Mo Cain on sat 27 jun 98
This is directed to the clayarters who are using computer controllers on
their electric kilns. More of a mini survey really. Do you rely totally
on the controller or do you use a sitter and/or time limiter?
I recently purchased a new Olympic with a Bartlett Controller. When the
purchase req. left me it included a kiln sitter and a timer. By the time
the purchasing department turned my req. into a purchase order the kiln
sitter and timer were omitted. I should have suspected something when
the purchaser indicated that he had negotiated a better price!! Anyway
the kiln arrived today after a very long wait (sans sitter and timer)
and we are anxious to fire it up before we are inundated with pots
waiting to be glazed.
Would you use as is or send it back for the additional sitter and/or
timer?
TIA mocain...atlanta where the heat index is 105 and not very pleasant
John Post on sun 28 jun 98
At 02:09 PM 6/27/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Do you rely totally on the controller or do you use a sitter and/or time
limiter?
I have an an Evenheat Rampmaster controller on one of my electric kilns.
It has no sitter or timer.
This controller eliminates the need for a sitter/timer. I simply program
in the times and the temperature rates that I desire and the controller
runs the program. BUT, I always have several cone packs in the firing with
a few near the peep holes.
The controller is nice because I can read when the end of the firing is
nearing from the digital display. At this point I can start watching the
cones to make sure the kiln reaches the exact cone/temp that I want.
Occasionally I'll have to increase or decrease the rate of a soak based on
the way the cones look.
The controller is a useful tool when it comes to managing the overall
firing. I do feel that it is absolutely critical for the potter to monitor
the firing. Especially at the end. The cone packs let me know whether or
not the programs that I am running are working the way I have planned.
I really can't see a use for the sitter or timer on a kiln with a
controller. Those devices only shut the kiln off. I also do a soak and
controlled cool down after my kiln reaches the programmed temperture and a
sitter/timer would only get in the way when it comes to doing that.
My firing schedule for a cone 6 firing is...
300 degrees F per hour up to 2210 degrees F
soak at 2210 for 1/2 hour
drop at 300 degrees F per hour to 1652 degrees F
drop 90 degrees per hour to 1292 degrees F
let the kiln cool on its own after it hits 1292
A large Orton cone 6 in this firing will be completely over and cone 7 will
be down to about 1:30- 2:00.
The controlled cool down helps my iron red glazes turn red instead of
brown. It also helps some of my matt glazes develop a richer surface.
My firing schedule is always evolving as I try new glazes. In my next
firing I am going to increase the length of the cool down cycle.
Hope this helps.......
John Post
rp1mrvl@moa.net
Sterling Heights, MI USA
David Woodin Set Clayart Digest on mon 29 jun 98
The sitter and timer is meant to be a safety shutoff device and if used as
such will save the kiln from being overfired if and when a controller fails or
is not programmed correctly. The extra cost is well worth it.
D. McDysan on mon 29 jun 98
Mo,
I have a Bartlett controller on my new front loading kiln and so far so
good. I use witness cones inside and the programs seem to be right on
according to the cones. I never leave the house when the kiln is firing
and I check it often. It's nice to see the digital display of the temp,
time, etc. and since I've had problems with the sitter in my old kiln
it's reassuring to have something reliable. Although I haven't used the
alarms yet, I think they would be helpful to check at specific intervals
during the firing cycles and certainly would let you know when the
firing is complete (peace of mind). All in all, I haven't missed having
a sitter or timer and I love my new kiln.
You probably don't have to have the kiln returned to have the
sitter/timer installed (should you decide that you absolutely need
them). Perhaps the kiln company can send someone out or you can do it
yourself. My kiln has holes drilled in the metal (not the brick) and I
think it wouldn't be too hard to add extras.
Also, my experience when calling around to price kilns; most
manufacturers said that a sitter is not necessary with a controller and
that most people don't order both.
A word of caution....If you haven't fired yet and your kiln is a front
loader, be sure and check the top for packing material and remove it
immediately!
Happy firing!
Debbie McDysan
dmcdysan@onramp.net
The Kiln Gods on tue 30 jun 98
Hi Mo,
If it makes you feel any better, Bartlett makes a very reliable contol. I
have seen many problems with a variety of controllers presently being used
as shut off devices on kilns & can tell you that Bartlett & Orton`s
`Autofire` control are on the top of the pile. There are some controllers
that should be avoided - but it may not be wise for me to mention them
online.
One more point, if you can afford it, get both. That way if the controller
doesn`t come `on` one day, you can still fire the kiln. Most of us work
with deadlines.
Chris @ Euclid's Kilns and Elements
1-800-296-5456
Web Site: http://www.euclids.com
E-Mail: mail@euclids.com
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