Elmer's Glass Kiln manual Introduction, Contents

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Introduction

Thank you for choosing this kiln! We have designed it to give you many years of reliable service.

Please read this manual. It will help you gain the maximum enjoyment from your kiln. It will show you how to avoid damag- ing the kiln and will answer many questions. Your instruction packet also includes a separate digital controller manual. Please save both manuals.

Inspect the kiln. When you receive your kiln, check the carton for damage (crushed, holes, etc.). Check the kiln for both inte- rior and exterior damage. If the kiln is damaged, you can refuse the shipment and have it returned, or accept the shipment after having the driver note the damage on the Bill of Lading.

Check the Bill of Lading to insure that you received the correct number of packages. Note any shortages on the Bill of Lading, and have the driver sign the copy.

If there were no signs of visible kiln damage and you discover it after the driver has left, notify the shipper immediately.

Save the shipping carton. It was carefully designed to pro- vide maximum protection during shipping. Use the carton to take the kiln to seminars or on vacation, or to return the kiln to the factory for repairs.

Needless worries. Tremendous stresses are generated within the kiln. The ceramic fiber firing chamber actually ex- pands and contracts with each firing. Do not be concerned if small cracks appear in the fiber. This is normal. These are sur- face cracks that close tightly when the heated fiber expands. You may find a small pin hole in the center of the firing chamber. It is from the manufacturing process and will not affect the kiln’s performance.

The paint around the door will eventually discolor from heat. This, again, will not affect the kiln’s performance.

During firing, you will hear an intermittent, distinct clicking. This is the sound of the relay(s) sending power to the heating elements. Do not be concerned with this sound.

The Electrical data plate. Im-

portant information about your kiln is recorded on its electrical data plate. Please include this in- formation when ordering parts or calling your dealer or the factory about your kiln.

©2001,IM-164/1-02

Contents

Safety

3

Setting Up the Kiln

4

Electrical Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Where to Locate the Kiln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Transporting the Kiln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Basic Operation

5

Accessories

5

Important Guidelines

5

Loading the Kiln

7

Venting the Kiln

8

Silver & Gold Clay

8

Drying Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Loading the Kiln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Venting the Kiln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rate, Temperature and Hold . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Cooling Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Combining Silver Clay

With Other Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Glass Fusing & Slumping

10

How to Cut Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Fusing Compatibility of Glass . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Annealing Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cleaning and Gluing the Glass . . . . . . . . . 11 Loading the Kiln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Firing the Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Enameling on Metal

12

Preparing the Copper

12

Decorating the Copper

12

Firing Enamel

13

Ceramic Overglaze

13

Pyrometric Cones

13

Loading and Firing Overglaze

13

Lost Wax Burnout

14

Overview

14

A Sample Program

14

Burnout Instructions

15

Firing Mistakes

15

Silver Clay

15

Glass

15

Ceramic Overglaze

16

Kiln Maintenance

17

Trouble-Shooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Door Latch Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ceramic Fiber Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Cleaning or Replacing Glass View Port . . 17 Replacing the Thermocouple . . . . . . . . . . 18 Replacing a Relay or Transformer . . . . . . 18 Replacing the Temperature Controller . . . 19

Replacing the Firing Chamber

(testing the element) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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Contents Page Contents IntroductionSafety Important Safety RulesWhere to Locate the Kiln Setting Up the KilnElectrical Installation Transporting the KilnAccessories Basic OperationImportant Guidelines Place Ware on a Protective Shelf Loading the KilnOptional Glass View Port Applying Glass Separator or Kiln WashVenting the Kiln Using Ceramic Fireclay PostsSilver & Gold Clay Drying TimeRate, Temperature, Hold Cooling TimeFusing Compatibility Test Glass Fusing & SlumpingHow to Cut Glass Annealing RangeCleaning Gluing the Glass Firing the GlassPreparing the Copper Decorating the CopperPyrometric Cones Ceramic OverglazeFiring Enamel Loading and Firing OverglazeSample Program Lost Wax BurnoutOverview ConeSilver Clay Firing MistakesBurnout Instructions GlassCeramic Overglaze Kiln Repairs Kiln MaintenanceTrouble-Shooter Replacing the Thermocouple Replacing a Relay or TransformerReplacing the Temperature Controller Replacing the Firing Chamber