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Kiln Pointers
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When Posts Stick to Kiln Shelves |
CONTENTS When Posts Stick to Kiln Shelves Reader Response: Facebook Recent Q&As: Three ways the Sentry can turn off a vent in Cone-Fire mode Memorable Quote ----------- WHEN POSTS STICK TO KILN SHELVES Sometimes posts stick to the underside of shelves in pottery kilns. The adhesion is slight but enough to cause a random post to drop into the kiln as a shelf is unloaded. This may happen after firing to stoneware temperatures. 1) If this is happening to you, apply kiln wash not only to the top of shelves, but also apply a light coat to the ends of posts. 2) Examine posts before loading the kiln, and remove glaze particles from the ends. The glaze can re-melt during the next firing and cause the post to stick. 3) After the kiln has cooled to room temperature and you have unloaded the ware from the top shelf, gently rock the shelf from side to side about 1/2” or less. That will loosen the posts underneath. Then lift the shelf out. Do that with each shelf. ----------- READER RESPONSE Last week I mentioned that I had removed the Facebook app from my phone. Dana Boyko wrote, “I am so glad you pointed out much simpler and calmer your life is now that you have removed the Facebook app. I for one found that out years ago.” ----------- RECENT Q&A Q. Is there any way to set the Sentry controller to run the downdraft vent awhile after the firing? It’s in my classroom. A. If the Sentry 12-key controller is connected to the Kiln Vent, the controller can turn off the vent for you. The connection is made through an optional receptacle in the kiln's switch box. This is a factory-installed option called the AOP outlet. Plug a 240-volt Kiln Vent into the outlet. You can choose from the following through the Options key. These choices are in Cone-Fire mode: 1) The vent stays on throughout the firing and shuts off at 212F/100C. 2) The vent shuts off when the kiln fires to completion. It shuts off before Slow Cooling. 3) The vent remains off throughout the firing. ----------- MEMORABLE QUOTE “Reading books is my favorite way to learn about a new topic. I’ve been reading a book a week on average since I was a kid. Even when my schedule is out of control, I carve out a lot of time for reading.” --Bill Gates ----------- Have you ever noticed how the smallest, easiest actions can yield the biggest results? Life is filled with these small, vital actions. Here’s an example . . . Stacks of paper covered my desk. Even the two slide-out desk extensions were hidden in papers. Last Thursday I laid four stacks of papers on the floor and cleared off most of my desk. That one small action changed my day. I could think more clearly about the project at hand. Consequently, finishing the project was easier. Thank you, With best wishes, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P. – Better Designed Kilns 2011 South Town East Blvd., Mesquite, Texas 75149-1122 Voice: 972-288-7557 & 800-876-4328 / Fax: 972-222-0646 / ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com / www.facebook.com/paragonkilns Feel free to email this Kiln Pointer to friends. PRIVACY NOTICE: Under no circumstance do we share or sell your email address. Copyright 2017, by Paragon Industries, L.P. |
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“Custom and standard Kilns and Industrial Furnaces for ceramics, pottery, heat treating, enameling, |
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