0Afragile ware, and mis=
er=3D
able to work on.=3DA0 I do not like to spend time=3D0Aupside down doing muc=
h of=3D
anything, let alone installing elements and=3D0Aelement staples.
jonathan byler on mon 12 mar 12
I would as a potter (and I'm not a production potter by any means),
spend the extra money and never waste my time changing the elements.
tim changing elements is time not spent.... making pots. I am never
going to submit to buying one of those top loaders if I ever have a
choice in the matter. I know they work for some people, and they are
ridiculously cheap, but they are hard to load with ware, especially
fragile ware, and miserable to work on. I do not like to spend time
upside down doing much of anything, let alone installing elements and
element staples.
On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:02 PM, Bonnie Hellman wrote:
> OK Jonathan. This is a test. You have a choice.
>
> You need to buy a kiln. Do you want to spend $2000 on one that will
> need to
> have elements changed at, say, $800, every so often?
>
> Or do you want to spend $5000 on one where you'll never need to
> change the
> elements?
>
> My costs may be off somewhat, but I think this is the answer.
>
> Bonnie
>
>
> Bonnie Hellman
> Ouray, CO. USA
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> jonathan byler
> Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:42 PM
> To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: industrial elements for electric kilns
>
> When I was in australia over christmas, I met a man who has a few
> electric
> kilns that he built. They had massive industrial sized elements.
> They
> didn't look like they would ever burn out. are those available here
> in the
> states, and if so, why are they not used more?
>
jonathan byler on tue 13 mar 12
This australian Fellow, his elements looked like standard coiled
kanthal wires, but they were about 1 inch coils with close to 3/16"
diameter wire used if I am remembering correctly. they were held in
place on two solid plates similar to what you would find in a muffle
furnace or the like. went either side of the ware and produced plenty
of heat. These industrial elements won't draw more power than a kiln
of comparable size, using the flimsy little elements we have here. if
they do, you would have that much more heat in the kiln and need less
of them. power in =3D heat for all practical purposes in an electric
kiln. I'm not talking about having 30 cu ft kilns here, just about
using sensible technology.
On Mar 12, 2012, at 11:41 PM, Ben Morrison wrote:
> You have to do a full cost/benefit analysis to really understand why
> we all have what we have.
>
> Viability
> Cost
> Ease of use
> Size Requirements
> Repair and Maintenance
> Space Requirements
> Power Requirements
>
> All of these pointed me in the direction of a medium sized skutt in
> my home workshop. The cost of firing is cheap, the install works
> with my current power output capabilities, and the space in my kiln
> works well with the medium sized kiln. I do feel limited in size by
> the kiln I have currently, but not so much that I can't make
> products I feel are viable. If anything this kiln probably brought
> me back down to earth, as when I left the college studio I was
> making pots that just barely fit in the large kilns there. Which if
> you've tried you know they aren't quite as easy to market or sell as
> a mug.
>
> A large industrial piece of equipment would require significant
> upgrades to my electrical box. My space in the workshop is not
> sufficient for a large industrial kiln. They aren't as cheap to fire
> and if you're not full time, or wish to do quick turn around a small
> kiln gives you flexibility in timing, where as it would be
> ridiculous to fire off a huge kiln for a handful of rush pots for an
> order. They do offer ample space for larger work, and allow for
> greater production in a high production studio.
>
> Large industrial equipment isn't for everyone, which is why most
> people don't have it in their workshop. For the average potter a
> medium to large top loading electric fits better than most other
> kilns. I love mine, and probably wouldn't be a potter at all if it
> weren't for that little kiln.
>
> -Ben
>
> From: jonathan byler
> To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 7:32 PM
> Subject: Re: industrial elements for electric kilns
>
> I would as a potter (and I'm not a production potter by any means),
> spend the extra money and never waste my time changing the elements.
> tim changing elements is time not spent.... making pots. I am never
> going to submit to buying one of those top loaders if I ever have a
> choice in the matter. I know they work for some people, and they are
> ridiculously cheap, but they are hard to load with ware, especially
> fragile ware, and miserable to work on. I do not like to spend time
> upside down doing much of anything, let alone installing elements and
> element staples.
>
>
> On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:02 PM, Bonnie Hellman wrote:
>
> > OK Jonathan. This is a test. You have a choice.
> >
> > You need to buy a kiln. Do you want to spend $2000 on one that will
> > need to
> > have elements changed at, say, $800, every so often?
> >
> > Or do you want to spend $5000 on one where you'll never need to
> > change the
> > elements?
> >
> > My costs may be off somewhat, but I think this is the answer.
> >
> > Bonnie
> >
> >
> > Bonnie Hellman
> > Ouray, CO. USA
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Clayart [mailto:Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> > jonathan byler
> > Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:42 PM
> > To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> > Subject: industrial elements for electric kilns
> >
> > When I was in australia over christmas, I met a man who has a few
> > electric
> > kilns that he built. They had massive industrial sized elements.
> > They
> > didn't look like they would ever burn out. are those available here
> > in the
> > states, and if so, why are they not used more?
> >
>
>
William & Susan Schran User on tue 13 mar 12
On 3/13/12 1:16 AM, "jonathan byler" wrote:
>This australian Fellow, his elements looked like standard coiled
>kanthal wires, but they were about 1 inch coils with close to 3/16"
>diameter wire used if I am remembering correctly. they were held in
>place on two solid plates similar to what you would find in a muffle
>furnace or the like. went either side of the ware and produced plenty
>of heat. These industrial elements won't draw more power than a kiln
>of comparable size, using the flimsy little elements we have here. if
>they do, you would have that much more heat in the kiln and need less
>of them. power in =3D heat for all practical purposes in an electric
>kiln. I'm not talking about having 30 cu ft kilns here, just about
>using sensible technology.
Jonathan,
Depending on kiln model and size or element groove or holder, you can get
really heavy duty elements. We did that for a 4 cu.ft. electric at school
that we use for crystalline glaze firing. I got special HD A-1 Kanthal
elements, there were either 12ga. or 14ga. made up special for me. We also
had to re-wire the kiln - can't recall, but I think went from series to
parallel. It was a bear to twist the pig tails.
In my studio I have same size kiln but have APM elements when I bought the
kiln.These elements cost about 3 times the same size Kanthal A-1's. I fire
cone 6 crystalline glazes, so long intense firing schedules, but staying
way below temperature rating of the elements. I just completed the 78th
firing on this set of elements with no perceived lag in firing ramps.
So yes, you can get heavier/thicker elements, just costs more.
Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
jonathan byler on tue 13 mar 12
where did you get these special elements from?
On Mar 13, 2012, at 11:08 AM, William & Susan Schran User wrote:
> On 3/13/12 1:16 AM, "jonathan byler" wrote:
>
>> This australian Fellow, his elements looked like standard coiled
>> kanthal wires, but they were about 1 inch coils with close to 3/16"
>> diameter wire used if I am remembering correctly. they were held in
>> place on two solid plates similar to what you would find in a muffle
>> furnace or the like. went either side of the ware and produced
>> plenty
>> of heat. These industrial elements won't draw more power than a kiln
>> of comparable size, using the flimsy little elements we have here.
>> if
>> they do, you would have that much more heat in the kiln and need less
>> of them. power in =3D heat for all practical purposes in an electric
>> kiln. I'm not talking about having 30 cu ft kilns here, just about
>> using sensible technology.
>
> Jonathan,
>
> Depending on kiln model and size or element groove or holder, you
> can get
> really heavy duty elements. We did that for a 4 cu.ft. electric at
> school
> that we use for crystalline glaze firing. I got special HD A-1 Kanthal
> elements, there were either 12ga. or 14ga. made up special for me.
> We also
> had to re-wire the kiln - can't recall, but I think went from
> series to
> parallel. It was a bear to twist the pig tails.
>
> In my studio I have same size kiln but have APM elements when I
> bought the
> kiln.These elements cost about 3 times the same size Kanthal A-1's.
> I fire
> cone 6 crystalline glazes, so long intense firing schedules, but
> staying
> way below temperature rating of the elements. I just completed the
> 78th
> firing on this set of elements with no perceived lag in firing ramps.
>
> So yes, you can get heavier/thicker elements, just costs more.
>
> Bill
> --
> William "Bill" Schran
> wschran@cox.net
> wschran@nvcc.edu
> http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
>
>
jonathan byler on tue 13 mar 12
my buddy doesn't have three phase as far as I know, but maybe he
does. he has two giant element holders with big elements. I could
find out exact details if I could find his email. kiln didn't look
much bigger inside than our 16.7 cu ft oval kiln that gets to temp on
80A @ 208V. my guess is that his kiln doesn't draw more than 100A @
240V not much for your 200A standard house panel to service. all
homes in the US have 240V coming in, with a center tap for 120V
appliances. we could all run a 16KW kiln if we wanted to and could
afford the bills.
On Mar 13, 2012, at 12:51 AM, Ben Morrison wrote:
> There's no way to use that heavy gauge wire in any size kiln with
> out significantly upgrading power in the US. The power used in the
> UK and AUS is 220, they don't even have 110V. So the big deal here
> in the US is that our power is not made to run larger power usage
> equipment in a house. A second box with a 440 3 phase switch would
> have to be installed to run that kiln on the US grid. You're correct
> that the elements we use are by in large cheap, and that a 3 phase
> set up is more efficient and more powerful. I would do it in my
> studio, if the price was right.
>
> From: jonathan byler
> To: Ben Morrison
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 10:15 PM
> Subject: Re: industrial elements for electric kilns
>
> This australian Fellow, his elements looked like standard coiled
> kanthal wires, but they were about 1 inch coils with close to 3/16"
> diameter wire used if I am remembering correctly. they were held in
> place on two solid plates similar to what you would find in a muffle
> furnace or the like. went either side of the ware and produced
> plenty of heat. These industrial elements won't draw more power
> than a kiln of comparable size, using the flimsy little elements we
> have here. if they do, you would have that much more heat in the
> kiln and need less of them. power in =3D heat for all practical
> purposes in an electric kiln. I'm not talking about having 30 cu ft
> kilns here, just about using sensible technology.
>
>
> On Mar 12, 2012, at 11:41 PM, Ben Morrison wrote:
>
>> You have to do a full cost/benefit analysis to really understand
>> why we all have what we have.
>>
>> Viability
>> Cost
>> Ease of use
>> Size Requirements
>> Repair and Maintenance
>> Space Requirements
>> Power Requirements
>>
>> All of these pointed me in the direction of a medium sized skutt in
>> my home workshop. The cost of firing is cheap, the install works
>> with my current power output capabilities, and the space in my kiln
>> works well with the medium sized kiln. I do feel limited in size by
>> the kiln I have currently, but not so much that I can't make
>> products I feel are viable. If anything this kiln probably brought
>> me back down to earth, as when I left the college studio I was
>> making pots that just barely fit in the large kilns there. Which if
>> you've tried you know they aren't quite as easy to market or sell
>> as a mug.
>>
>> A large industrial piece of equipment would require significant
>> upgrades to my electrical box. My space in the workshop is not
>> sufficient for a large industrial kiln. They aren't as cheap to
>> fire and if you're not full time, or wish to do quick turn around a
>> small kiln gives you flexibility in timing, where as it would be
>> ridiculous to fire off a huge kiln for a handful of rush pots for
>> an order. They do offer ample space for larger work, and allow for
>> greater production in a high production studio.
>>
>> Large industrial equipment isn't for everyone, which is why most
>> people don't have it in their workshop. For the average potter a
>> medium to large top loading electric fits better than most other
>> kilns. I love mine, and probably wouldn't be a potter at all if it
>> weren't for that little kiln.
>>
>> -Ben
>>
>> From: jonathan byler
>> To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 7:32 PM
>> Subject: Re: industrial elements for electric kilns
>>
>> I would as a potter (and I'm not a production potter by any means),
>> spend the extra money and never waste my time changing the elements.
>> tim changing elements is time not spent.... making pots. I am never
>> going to submit to buying one of those top loaders if I ever have a
>> choice in the matter. I know they work for some people, and they are
>> ridiculously cheap, but they are hard to load with ware, especially
>> fragile ware, and miserable to work on. I do not like to spend time
>> upside down doing much of anything, let alone installing elements and
>> element staples.
>>
>>
>> On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:02 PM, Bonnie Hellman wrote:
>>
>> > OK Jonathan. This is a test. You have a choice.
>> >
>> > You need to buy a kiln. Do you want to spend $2000 on one that will
>> > need to
>> > have elements changed at, say, $800, every so often?
>> >
>> > Or do you want to spend $5000 on one where you'll never need to
>> > change the
>> > elements?
>> >
>> > My costs may be off somewhat, but I think this is the answer.
>> >
>> > Bonnie
>> >
>> >
>> > Bonnie Hellman
>> > Ouray, CO. USA
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: Clayart [mailto:Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
>> > jonathan byler
>> > Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:42 PM
>> > To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>> > Subject: industrial elements for electric kilns
>> >
>> > When I was in australia over christmas, I met a man who has a few
>> > electric
>> > kilns that he built. They had massive industrial sized elements.
>> > They
>> > didn't look like they would ever burn out. are those available
>> here
>> > in the
>> > states, and if so, why are they not used more?
>> >
>>
>>
>
>
>
William & Susan Schran User on tue 13 mar 12
L&L, we have L&L kilns school and in my studio.
L&L switched over to larger diameter element holders some time back so
larger gauge elements can be installed.
An older manual L&L I use for bisque firing has smaller holders, so I
can't upgrade this kiln.
Bill
On 3/13/12 5:48 PM, "jonathan byler" wrote:
>where did you get these special elements from?
>
>
>On Mar 13, 2012, at 11:08 AM, William & Susan Schran User wrote:
>
>> On 3/13/12 1:16 AM, "jonathan byler" wrote:
>>
>>> This australian Fellow, his elements looked like standard coiled
>>> kanthal wires, but they were about 1 inch coils with close to 3/16"
>>> diameter wire used if I am remembering correctly. they were held in
>>> place on two solid plates similar to what you would find in a muffle
>>> furnace or the like. went either side of the ware and produced
>>> plenty
>>> of heat. These industrial elements won't draw more power than a kiln
>>> of comparable size, using the flimsy little elements we have here.
>>> if
>>> they do, you would have that much more heat in the kiln and need less
>>> of them. power in =3D heat for all practical purposes in an electric
>>> kiln. I'm not talking about having 30 cu ft kilns here, just about
>>> using sensible technology.
>>
>> Jonathan,
>>
>> Depending on kiln model and size or element groove or holder, you
>> can get
>> really heavy duty elements. We did that for a 4 cu.ft. electric at
>> school
>> that we use for crystalline glaze firing. I got special HD A-1 Kanthal
>> elements, there were either 12ga. or 14ga. made up special for me.
>> We also
>> had to re-wire the kiln - can't recall, but I think went from
>> series to
>> parallel. It was a bear to twist the pig tails.
>>
>> In my studio I have same size kiln but have APM elements when I
>> bought the
>> kiln.These elements cost about 3 times the same size Kanthal A-1's.
>> I fire
>> cone 6 crystalline glazes, so long intense firing schedules, but
>> staying
>> way below temperature rating of the elements. I just completed the
>> 78th
>> firing on this set of elements with no perceived lag in firing ramps.
>>
>> So yes, you can get heavier/thicker elements, just costs more.
>>
>> Bill
>> --
>> William "Bill" Schran
>> wschran@cox.net
>> wschran@nvcc.edu
>> http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
>>
>>
| |
|
