Anybody had this problem with a kiln? Help needed with Paragon kiln

LesleyMac · February 24, 2009, 10:03:29 AM

I am having a problem with my kiln, its a Paragon SC2 with a Sentry Xpress controller.

The controller seems to be working, I start the program as normal and it starts, the kiln makes one "clicking" noise and then it just hangs at 8 degrees instead of firing up. When I switch off it clicks again.

I had this problem last week and shut down and started again and it was fine, now however I can't get it to heat up.

Can anyone suggest what the problem is? I can't afford a new kiln and don't want to be without it too long.

Josephine · February 24, 2009, 10:10:09 AM

It could be something really simple like the relay. Why don't you phone Robin at Cherry Heaven, he will be able to tell you what tests to do to pinpoint the trouble.

Lee - Kilncare · February 24, 2009, 10:12:29 AM

ooooh good one Lesley.

I was just about to say element failure until I read the last bit where you said you had the problem last week then it worked O.K.

The problem sounds like a power issue, i.e. element failure, relay problem, burnt off wire etc. BUT if it has started to be intermittant then it is going to be harder to find.

You need to get in touch with your supplier.

Lush! · February 24, 2009, 10:53:13 AM

Lesley, it sounds just like the problem I had - Please Do Call ROBIN!!!

LesleyMac · February 24, 2009, 01:02:07 PM

Thanks for the advice, I will try Robin, here's hoping

Trudi · February 24, 2009, 02:44:26 PM

let us know how you get on!

LesleyMac · February 25, 2009, 06:52:08 AM

Well just to let you know I am getting absolutely nowhere. This is what is so frustrating. I have been trying since Sunday to get help with fixing it but no one gets back to me. If this were my livelihood I would be really struggling now, as it is I have commissions and work I need to get on with and I can't.

I guess I will just have to keep trying.

Lush! · February 25, 2009, 08:23:15 AM

Oh no, Lesley - can you not get hold of Robin? I know the first time I tried him I had a to wait, I think he'd gone to the dentist or something equally less important than helping me out

but once I made contact he was really helpful.

turnedlight · February 25, 2009, 08:43:52 AM

Try ringing Paragon in the States, they were really helpful. I can't remember the number but it was on their site, and when I spoke to Robin a while back he actually had a Paragon rep there in the shop so I got to speak to him too. I do hope you get this sorted.. $:-\$

Margram · February 25, 2009, 11:45:24 AM

If you look on the cherry heaven website and click enough times through the pages you can, with luck, find a page called 'repair' - this might give enough advice to help your local electrician to pin-point the problem. (I find the website incredibly difficult to use but the advice is good!)

Good luck,

Marg x

SilverClay · February 26, 2009, 12:06:07 PM

Quote from: LesleyMac on February 25, 2009, 06:52:08 AM
Well just to let you know I am getting absolutely nowhere. This is what is so frustrating. I have been trying since Sunday to get help with fixing it but no one gets back to me. If this were my livelihood I would be really struggling now, as it is I have commissions and work I need to get on with and I can't.

I guess I will just have to keep trying.

Lesley - I got worried by your message so checked with Robin and understood you have talked to him? He says you were going to do a test on the kiln and call him back? I know he ordered a new element for the kiln straight away just in case you need it, as he thought that might be the problem.

Robin went to London to pick me and our son up from the airport as I've been away to visit my sick brother, so he wasn't around over the weekend and Monday day time.

As soon as you have done the test, call him back and he'll do all he can to help you.

All the best
Petra

LesleyMac · February 26, 2009, 06:50:46 PM

Hi Petra, thanks yes I spoke to Robin yesterday, I need to test whether the element is working as it seems likely that is what is causing the problem. Robin very kindly said he would order an element anyhow and I am borrowing a meter to test it tomorrow. If it is the element then he should have it by Monday ish. I will be speaking to Robin tomorrow. I was just getting stressed out as I coulden't speak to anyone but I perfectly understand now why he wasen't around.

Meanwhile I have bought a slow cooker and will get the vermiculite out, I now have an opportunity to learn how to make small beads.

SilverClay · February 28, 2009, 10:20:06 AM

Oh good - glad something is happening. Fingers crossed it will be sorted soon.

LOL - good idea to make good use out of the waiting time. I'm sure your slow cooker will enjoy beadmaking a lot more than cooking!

P

Anybody had this problem with a kiln? Help needed with Paragon kiln

SilverClay

SilverClay