Refurbing Kiln help

blgoode

blgoode

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
7,260
Okay, here is what I have. Its a rather large kiln (to me) that needs new coils and a pyromater (sp?) put in it. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I want to put a digital temp. readout in it.

Also, when this sucker is hot is it okay to sit on a plywood rolling base? Can you recomend a base material to sit it on?
Also how would I get the blades out (opening the lid and such) when this is up to temp?

Thanks in advance.
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Brian,

I'll bet if you called those fellers at Evenheat and told 'em what you got, they can send you a new controller and anything else you need to modify it. If that don't work, email me at the yahoo addy and I can help. ;)
 
Thanks J! I'll look up evenheat......there is a local refractory place I may call too ;)
 
blgoode said:
Thanks J! I'll look up evenheat......there is a local refractory place I may call too ;)
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I'm only saying this because I just bought all the gizmos to make a salt-pot setup. I spent almost as much as the Paragon oven I have. I am guessing that Evenheat might have the controller and thermocouple to support that kiln of yours. Looks pretty cool, btw. What did you give for that? 20 bucks? Good deal, but only if you can get it running. I have the stock numbers for a good PID controller if you want, but I'd defintely try Evenheat first,
 
I got it for 40 dollars. :D Even if I cant get it to work thats too much to pass up! I'd think all I need is elements and a controller.
What would I use to hang blades in it AND when there ready to come out what would be the best way to snatch them out safely?
 
Hey B,

If you can get the elements replaced and in place to where they wont fall out, I would lay it on it's side so the door opens like a normal cabinet door. Just make up a rack to hold your blades from a soft firebrick. the only real problem is that it's big and will take a while to heat up. Just get a small set of tongs to grab and quench.
 
Mark,
If you notice its in 3 sections. It comes apart so I may could even just use the top and bottom pieces.

Also can you help with a list of what I need.

Elements
Digital Pyrometer
Controller
?

Anyone have any idea what amps this would pull?
 
bladsmth said:
Looks like the tag says 20 amps at 230 volts.
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I was wondering with new elements and a new controller what it would pull. Could I move the top elements down to the bottom? Looks like a project huh?
:D :confused: ;)
 
Looks like they still make this brand. I may email the company and get quote, the get in contact with evenheat. See what happens ;)
 
Brian, call the Co. that made it, probable have parts in stock. I believe that it is a ceramic kiln. I found a paragon 3 three years ago for a song and all that was wrong was a loose wire. Good luck on getting it going. Mike
 
blgoode said:
I was wondering with new elements and a new controller what it would pull. Could I move the top elements down to the bottom? Looks like a project huh?
:D :confused: ;)
Click to expand...

Like I said, Evenheat folks are good to work with. Looks to me like if you want to do it up, you will need the following:

1. A P-I-D Logic Temp Controller
2. A thermocouple that is suitable for 2200 degrees or better
3. A solid-state relay that will handle the load - 30 amp or better I would say.
4. A switchable circuit breaker (one that is rated to also be used as a switch)
5. Some 6-3 stranded copper power cord.
6. NEMA 240v 1ph plug and cord cap.
7. Elements (Evenheat?)

That's about it. Simple to wire, really. As far as a source for the heating elements, I think I saw on this site Backyard Metal Casting there was a guy who made his own electric smelting furnace and gave instructions and suppliers as to where he purchased his components. Oh and btw, most of the stuff above can be had from MSC or McMaster
 
Bad thing is that it is so large. Mark suggests that I shrink the interior with soft firebrick. Any thoughts on this. Yeh or Nay?
 
Mark Williams said:
Yea, Do what I tell ya Boy. you dont need no second opinion. Just do it !! :)
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Oh hell...I am in for it now! Aight Den ;)

I hate that this is so big. I could almost just make my own from scratch. But then again it will do LONG suff too ;) I can easily put a 17" overall knife in there.
 
jhiggins said:
Like I said, Evenheat folks are good to work with. Looks to me like if you want to do it up, you will need the following:

1. A P-I-D Logic Temp Controller
2. A thermocouple that is suitable for 2200 degrees or better
3. A solid-state relay that will handle the load - 30 amp or better I would say.
4. A switchable circuit breaker (one that is rated to also be used as a switch)
5. Some 6-3 stranded copper power cord.
6. NEMA 240v 1ph plug and cord cap.
7. Elements (Evenheat?)

That's about it. Simple to wire, really. As far as a source for the heating elements, I think I saw on this site Backyard Metal Casting there was a guy who made his own electric smelting furnace and gave instructions and suppliers as to where he purchased his components. Oh and btw, most of the stuff above can be had from MSC or McMaster
Click to expand...

The wire element should be available at a local electrical supply house (commercial), or a commercial heating/refrig outfit. There are insulated holders for that stuff too so just ask them about it. Take a sample with you so they don't look at you like an idiot. You can get the stuff in a fair length roll box, like a band saw blade.

Take a look around on ebay for a controller. You should be able to get a deal on one there.

Fortunately the lining looks like it is in good shape. If you wanted to hang the blades, you could notch opposite sides of the liner (about 1/3rd the way to the outside surface), and use a stainless rod for a hanger. Personally, I woudl take out a couple of sections to keep the utility bill down, and make a rack out of a couple of bricks liek has been suggeested, and use some tongs to do the pulling.

You got one heck of a deal for 40 bucks.

Inspect that lining close before you fire it the first time. it woudl not be fun to find a hot spot on the outside because of a crack.

Doc
 
Thanks guys...Pottery aint in my future :D I did some of that in school though.

I'll tinker with it and see what I have to work with......
 
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