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Friday, June 25, 2010
Technical Question
So it seems that last night my kiln took extra long to glaze fire. I'm thinking that my elements may be starting to go. I have had the kiln for a couple years and it's on it's 215 firing or so, does that seem like when you would need to change the elements? I've never had to do this before so I also don't know if it's something I can do myself or would need professional help. I have an L&L easy fire with the automatic programing. I also have only been using it for bisque and low firing until recently. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance:)
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4 comments:
hmm... we use the kilns in our studio constantly and the elements havn't needed replacing just yet..
Though one of our older kilns had it's coils replaced not too long ago, but that was the first real repair in 4 years. I would contact a local kiln repair person to come and take a look at it, I'm sure they've seen plenty of kilns and will know exactly what the next step should be.
Shawna, Call L&L they have a wonderful staff to help you, they've talked us thru a few issues, you can also order parts from them. Elements are not hard to change but the first time it is intimidating. 215 might be about right - are they the original elements? When I had one kiln doing both bisque and ^6 firing I think I'd get between 150 and 200 firings before it would slow down, but then it would slow way down at ^6. Anyhow, L&L can talk you thru it and even trouble shoot it over the phone but element changes once a year for a full-time potter is not unusual. Good luck!!!!!!
My kiln was doing the same thing a few years ago so I ordered new elements but that didn't fix it. So then I ordered new thermocouples, that didn't fix it. Finally I called L&L and they helped me diagnose over the phone. I needed a new power relay. Lots of money spent and 3 weeks without a kiln.
I will shout for joy when I can get 215 firings from one set of elements. I don't own an L&L but understand it is the easiest to change elements in. I have changed elements in my Skutt and think you CAN do it yourself. But the advice to call L&L is good--there are ways to check to see what exactly you need before you get started in the wrong direction. Good Luck.
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