Snail Scott on tue 11 may 04
At 12:40 PM 5/11/04 -0700, you wrote:
>Could you describe the process for changing out elements? I have a
faithful old skutt...
If you buy Skutt replacement elements, the directions
included in the package are quite clear and complete.
Whatever replacements you use, though, it's pretty
straightforward.
First, shut off the breaker.
Unstack the kiln, so you are only dealing with the
section you need to work on.
Pull out any element pins you can find holding the
affected element. Open the electrical control box and
snip off the old element pigtail (on the element side
of the crimp connector). Ease it through to the inside
of the kiln. Gently lift the old element out of its
groove - if it's very old it may break into many
pieces.
If you are replacing bricks, loosen the steel jacket,
then ease out the affected brick and slide the new
one into its place before retightening the jacket.
Remove only one brick at a time. If you are working
on the bottom half of a ring, turn the ring over to
replace those bricks, taking care not to rest any
weight on the protruding section connector.
Tuck the new element into its groove, making sure
to align the bends, and tucking the pigtails into
the hole and through the insulator which prevents
it from contacting the jacket.
Crimp each new pigtail onto the wires with a new
connector. You will need really bad-ass crimpers
for this - ordinary electrical crimpers or pliers
will not do. Get a pair of serious lineman's pliers
for this; it's worth it. If your hand strength is
not great, get a friend to help; getting a tight
connection is critical.
After you reattach the electrical box and re-stack
the kiln, test your work by turning it up in five-
minute increments to 'hi'. After 15 minutes on 'hi'
all the elements should be glowing evenly red. If
any sections want to snake out of their channels,
turn the kiln off and pin those spots back while
still warm. You may not need pins at all for the
new elements, or you might. Wait and see.
-Snail Scott
Reno, Nevada, USA, Earth
Arnold Howard on wed 12 may 04
From: "Jaqartstudio"
> Could you describe the process for changing out elements?
In answer to this question, Snail gave some of the best pointers I've seen
on changing elements. I'll add another one:
Elements age naturally. But if an element burns out due to contact with a
foreign material such as kiln wash, look for the break in the element. Use a
small mirror, if necessary, to look into the element groove where you found
the break in the element. If you find any melted material there, dig that
out with a screw driver. Otherwise the new element could burn out in the
same place.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net
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