Richard Mahaffey on wed 28 jul 04
2 cents more.........
I would also check the temp probe to make sure it is functioning
properly
I believe that it is very important to have your kiln well vented.
Even a bisque will cause shortened element life in an un-vented kiln.
Organic materials and sulfur in some clays will reduce (as in
reduction atmosphere) the elements and remove the oxide coating that
forms on the elements. The element will then re-oxidize and thus loose
a little metal. I think that over time this will shorten the element
life. Some earthenware clays are quite high in sulfur content. If
your kiln vent is functioning correctly it will slow the erosion of the
oxide film on the elements or even stop the erosion of the oxide layer.
This is anecdotal based on firings at school where we fire three kilns
20 or more times a quarter from bisque to cone 10.
Rick Mahaffey
Tacoma Wa
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