Kiln with top and side elements
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Anonymous.
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- March 8, 2009 at 5:39 pm #9321
kjburkhardt
ParticipantI have a kiln with top and side elements. It’s 14″ square and I can use either the top or side but not both together. The instructions unhelpfully say “use side element until fusing temperature has been reached” but when I do that and try to switch to the top element it seems to take forever for the top elements to heat up. If I use the top element only it doesn’t work well for many pieces, and if I use the side elements only it takes longer and doesn’t get as hot. Does anyone use this kind of kiln and help me interpret the instructions?
March 8, 2009 at 6:24 pm #11180Anonymous
InactiveWhat is it that you don’t like about your work when using just the top elements?
Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.comMarch 10, 2009 at 12:31 am #11181lkallen
ParticipantHere’s what I found about the Olympic 2 element 240/208 VAC kilns. Is yours a 120 VAC kiln?
the url is http://www.bigceramicstore.com/Supplies/kilns/olympic_glass.htm
clip start
Most Olympic glass kilns with electronic controllers now ship with a lid element Mode Switch as a standard feature. The Mode Switch is an isolation switch that separates the lid element and it’s infinite switch from the electronic controller.It works like this:
In the “on” position, the Mode Switch connects the lid element to the electronic controller. The lid element goes on and off with the side elements under normal electronic control. The amount of power to the lid element is controlled by the infinite switch setting.
In the “off” position, the Mode Switch disconnects the lid element from the controller. The lid element runs independently from the controller at whatever heat setting you select with the infinite switch.
clip endMarch 11, 2009 at 7:06 pm #11182kjburkhardt
ParticipantWhen I just use the top elements the middle bubbles no matter how long of a soak time I have. The kiln just seems to get too hot. If I try to adjust by setting the temperature lower the sides don’t fuse enough. Small pieces are ok — it’s just anything over 10″ that’s a problem.
Thanks for the help!
Karen
March 12, 2009 at 6:30 am #11183Anonymous
InactiveOn that kiln you should be able to fire using only the lid.
Three things would help me help you:
- What is the kiln model
- Does the kiln have a controller
- What is you firing schedule
Is there any chance the lid/sides switch is operating the opposite of what you think (maybe it is labeled backwards)? Heating just from the sides can cause the bubble problem you describe.
Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.com - AuthorPosts
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