Jaqartstudio on tue 11 may 04
Hi Bill:
Could you describe the process for changing out elements? I have a faithful old skutt that has been showing some wear. Some coils are hanging loose where soft brick has pulled away. I'd like to reinstall a few new bricks and recoil and new trip switch the
whole thing. I'm a do-it your self and save a buck type ; )... and
your post sparked my inquiry.
tia!
Peace,
Pamela
~jaq
william schran wrote:
clip>>18 - 24 months is what we get out of a set of
elements before I change them out. << clip
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william schran on tue 11 may 04
Pamela wrote:>Could you describe the process for changing out
elements? I have a faithful old skutt that has been showing some
wear. Some coils are hanging loose where soft brick has pulled away.<
I'm sure each manufacturer will have specific directions for changing
elements in their particular kilns, but a few things to remember:
Shut off current at circuit breaker and unplug kiln. Can't remember
if Skutt kilns use the system of sections plugging into each other,
but if so, you may need a helper to unstack the kiln. Unscrew the
cover and note where all wires go. I think Skutts use a crimp to
attach pigtail of element to wire lead - you're going to need a heavy
duty crimper tool. When you cut the old connection apart, you'll have
to strip the lead wire to get proper bare wire length.
Carefully pull out the old element using needle nose pliers. There
will also be element pins holding the elements in place at corners -
gotta pull them out also.
You'll probably break a bit of the brick as you remove the old
elements. A little kiln cement can help fix the worse areas.
Check your elements, I think Skutt uses different ones for top and
bottom while the rest are the same throughout.
Insert one end of element pigtail through kiln wall, making sure you
remember to replace the little insulator, and push element into the
groove all around and other end out through kiln wall. Use element
pins supplied with elements to pin into corners and any other areas
where element won't stay in groove.
Repeat for all, close it all up and turn the kiln on. Run up to
bisque temperature to settle the elements in place and provide a
protective alumina ox. layer.
Bill
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