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chance to buy a used kiln

updated tue 3 jul 01

 

Dee M on sun 1 jul 01


First of all, please let me introduce myself.   My name is Darla,

and I'm a newbie.   I've only been throwing for about a year and a

half.  



I have a chance to look at a used L&L J18X Kiln.   It's supposed

to be about 20 years old, but has been fired very few times.  (its

an hour and half away, so when I go, it'll be my only chance.)



Could someone please advise me on what to be on the look out

for?



Please and thank you!








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Nancy Guido on mon 2 jul 01


Recently our potters guild was offered a used kiln. We were told it was a
Skutt with a computer. We asked if it was 208 or 240 volts, we need 240
volts. We were told it was 240 volts. We took two vehicles and drove 45
minutes to get it. When we got there, I knew it was an L&L not a Skutt. It
look really good inside, but I couldn't find the panel that gave all the
information. I have only used Skutts, Conearts and Evenheat kilns. We took
the silly thing apart, it got dark and we put the thing in the truck and my
van. When we got it reassembled at the guild, in very tiny, tiny, tiny
print it said 208 volts stamped on each section.

THAT is what to look for, no one else at the guild knew what that meant.
But, KNOW what you need first, then ask the questions.

Good luck on your quest.

Nancy G.

Arnold Howard on mon 2 jul 01


The condition of the bricks is the most important wear indicator
for a used kiln. If the bricks are in good shape, the kiln has been
taken care of. Minor cracks in the bricks are normal.

Check the lid for cracks. If cracks go all the way through the lid
(from the top of the lid to the inside), dust will fall onto the
ware. The condition of the lid is also an accurate indicator of how
the kiln was cared for.

You might also do an ohmmeter test. L & L could give you the
instructions. On a kiln with 4-way rotary switches, an ohmmeter
test at the cord plug will tell you if the kiln is operational.

Arnold Howard
Paragon

>I have a chance to look at a used L&L J18X Kiln.   It's
supposed to be about 20 years old, but has been fired very few
times. Could someone please advise me on what to be on the look out

for?>

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