Problems with kiln, can anyone advise?

Pam · October 05, 2010, 08:25:46 PM

Me again. I have a new problem wiith my sc3, the temp rises (but not as high as set) then starts falling off. If I reset it it will get hotter again but then falls again. This happened at least 4 times befor I got the kiln to 500 degrees C. Doubt that the beads I have made will be of any use as the temp was jo yoing. The relay klicks then just stops. Any clues what I should do?

Lee - Kilncare · October 06, 2010, 02:51:06 PM

Yeh, give Robin a ring at Paragon UK. This has the potential to go round in circles if the right man isn't on the job.

Soz

Trudi · October 06, 2010, 03:14:57 PM

Just a thought - and I'm no expert, it's mot ramping up too fast??

But do give Robin a call!

Pam · October 06, 2010, 03:34:46 PM

Tried the kiln today and it clicks and shows temp but no heat at all today. Will give Robin a ring now.
Thanks

Lee - Kilncare · October 06, 2010, 03:49:13 PM

Ah clicks and no heat at all. It's possibly the relay (but doubtfull), a burnt off wire or worse case (and unfortunately the more likely) the element has failed and you need a new kiln chamber muffle.

mizgeorge · October 06, 2010, 06:22:34 PM

Oh dear Pam. I hope it's not too serious. Sadly those were exactly the symptoms I had when I needed to replace the muffle.

Pam · October 06, 2010, 06:32:42 PM

Muffles are expensive, I hope its not. Have just come off the phone to Robin and he thinks possibly the relay although the thermocouple may also need replacing. The kiln just seems to struggle getting up to temp, fluctuating up and down, lots of clicking rather than humming as temp slowly rises.
Anyway we will see when the new relay is fitted.

Lee - Kilncare · October 07, 2010, 09:54:27 AM

Well now Robin is involved it's probebly best left to him. Let us know how you get on.

Pam · October 07, 2010, 10:11:18 AM

Feeling I may need a second bead kiln as a back up in the new year, any suggestions? I'm thinking British, bead cube from Kilncare maybe!

mizgeorge · October 07, 2010, 11:18:57 AM

My cube is an awesome little guy. Thoroughly recommend it Pam

Pam · October 07, 2010, 01:49:04 PM

Good to hear you love your Bead cubes Jo and George. 5 hours torching heaven, rarely get that much time anyway so it sound like real possibility (money permitting).

Pam · October 07, 2010, 02:40:19 PM

So Jo, how many mandrels would you say you fit comfortably in your kiln?
Is it economical as compared with the paragon sc series- anyone have an answer---Lee??

Lee - Kilncare · October 07, 2010, 02:45:48 PM

Well as for mandrels that would be best answered with the hands on knowladge of other forum users who actually use the Bead Cube.

As for power, to be honest, I've not done any specific tests on the consumption of either but my money would go on the Bead Cube being a little cheaper to run due to it's smaller size and power rating. Neither kiln will be breaking any world carbon saving records however...then again neither will anyone involved in bead making

caraj316 · October 07, 2010, 03:46:18 PM

if you're talking about little round beads 1 or 2 to a mandrel then maybe 30-40. I think I remember George saying she could get about 50 beads in hers.

I normally get in about 20-30 but thats beads of different sizes and shapes.

If I'm doing sculptural things then between 5 and 10 generally dependant on size and protrusions!

It heats up really fast. I do a full ramp to 500 for garaging and if I turn it on after I light my torch its usually at temperature before I finish my first bead. (About 5-10 minutes)