mel jacobson on mon 24 may 99
i am pleased to be informed of the pricing structure and
inability to buy that kiln in a local way.
they do not recommend spraying with itc.
something is wrong.
i am sorry to hear that.
thank you evan for putting me straight.
mel.mn
in most cases, buy local/if you can.
http://www.pclink.com/melpots
Darlene Yarnetsky-Mudcat Pottery on fri 25 feb 05
Hello!
Couldn't find the original subject line for this thread- sorry. I have
two skutt kilns a 1227 and a 1231pk. The 1231 is a workhorse. Was
more expensive, and takes a 90 amp breaker and #2 wire, but worth it.
The 1227 I purchased later and originally planned to use for mostly
bisk firings, but when we moved to the new building I was forced to use
it as only kiln (6^ firings) until electric upgraded. It holds up
better than I had anticipated, but I am wearing out the normal elements
every 10 months! Next set I may try the ITC coatings that have been
discussed.
The 1231 by the way, is rated for ^10 and the 1227 for ^8. I have read
on clayart that it is best to get a ^10 kiln for ^6 firings, and while
the 1227 is adequate, the 1231 is much more powerful. Good advice, in
my opinion. I found firings much more even on the 1231, with the top
2/3 just a tad hotter. Both my kilns are old enough to have the just
one thermocouple placed in the center. Not sure I would want the zone
control, but haven't read up on it either. Like most electric kilns, I
feel the bottom could be better insulated. And of course as they age
they cool faster, which for me meant programming in a slow cool down
ramp.
My 1227 does fire a bit hotter in the middle. I found staggering the
shelves to be helpful to getting an even firing. A nuisance, but it
makes a difference. Also I slow down the firing close to temp. This
allows things to even out a bit. I go by the cones placed in the top
shelf for when to shut down, and watch where I place my more risky
glazes!
They do make the S-type thermocouples for this controller, and when I
get some cash I plan to make the switch. It is not cheap - around 200
dollars, but is supposed to last indefinitely and should be extremely
accurate. They also make some type of heavier duty elements, but like
I said, I may try the ITC coatings first.
One last thing, I have had excellent customer service from Skutt. They
have good technical help and I have always been able to get my
questions answered. I have had parts overnighted (at my request) and
with the time change (skutt is in Oregon, I am in Indiana) I have
managed to order elements at 5 one day (my time) and have them arrive
at 8 the next morning. Do as I say not as I do though, and if you can
afford to, keep spare parts on hand! ;)
Their website can be confusing - if you are looking for something
specific click on the site map. I was able to download all of the
electrical specs. and the entire kiln manual one late night as we were
testing elements!
The usual disclaimer - no connection to Skutt etc.
Hope this is of some help.
Darlene Yarnetsky
Madison, Indiana, USA
Timothy McMillen on thu 3 mar 05
Darlene you will need a type S touchpad also or send your touchpad to
skutt to have it recalibrated
The Sherman's on thu 10 mar 05
Just have to put my $0.02 in here.
I bought a Skutt 1027-3 KM from Bennett Pottery in FL in 1999. We had just
moved to NJ from FL and I knew the FL dealers. It was freighted to me from
the factory and my husband and I picked it up from the depot with our truck.
Well crated with lots of foam insulation. Got it home, installed it in a
detached garage with a dirt floor (tried to level it as much as possible).
Test fired it, no problems. Fired it unvented (the walls had enough holes-
my clay froze in the winter) with the top peep unplugged. Not more than 1/2
a cone difference from top to bottom.
Eight months later we move 1/2 way out Long Island. We pack the kilns up (I
have a very old Evenheat as well) and prof. movers trucked every thing out.
The controller moved with me in the car. When we set up the Skutt we had a
problem with the LED display reading out. Since it was still under warranty
we called Skutt and they gave us instructions as to how to remove the touch
pad with circuit board. We sent it to them, they replaced it, send it back
with written installation instructions, and I was firing again in about 10
days. Didn't call the dealer at all. Since it is in a basement now we have
made a vent, venting outside through our dryer ductwork. Still- 1/2 cone
difference max. from top to bottom. After about 200 firings I'm starting to
see a little drift on the thermo coupler and have to program the end
temperature about 15 degrees F higher than the standard ^6. I figure I'll
need to replace it sometime this year.
The saga continuers- I'm waiting on a call to set the closing time on out
new house so the kilns will move again within the next few weeks. The
studio will again be in the basement but with 9 foot ceilings and full size
windows. I won't be able to call it the cave or dungeon any more! I'll be
using all the tips I've gleaned from Clayart in the past few years to set up
the new studio. Already planning to seal the cement studio floor before we
start moving in.
Just wanted to let folks know my experience with Skutt.
Marcey Sherman
Zephyr Pottery
1/2 way out Long Island.... getting ready to move 2 kilns, 4 cats, and
probably 10,000 lbs of stuff. Did you know that a 50 lb box of clay
weighs-- 50 lbs? Our moving helpers are about to find out!
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