william schran on tue 15 apr 03
Just throwing this out to "stir up the pot" and see what comes out
the other end.
I've been coating new elements prior to installation (I first fire
them in a bundle up to low red heat to burn off manufacturing oils)
on the 5 electric kilns at school. That is, until I started having
them suddenly blow out. Instead of slowly wearing down, the elements
in three of the kilns have taken to suddenly breaking leaving a
burned out hole in the element holder (L&L kilns with the porcelain
holders). I know when one "goes", the kiln will not reach temperature
(firing to cone 5). When I unload and look at the elements the one
that has blown, there's a gap of 1/2"!
Don't think I've been getting the ITC for metals on too thick. I
watered it down, quickly ran the element through the ITC and hung to
dry. Installed a day or two later.
Haven't noticed that much time difference between the life of coated
and uncoated elements. Have to replace elements about every 12 to 18
months.
Any thoughts or solutions?
Thanks, Bill in Fredericksburg, Va where it's going up to 80=B0
tomorrow, then a high of 60=B0 the following day. Ah spring in
Washington, D.C.
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