search  current discussion  categories  kilns & firing - cones & controllers 

cones and controllers

updated tue 22 jan 02

 

Frederich, Tim on mon 21 jan 02


Hello,
There have been a variety of responses to this question. I have controllers
on all of my kilns at my studio and at the art center where I teach. They
are a wonderful tool and have made my life easier. But like any tool or
machine they have to be taken care of and calibrated. The best way to do
this is to use witness cones in every firing. Cones are still the best,
most accurate method to measure heatwork and illustrate what is taking place
with the ware in the kiln. The controller can only do what it is programmed
to do and that the software is designed to do. Since every firing situation
is different with the many variables that can occur in a kiln, routine use
of witness cones is the best and most inexpensive insurance you can use to
check and calibrate your controller if necessary.

In a manual kiln they are the best way to calibrate the kiln sitter.

Best regards,

Tim