Jonathan Kaplan on tue 15 sep 98
We use 4 Paragon TnF-28-3 kilns as well as a smaller one of theirs (model #
can't remember) and these kilns are easy to work on, the electronics are
relatively simple, and the controllers are more than adequate for our needs
in the plant. I would however add that for continuous production once needs
a kiln built for such use--the old Carole Suzanne CFF kilns are a great
example of kilns meant for continuous production use. While I know that
alot of us use the 10-14 sided kilns and have many ways to get them to
temperature and boost their power, they are great for studio use.
We have been all over our Paragons to replace elements, relays,
transformers, control boards, wiring, etc. and these puppies hold up very
well. We have been firing 5 days a week for many years, and with
rudimentary maintenance, they will go for many more years.
We also have a controller on our gas kiln. Does not turn up gas/air mixture
but is a safe a reliable auto ignition/soak/hold/end point shut off etc and
works very well. Easy to program controller. Quite simple. Contact Jim
Cooper at Cooperworks, Indian Hills Co. for more info.
Jonathan
Jonathan Kaplan, president jonathan@csn.net
http://www.sni.net/ceramicdesign/
Ceramic Design Group Ltd./Production Services
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
(USPS deliveries only)
Plant Location
1280 13th Street Unit 13
Steamboat Springs CO 80487
( UPS, courier, and common carrier deliveries)
(970) 879-9139*voice and fax
http://www.sni.net/ceramicdesign/
http://digitalfire.com/education/clay/kaplan1.htm
Laurel Sheppard on thu 3 dec 98
I have been reviewing the past discussions on kiln control and
electronic controllers and would like to know if anyone would like to
make any other general recommendations about upgrading from manual to
electronic control. This is for an article I am writing that will be
published in March in Pottery Production Practices, a supplement for
small production potteries published by Ceramic Industry. Any other tips
on optimizing control of firing will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your assistance.
Regards,
Laurel Sheppard, Technical Editor, Ceramic Industry
(please reply directly to lashpubs@infinet.com)
David Woodin on sat 5 dec 98
The new electronic controllers are good for the studio potter but are not what
would be used for production. The main drawback is the relays which in a
production situation will soon arc and weld the contacts together or
mechanically fall apart. An SCR unit controlled by an industrial controller
with a 4-20MA output signal is a much better way to go. The elements will
last longer because only the power needed to keep the kiln at temperature is
used. In other words the elements are not pulsed on and off but use only the
% of power needed, some what like a dimmer switch on a light bulb.
David
Elizabeth Swann on sun 6 dec 98
The controls for the klin at my school went hay wire. We were having
strong winds a week a go and the electrcity went out and now they're
broken.
(Moral of the story: Don't turn klins on in stormy weather.)
Liz in Vancouver
It's still windy
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David Woodin on thu 6 jul 00
Definitely the controller is the way to go, but I would consider the wall
mount type as mentioned in one of the posts. It may be cheaper to buy the
kiln with a controller mounted on it but have you considerd what the
temperature in the kiln room is? If the ambient approaches 105 F than the
life of the kiln mounted controller decreases dramatically. Missing segments
in the display indicate a too high an ambient temperature. I also have to
disagreed with the statement that thermocouples are not accurate at high
temperatures. If you have the type now supplied by Skutt and others which is
about 1/4" in diameter and completely enclosed than you can believe its
readings. The problem is that the temperature on the cone table is for a
steady ramp of 27, 108 or 270 deg F per hour for at least the last 1 1/2
hours. You can plot your own table for temperatures other than Orton's 3
fixed ramps and when you do will be pleasantly surprised at how accurate a
thermocouple is. You can then ramp your controller at another rate of climb
and achieve excellent firings. But as said many times before always use
witness cones.
David
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