Marsha Segerberg on thu 11 jun 98
I bought an ancient Duncan "Boss" kiln about a year ago and have had
nothing but problems trying to get it running right. This kiln is about
the size of a Skutt 1227-3: 28" diameter and 29" deep. It has 12
elements, connected in three groups (top, middle, and bottom). It has
manual/automatic firing controls, and I've replaced two relays, one
element, and some of the wiring. All the elements are intact and have the
right resistance. Here's the problem: no matter what settings I use, I
cannot get the middle group of elements to glow when I fire it up at night
with the lid open so I can see it. The top and bottom banks glow just
fine. The middle bank stays completely dark. They get warm, but do not
glow, even when they're the only bank getting current.
Yesterday I even paid a kiln repair guy to come and give me a diagnosis.
He tested all the circuits and found that the right amounts of current were
flowing through all the right places, and the voltages everywhere were
correct, and the final wattage was right on target. So, in theory, the
kiln is "working". But last night I fired it up again with the lid open
and, guess what: no-glow again.
This has to be some kind of evil magic or gremlins or kiln monsters. It
makes no sense whatsoever. An electric kiln is a fairly simple gismo, and
if the current is flowing through the wires, they should dang well heat up!
But I have tried firing this thing with pots in it and a cone 06 sitter,
and it never reached temperature, even after over 24 hours!.
Does anybody have any speculations, advice, etc.? Does anybody want to buy
this bomb from me? Cheap? Help!
Thanks in advance,
Marsha Segerberg
The Kiln Guy on fri 12 jun 98
Hi Marsha,
Let`s figure this one out !!!
First, it is normal for the middle elements not to glow. This is part of
the element design - it is supposed to make the kiln fire more evenly.
Don`t worry about this at all.
Second, this particular kiln is under powered (but should reach ^06). This
10 cubic foot kiln has the same power as our 7 cubic foot kiln.
Third, I need to know what firing schedule/program you were using. This is
where I would look to solve this problem.
Fourth, who was the kiln repairman. I want to make sure I don`t recommend
him - regardless of the fact that the "wattage was right on target", as
far as you are concerned your kiln does not work.
Feel free to call me on our 800 #, below.
Chris @ Euclid's Kilns and Elements
1-800-296-5456
Web Site: http://www.euclids.com
E-Mail: mail@euclids.com
Debby Grant on fri 12 jun 98
Just a guess, but perhaps you have a defective switch. I think
an OHM meter might tell you one way or the other.
Good luck, Debby Grant in NH
Paul Monaghan on tue 16 jun 98
Hi Marsha,
Can't Be. Fire your kiln man. If the middle elements are the correct
resistance and get the full potential across them and the full current
through them, they will glow. You need to be sure that they are the
correct resistance. Also check the relay contacts VERY CAREFULLY. A
high resistance joint will NOT let enough CURRENT to flow to heat the
element even though you will measure the correct VOLTAGE across the
element.. I can almost gaurantee that they are NOT being properly
switched into the circuit and powered.
Paul:-)>
WEB2U Productions
Marsha Segerberg wrote:
> ----------------------------Original
> message----------------------------
> I bought an ancient Duncan "Boss" kiln about a year ago and have had
> nothing but problems trying to get it running right. This kiln is
> about
> the size of a Skutt 1227-3: 28" diameter and 29" deep. It has 12
> elements, connected in three groups (top, middle, and bottom). It has
>
> manual/automatic firing controls, and I've replaced two relays, one
> element, and some of the wiring. All the elements are intact and have
> the
> right resistance. Here's the problem: no matter what settings I use,
> I
> cannot get the middle group of elements to glow when I fire it up at
> night
> with the lid open so I can see it. The top and bottom banks glow just
>
> fine. The middle bank stays completely dark. They get warm, but do
> not
> glow, even when they're the only bank getting current.
>
> Yesterday I even paid a kiln repair guy to come and give me a
> diagnosis.
> He tested all the circuits and found that the right amounts of current
> were
> flowing through all the right places, and the voltages everywhere were
>
> correct, and the final wattage was right on target. So, in theory,
> the
> kiln is "working". But last night I fired it up again with the lid
> open
> and, guess what: no-glow again.
>
> This has to be some kind of evil magic or gremlins or kiln monsters.
> It
> makes no sense whatsoever. An electric kiln is a fairly simple gismo,
> and
> if the current is flowing through the wires, they should dang well
> heat up!
> But I have tried firing this thing with pots in it and a cone 06
> sitter,
> and it never reached temperature, even after over 24 hours!.
>
> Does anybody have any speculations, advice, etc.? Does anybody want
> to buy
> this bomb from me? Cheap? Help!
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Marsha Segerberg
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