Jonathan Kaplan on mon 25 jan 99
We have used an AIM test kiln for 8 years in our plant. Fires daily all
over the temperature spectrum.
Kiln has a limit timer with a Dawson setter, as well as a quite sensitive
digital pyrometer that we installed.
This kiln operates on 110V AC and is a real trooper. We have never needed
to replace any switches, elements, etc. We do maintenance on the Dawson
setter when needed. The kiln has a 6" x 6" X 4" or so chamber, and can
accomodate alot ot test tiles in various configurations.
For larger test batches when we move test glazes onto representative
pieces, we use a Paragon TnF 66
kiln. Takes 13" diameter shelves. Complete with computer and Orton Kiln
Vent. Again, we fire this one daily. The only part we replaced was the
thermocouple in 3 years. We recently upgraded the elements to higher
amperage from Euclids.
We have found it quite useful to have 2 sizes of test kilns. On to run
initial tests on tiles, mice, etc., and a larger one to take the glazes
onto actual pieces.
By the way, we have also upgraded the elements on our Paragon TnF 28-3
kilns with higher rated ones from Euclids also. This upgrade has shortened
our firing time and provided more consistant results from top to bottom in
each kiln. I have always known that these top loaders are quite
underpowered, and this upgrade has provided the boost that we needed. And
yes, we have also increased the size of the breakers to accomodate the
higher amperage of the elements. The wiring did not have to be upgraded as
it was oversized at installation.
Jonathan
Jonathan Kaplan, president
Ceramic Design Group LTD/Production Services
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
plant location
1280 13th Street Unit 13
Steamboat Springs CO 80487
(970) 879-9139 voice and fax
jonathan@csn.net
http://www.sni.net/ceramicdesign/
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