TRobert on thu 4 mar 04
Dear Wayne,=20
No pyrometer will consistently read 1300=B0 C when cone 10 goes down for a
number of reasons. The most important of those reasons is that cones do no=
t
measure temperature alone but rather measure a combination of temperature
AND time. Clay and glazes react to temperature and time in a similar way a=
s
the cone, thus making it an invaluable tool . However, the Orton charts
point out that cone 10 will be achieved at 1250=B0 C when the temperature is
rising at a rate of 15=B0 C per hour. It will also be achieved at 1282=B0 C
when the temperature is rising at a rate of 60=B0 C per hour. And it will
also be achieved at 1303=B0 C when the kiln climbs at 150=B0 C per hour. This
assumes that you are using their standard large cones. The temperatures
vary if you are using their small cones or self-supporting cones. It will
probably also vary if you are using another brand of cone, as you had
indicated. Other factors could be the condition of your thermocouple and
the length of wire that you use between the thermocouple and the pyrometer.
I want to assure you that the Ultimax is an excellent and accurate
pyrometer. I have 2 T-2 Ultimax pyrometers that I use on a regular basis in
both a reduction kiln and a salt kiln and have had no problems, I find them
to be reliable. There are full instructions on how to check and or
recalibrate your Ultimax pyrometer in the literature included with the unit=
.
We have repeatedly tested our Ultimax pyrometer next to several other brand=
s
and find it to be accurate within a couple of degrees of the well known
Fluke brand, for instance.
Since this was your first firing with the pyrometer, I recommend doing
additional firings keeping in mind the above mentioned variables. This
should prove to be valuable in learning how accurate the Ultimax is.
I hope this information is of help to you. I guess the final determination
of whether you got to temp is how your ceramic ware came out. Did you r
glazes mature? Do the pieces look good? Please feel free to contact us with
further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,=20
T. Robert=20
Resident Potter=20
Axner Pottery Supply=20
Rikki Gill on wed 9 jun 04
Dear T. Robert,
I have not had very good luck with my Ultimax at all.
I have the K type, De-3003 T1. I just bought it this
year at NCECA. It was on special for $75.
The first gas firing it was not too accurate, about 100 degrees
below the cones, when I turned the kiln off.
The second seemed better, I used it to stabalize the kiln at around 1600, so
I could down fire. The third and last time it was impossible to use.
It fluctuated wildly. Today I am bisquing, and decided
to use my computerized Skutt to recalibrate. It just was too way off.
I have a centergrade scale, and tried to use that setting too, for accuracy
but it seems to still fluctuate too wildly. And is
at least 100 degrees off at all times, but hard to tell how
far off because of fluctuation.
I would welcome any suggestions.
Thanks, Rikki Gill
Rikigil@cwnet.com
www.rikkigillceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "T Robert"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 8:48 AM
Subject: Ultimax Pyrometer
Dear Fellow Clay Art Folk,
I have seen a few postings about the digital pyrometers offered by
Axner so I thought I would weigh in. It is true that the Acme brand,
which sells for under $40 is not nearly as accurate as a fluke. Still, it
is far more accurate and far more durable than analogue pyrometers
and it actually cost less.
On the other hand, the Ultimax pyrometers, which were the object of
the questions, are highly accurate. We have tested them right next to
the Fluke and they both read within a few degrees of each other from
ambient temperature all the way up to cone 10. I would suspect that
even two Fluke pyrometers would vary by that small amount if fired
right next to each other. The only oddity about the Ultimax is that it will
only read in the Fahrenheit mode up to 2000° F. Above that one must
use the Centigrade read-out mode. When considering the fact that the
Ultimax sells for way under half the price of a fluke, I find it to be an
excellent value.
Anyhow, Axner will be happy to offer our Ultimax Digital Pyrometers to
Clay Art participants with a 30-day, no questions asked, money back
guarantee just to satisfy anyone who still has doubts.
Regards,
T. Robert
Resident Potter
Axner Pottery Supply
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T Robert on wed 9 jun 04
Dear Fellow Clay Art Folk,
I have seen a few postings about the digital pyrometers offered by
Axner so I thought I would weigh in. It is true that the Acme brand,
which sells for under $40 is not nearly as accurate as a fluke. Still, it
is far more accurate and far more durable than analogue pyrometers
and it actually cost less.
On the other hand, the Ultimax pyrometers, which were the object of
the questions, are highly accurate. We have tested them right next to
the Fluke and they both read within a few degrees of each other from
ambient temperature all the way up to cone 10. I would suspect that
even two Fluke pyrometers would vary by that small amount if fired
right next to each other. The only oddity about the Ultimax is that it will=
only read in the Fahrenheit mode up to 2000=B0 F. Above that one must
use the Centigrade read-out mode. When considering the fact that the
Ultimax sells for way under half the price of a fluke, I find it to be an
excellent value.
Anyhow, Axner will be happy to offer our Ultimax Digital Pyrometers to
Clay Art participants with a 30-day, no questions asked, money back
guarantee just to satisfy anyone who still has doubts.
Regards,
T. Robert
Resident Potter
Axner Pottery Supply
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