D Kat on mon 18 apr 05
I just found out that the newest kiln that our studio bought was one =
that fires at maximum to cone 6. This is somewhat of a problem given =
that we glaze fire to cone 6. The tech support at Skutt recommended =
putting fiber insulation on the floor, under and on top of the kiln. I =
don't see under or on the floor as a problem but on the lid strikes me =
as a real issue. In any case this may allow the kiln to get hotter but =
you are still going to be having problems with the elements. Any =
opinions on this?
william schran on tue 19 apr 05
D Kat wrote:> In any case this may allow the kiln to get hotter but
you are still going to be having problems with the elements. Any
opinions on this?<
I think the main reason Skutt has rated this kiln to max of ^6 is the
wall thickness. Certainly adding insulation will help in reaching
that temp for more firings with the same set of elements. The longer
the elements are heated at top temp, the shorter the life span. I
think I read in the Highwater Clay catalog something about APM
elements for Skutt. These would certainly last longer, but they are
about twice the price.
Bill
Mark Pitney on tue 19 apr 05
It isn't a problem at all I have a skutt that has a max. temp. of ^6 and
that is also my glaze temp. and I have never had any problem what so ever I get
an even ^6 firing every time and I don't use any fiber insulation or
anything.
Mark and Cindy
The Mudpit
228 Manhattan Ave.
Brooklyn,NY. 11206
_www.mudpitnyc.com_ (http://www.mudpitnyc.com/)
718-218-9424
mudpitnyc@aol.com
Snail Scott on tue 19 apr 05
At 04:26 PM 4/18/2005 -0400, you wrote:
>..The tech support at Skutt recommended putting fiber insulation on the
floor, under and on top of the kiln. I don't see under or on the floor as
a problem but on the lid strikes me as a real issue. In any case this may
allow the kiln to get hotter but you are still going to be having problems
with the elements. Any opinions on this?
I've done this on mine. It now fires more evenly and
(slightly) more quickly. This means less strain on the
elements.
Remember, your elements are running at maximum whenever
they are on 'high', regardless of the air temperature
inside the kiln. Anything that lets them run for a
shorter period of time will extend their lifespan.
Reaching a higher temperature due to improved insulation
will not harm the elements - they are already running
much hotter than the kiln will ever get!
-Snail
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