Steve Slatin on tue 14 nov 06
Gentle Readers --
I'm contemplating acquiring replacement elements for my L&L (23T, 240
single phase) kiln. I've replaced elements before on tougher kilns, so I'm
not concerned with the process, but want to get the greatest utility out
of my replacements. (Existing elements are working fine still, but I want
to have a set on-hand so when the dark day comes I'll be ready.)
I would appreciate comments (especially, but not uniquely, from L&L
owners) about the replacement experience, especially on element
manufacturers and coatings (ITC or other).
Thanks -- Steve Slatin
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William & Susan Schran User on tue 14 nov 06
On 11/14/06 3:22 PM, "Steve Slatin" wrote:
> I'm contemplating acquiring replacement elements for my L&L (23T, 240
> single phase) kiln.
> I would appreciate comments (especially, but not uniquely, from L&L
> owners) about the replacement experience, especially on element
> manufacturers and coatings (ITC or other).
Steve,
I've replaced elements in all of our L&L's (J18, J23, J2927) at least twice
for each.
It's really a breeze replacing elements in the L&L's, most times finish in
less than an hour.
I've replaced them with elements from L&L and from Euclid's. These were all
the "normal" elements. I have not noted any difference between the two in
how long they lasted. Our newer L&L's (J18X-3 & e23S) have the heavy duty
elements and I've not noticed any change in firing times to ^6 after more
than 40 firings and haven't had to replace them yet.
Check prices for original replacement elements from www.clay-king.com
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
darrell calhoun on tue 14 nov 06
I just installed new elements in my L&L. Euclid's Elelments in Canada gave me a much better price than the factory. I used ITC for metals and will let you know how that goes in a few weeks.
Steve Slatin wrote: Gentle Readers --
I'm contemplating acquiring replacement elements for my L&L (23T, 240
single phase) kiln. I've replaced elements before on tougher kilns, so I'm
not concerned with the process, but want to get the greatest utility out
of my replacements. (Existing elements are working fine still, but I want
to have a set on-hand so when the dark day comes I'll be ready.)
I would appreciate comments (especially, but not uniquely, from L&L
owners) about the replacement experience, especially on element
manufacturers and coatings (ITC or other).
Thanks -- Steve Slatin
---------------------------------
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dwichman@frontiernet.net on wed 15 nov 06
I have an L & L JD18 kiln and we have replaced the elements twice.
First time took a bit longer, but the second time took a little more
than an hour. We were please at how easy it was. I have installed a
kiln vent after the second set of elements and am hoping I see a
longer life to them because of it. Also installed the heavy duty
elements - I was told they would last a good deal longer as long as a
vent was installed. To me the main thing was not overstretching the
elements(they are easier to stretch with two people and the proper
length marked out on the floor) - we overstretched one and it took a
while to push the coils back together evenly.
Debi Wichman
Cookeville, TN
http://www.elementterra.com
William & Susan Schran User on thu 16 nov 06
On 11/14/06 10:01 PM, "darrell calhoun" wrote:
> I just installed new elements in my L&L. Euclid's Elelments in Canada gave me
> a much better price than the factory. I used ITC for metals and will let you
> know how that goes in a few weeks.
My story with ITC on elements:
Few years back there was much discussion on using ITC to coat elements to
extend their life span. So I decided to give it a try as we were firing our
kilns twice a week and hade to replace elements about every 18 months. The
elements for most folks would have lasted longer, but we had to have the
kiln shut off before we left school for the evening.
Anyway, I'd fire the new elements sitting on a kiln shelf up to good red
heat to burn off production oils. Mixed ITC with water in drywall mud tray,
ran elements through the mix (careful not to get on pigtails) and hung to
dry.
Installed the elements in 3 L&L kilns over a short span of time time.
Around the same time frame, we replaced a disintegrating kiln with a new
Axner Super Kiln (Olympic) that had ITC coated elements. I noted the
elements almost didn't seem to have any coating on them. Called Axner and
they said only thin coating needed.
Well, they were right! Not long after that, the coated elements in the L&L's
began failing. They would short out, just as if a big glob of glaze had
gotten on them. In a couple instances, the short actually burned through the
element holder!
Apparently the ITC coating was too thick and over time ALL of the elements
failed prematurely. The Axner kiln required element replacement after about
24 months, so the elements did last a bit longer.
I have since decided not to coat new elements. I'm sure the stuff works,
though I don't know if it's worth it in our circumstances.
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
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