Testing kiln temperatures.

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Feb 16, 2022
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So I've been wanting to find a way to test my kilns accuracy at higher temps. From 1850 to 2000 or so. Maybe 2200. I've done the salt test at 1474, and it's right on the money there. But I want to be able to make sure it's not off at the higher temperatures needed to heat treat higher alloy steels.

I'm wondering if there is any test similar to the salt test that anyone can think of. I have a infrared thermometer, but that's really not a super accurate way to test it. At least not with a cheap one like mine.

I'm wondering if there is something that can melt, or have a certain reaction somewhere in those temp ranges that I could calibrate the temperature off of as a reference.
 
The simplest would be to buy some kiln cones, also called pyrometric cones. They are pointed cones that melt and slump over at a precise temperature. Pottery suppliers carry them.

Tempil makes a line of temperature testing sticks, lacquers, and cones. Check their site out.

The best method is to use a second read-only thermocouple connected to a good meter. Omega has great quality, but ebay and Amazon will have lower prices. A high temp probe and a good meter from Omega will run around $150. Amazon has them for about half that, but the accuracy may be lower. Look with a search of:

Very High Temperature K-Type Thermometer with Ceramic Insulated Probe Sensor for Kiln, Crucible and Forge up to 2372 °F 1300 °C​

 
I feel this is where coupons come in if you are concerned about precise setting for austenitizing. What your oven says compared to what it should is irrelevant if you run a set of coupons and find the temperature that gives peak hardness AQ. While my oven hits AQ numbers I am looking for with higher oven temps for air hardening steels the low alloys I have to run coupons to figure out the best temperature and or soak time.

But you would need a Rockwell tester...
 
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