Tips For Fixing a Kiln

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Update 12/19/20: the new plug was the issue for mine. A week later a similar issue arose. The plug was fine and I traced voltage all the way back to the outlet and also found that one of the leads was loose/arced and wasn’t making contact cleanly. Since the new plug and restripping and attaching the leads in the outlet I’ve had 8 firings with no issues. So elements probably weren’t the issue but it’s nice knowing that I have new ones because I didn’t know how old they were before.
How to fix a kiln isn't always the easiest task. It involves troubleshooting to figure out exactly what's wrong. What started off as a simple element replacement for my kiln became much more. In this video, I explain my process for fixing a kiln and diagnosing problems that come up along the way. I'm hoping this short tutorial can help anyone who comes across an issue like this with their kiln. I going into a little bit for detail with replacing kiln elements. Even thought it was a lot of work, I'm honestly kind of glad I got the experience as I now know my kiln much better. It is however, very frustrating to be without a kiln for a short while. I'm crossing my fingers. Wish me luck!
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My name is Jim Fazio. I make ceramics and pottery tutorials, clay creations, and give you an inside view of the life of an artist. Check out my channel for more if you're interested!
Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic

Опубликовано:

8 май 2020

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Комментарии : 87

@nancyhartshorne6491 4 года назад

Although you're frustrated, this is a really informative video!

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

I tried. I hope it helps others.

@ilovepugs5531 4 года назад

I’d get too frustrated trying to figure out what was wrong with the kiln and would just buy a new one haha so props to you for sticking with it

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Right? We’ll see. Time will tell if I keep putting up with this kiln.

@lesselavie7675 4 года назад

Not looking forward to changing my elements this week. Thanks for the how to!

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Patience patience patience. You’re gonna crush it... in a good way.

@mattmurray778 4 года назад

Omg so with you brother im sorry. Stay strong

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Thanks Matt. Gotta put in my time I guess. Appreciate the encouragement 👍🏻

@TheresaRichard 2 года назад

Im going through the exact same thing. I have a man coming Monday but I have a kiln almost exactly like yours bought used as well. Changed out elements and still have issues.

@connecticutaggie 4 года назад

Sorry to hear about your challenges, I am an Electrical Engineer and have installed two AC circuit for kiln (including breaker), repaired 2 kilns (one sitter and one electronic) and a pottery wheel. Let me know if you would like any help. You have helped me with making ceramics (and gave me a glass), I would love to do the reverse.

@connecticutaggie 4 года назад

Note: Plug and connector failures are not that common, failures are usually wiring and connections. For kilns, one common issue I have seen is a loose or oxidized connection. These create a lot of heat that then that eventually melts and breaks the connection. Opening the switch box is not a big deal. That was where the broken wire was for the sitter kiln.

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Hey Mark! It’s so good to hear from you. Hope you’re enjoying that glass. I very much appreciate the info. Knowing what’s common and what isn’t is very helpful. If this new plug doesn’t solve the problem then I may be reaching out to you on this comment thread so please check back in a few days to see. You’re so kind to offer your expertise and time so generously. Thank you!

@connecticutaggie 4 года назад

@@CeramicJim Occam's Razor - the most common problem is the most likely. Don't be afraid of opening the box (with power unplugged - of course). It's just a few screws and there is nothing inside that you haven't already seen.

@connecticutaggie 4 года назад

First, look at the face plate, it should list a W and V. W should be somewhere above 10,000 and the V is probably 240. Resistance at plug should be V-squared divided by W. Ex: 240*240/10,000 = 5.8 ohms.

@connecticutaggie 4 года назад

Second, clean the contacts on your plug until you see brass then use a meter, set it to low resistance , and measure across the line connections. If it is open, you have a broken mains connection. After that, move the switches lower and lower and the resistance should go up a bit each time until you get to all off when it goes to open (infinity).

@lynneschneider2885 4 года назад

Great! 😊I think we all have taken a life break these past few weeks ...our local ceramics store just reopened for firing and I’m headed there this week...looking forward to getting fired! And See what colors came out of my efforts...🤔

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Yes indeed. Time to reflect. That’s good news about your studio, Lynne. Let me know how those pieces turn out!

@whisperer111 3 года назад

Omg I've been doing the same thing. Searching for answers. Oh I hope this could be my answer. ♡♡♡ Thank you for giving me some direction. Sitting here staring at it isn't working. :)

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

Haha nope :) . Happy to help. For me it was the plug. But then a week later it was also the outlet. I think the outlet was always the case and it caused damage to the plug.

@whisperer111 3 года назад

@@CeramicJim My kiln is fixed!! I replaced the elements, both switches, and feeder wires. Still nothing, but they definitely needed to be replaced . I inherited this Skutt 181 from my grandmother. So...we checked the breaker box which was good and checked the outlet and cord and it was the outlet. Funny part is it was only a loose wire from when installed at new house. 🤦🏼‍♀️ $350 to tighten a wire, update elements, and gained so much knowledge about how my kiln works. Thanks!!

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

Congratulations. Seems like we both had the exact same problem. Isn’t it silly that the one thing you wouldn’t think would be the issue was actually the issue all along? It sounds like you’re good to go now and you shouldn’t have any problems for a long time. Enjoy that kiln. Best of luck with all your future firings 🙏

@tahinde 4 года назад

Bright side is it should, should last for some time before doing this again. I don't have a kiln and relied on the kiln at the college, which has been closed since March 18, yesterday was the last day of the semester. So lots of pieces in bisque and some fired but no access, this semester I did make notes and took pictures of the experiments so I might remember what I did with the pieces. If you do get a new kiln you could experiment with turning the old one into a gas kiln. another great video by the way, sorry about the hick-up, but hopefully something good comes out of it.

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Thanks Tahinde. Yes it should. Hopefully I can get a long life out of it without issues for a while. If I do get another kiln, unlikely, I’d like to try some sort of gas/soda diy kiln. I’d like to see some of those experiments of yours. Thanks Tahinde. It’s good to hear from you!

@freidabauer5444 7 месяцев назад

I am having the same issue with my kiln. It looks to be the same as yours. Paragon A-88b. I replaced all the elements thinking that was the issues. It looked like the original wiring. We even replaced all the wires. I still have the same issues. Two of the elements are not working and the controls don’t work on low or medium. It looks like someone may have changed out the main plug to a 3 prong. I noticed yours was a 4 prong. Another video I watched, the plug was also a 4 prong plug. Any suggestions on what might be wrong?

@jhessail0 3 года назад

That is my exact kiln and I'm where you were at the start of this video.

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

Any luck?

@3kidscooking 7 месяцев назад

Hi Jim, I just watched your 2020 video about trouble shooting your older kiln. I feel like I am going through the same problem and total frustration that you went through. I have a very old kiln, maybe 50 years old. It is a L&L J18 with a sitter controller. My problem is that when I replaced the heating coils I may have gotten the internal wires mixed up. How do I know where those electrical wires go? I have searched on line but can’t find literature on it possibly because it is so old. When I fire the kiln it is not reaching a cone 5 so I know something is wrong. I appreciate any help you can give me.

@MitchPR08 2 года назад

I just bought a used Duncan EA-820….it has this weird LOUD clicking when I turn it on and if you look down into the control box I can see Arc’ing so something is fried. Looks like I’m gonna be teaching myself how to repair a kiln!

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

Eeeeeekkk. That sounds scary. Good luck!

@susanlarson7213 11 месяцев назад

My kiln wire in the switch ( on and off and trun up) one wire is diminished in how many little pieces of wire and the covering which is heatproof and cloth like maretial receded . How do I replace this wire and can I just order that wire. Thanks for any help

@kdaugustine 2 года назад

Thanks for the video. I am getting to this project now. In fact, I'm working on the exact same model! My question is: where can I get the lugs to connect the wires to the elements. I've seen the Paragon element connectors on a few sites, but they're $12 a pair. Do you know of any cheaper ones that will work? I know not just any lugs will do as they have to be high-temp rated. I will pay the price if I need to, but that'll be $50 just for connectors. Thanks to anyone who can point me to something cheaper.

@benpatterson4452 4 года назад

If you ever need help troubleshooting, I recommend the Ceramic Arts Daily Forums. The have an equipment board, with a kot of knowledgeable participants. There is actually one poster, who sells and repairs kilns, and is based in the Chicago area.

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Is it Karl? It must be Karl. He’s like, THEE GUY, who does Kilns in Chicagoland. I might be giving him a call if I can’t get this up and running. Thanks Ben!

@benpatterson4452 4 года назад

@@CeramicJim No actually. I was referring to Neil Estrick.

@athinamillerk9970 4 года назад

Hiii ! I saw a couple weeks ago your video on "How to add colors to clay". It happens that in my country, maison stains its almost a luxury in terms of price, because of shipping issues. So I start a online research in order to look for a cheap alternative and find out dye pigments for concrete in red, yellow and blue, which also happens to be in amazon "for pottery use". Have you tried them? Does it work? If not, i will experiment and see what happens.

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Hmmmm. I haven’t. Concrete doesn’t have to be fired so it’s possible the stain could burn out but if it says it’s for pottery then maybe it won’t? I say give it a go and let me know how it goes.

@sueanne3139 2 года назад

I feel your pain!! 🤯😱 I have a 17 month old Paragon Caldera kiln that wont get to target temperature...the most its gone up to is 345*c. No error message comes up ever, it just stops mid-cycle but power doesnt go off. Two kiln engineers have looked at it including my potter friend...all are baffled by it (I'm keen to throw it over the garden fence to be honest 🤾‍♂️) ££££'s has been spent on it - new computer board, new transformer, new relay, new fuses. The 1st kiln engineer tested the thermo couple, all four were fine with voltage going through them. So do you think it could be the outlet cord for this kiln as well?

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

Honestly it could be. It surprised me too. Eeek. That all sounds awful. Best of luck! Don’t throw your back out chucking it over that fence 😆

@sueanne3139 2 года назад

@@CeramicJim 🤣💥💨🤾‍♂️

@RayleneG679 2 года назад

My used ,new yo me, duncan automatic plus ea 1020 kiln will not turn on. I removed the switches replaced, as I had the sitter box unscrewed from kiln, plugged in, it slipped and the corner leaned against the bar on the top right of elements. It turned on that top element! Hmmm.... so I'm guessing I have the wires wrong. I sure do wish for a new kiln! But for now I just wish I could get this kiln working properly 😕

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

That’s frustrating. And it so hard to diagnose electric stuff because when it’s wrong it just does nothing. No sound to help. Ugghhh. Good luck! 🤞

@TheShenefelts 2 года назад

Can anyone tell me what it cost to replace all of the wiring? Considering purchasing a used kiln that "needs an internal wiring kit" and wondering if it's worth it. Skutt brand very large asking $200. This is a brand new hobby for me, but if I drop it, I know someone who would get use out of the kiln who I would be willing to gift it to. Looking for worst case scenario in terms of repair costs. TIA

@sybillestahl8646 2 года назад

I replaced my elements about 3 years ago, and they’ve been good, but now my dials no longer give me variable power. They’re either on full, or off. Guess I have to learn a new skill, replacing dials.

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

Eeekk. That’s past where I know anything. Some of those old dials and diagrams look tricky. Best of luck. Honestly, let me know how it goes. I feel like that’ll be the next thing I have to fix too.

@gabijones2445 4 года назад

Bought a kiln three years ago, have not been able to use it :( I live in an apartment, and have no where to plug it in... a friend said I could use her basement as my studio, but then things in her life started falling apart... so...... Frustrating, but... it's life. My son-in-law said he's going to make a space in his basement, and get the wiring changed.... have to wait til Covid goes on its way. You should buy a new kiln... yes, a lot of money... especially when you have little ones... but... it's a business expense... with your new shop opening... and would probably save you a lot of money on electricity.. maybe??? Awesome video though. thanks. You and yours stay well.

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing your situations. It honestly makes me feel a little better but I’m sorry to hear about if for your sake. I hope that you get that studio space soon! I am leaning towards a new kiln. Now that this one should be good for a while I may use it until I can make/save up some money. Another hiccup for sure but just some more adversity to overcome. Thanks Gabi!

@madsamfpv8590 3 года назад

Just got the same kiln. Are you able to glaze at cone 6 with it ?? thx & nice channel

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

Thanks. I am. Takes about 6 hours. It’s possible yours is different. There’s a tag on the switch box that says the voltage and max temp. Mine is 2300 I believe.

@sandyh9100 2 года назад

So I've replaced all the elements in my kiln as well as the relays. The bottom elements work fine but the top won't work. The only thing that I can think of is the little controller switch on the top set of elements. With the element wire shortage, I just finally got the last (top) element and installed today. Mine is about a 35+ year old skutt that I converted to be a glass kiln with a controller. Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Not finding any info for my problem on the web or RU-vid so far. 😫

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

A volt meter will tell you a lot without having to replace anything. Trace the voltage back or forward until it stops.

@DonaldDrennan 3 года назад

I just bought a used Paragon A82B. It has a plug like yours. What type of plug is that? I have a dryer outlet that only has three prongs. Can I connect a new outlet to that ? Thanks! this is my first kiln.

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

Honestly you'd be best reaching out to Paragon or trying to find a spec sheet on the internet. It's a three prong plug but that's where my knowledge of plugs ends. You might be able to but if it doesn't match you probably shouldn't. I would consult an electrician.

@MrJusto510 3 года назад

I have a kiln that I need to repair. Its a "Satellite Mfg J-101". Ive scoured the internet trying to find replacement kiln brick, and heating element for the kiln but I couldn't. any tips/ recommendations?

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

Eeek. I haven't heard of that brand. I would do what you're already done. If I was really reaching I might call a different company and ask about it. Maybe they know about the company if it's a competitor? That's my best guess. Good luck!

@jennycaldwell1 4 года назад

Good luck! My issue is that I don’t have access to my studio because of the Covid shutdown. I work out of a community art center that had to close down, so I’ve been clay-less for two months. Sigh.

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

I’m sorry to hear that, Jenny. I suppose a kiln needing to be fixed is kind of a first world problem. Thanks for putting things in perspective. Some places I know have been putting kits together and scheduling pick up and drop off times. Maybe your studio would be up to that? You can do a lot with hand building.

@ronaldagresta4581 2 года назад

I have a paragon older kiln fired once now won’t get to temp ? Can u help me !!

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

I mean I’m not an expert. I would check what I’ve checked and I would call the place and go from there. Having a multimeter to check voltage is what you’ll need or what an electrician would use.

@pattimurphy6939 3 года назад

I've spent hundreds on a used kiln that supposedly worked. Replaced an obviously broken element and paid hundreds more for the electrical panel to be brought out into my garage. I'm more than a year since and still no kiln. I can't find anyone to pay to fix it. I'm really handy but I prefer electrical things to be handled by a pro. My regular electrician looked at it (briefly) and could not figure out why the middle is the only part that is working. He checked all logical parts with a multimeter and couldn't identify the problem. I am so depressed about it. I think I'll take the whole thing apart today and try to figure it out myself.

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

I traced it back to the plug. Then a week later, after this vid, I had to trace it back to the outlet. I hope I don’t insult you by asking if you have enough volts for the kiln. Do you have 240 going in? Or maybe it’s a three phase kiln and that’s why it won’t work? That’s so frustrating! 😠

@lynneschneider2885 4 года назад

Curious...were you able to get up and firing again?

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

I did! The kiln is good to go and has been working well. I took a life break a few weeks ago and have recently taken more time to reflect on current events. My shop is all ready to go 🤫

@nealspear9989 3 года назад

I'm having the same problem with an old kiln. Was it the cord?

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

Yes. And then I had a similar issue a few weeks later and it was outlet wires. It’s been good ever since. After 4 firings and no problems. Having an ohm meter is key.

@yabbapottery3606 4 года назад

Here’s one.. band on lid corroded and snapped, crack developed on inside face of lid. Ordered new band, they sent wrong size. New bands coming. In the meantime, wrapped lid with winch strap to hold lid together. All is good until I removed strap to put on band. Lid broke apart into 20 pieces. Sigh. Now I am getting a new lid.

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Sounds like a headache. Also sounds like we’re having similar amounts of frustration. It’s nice to know we are not alone in our kiln struggles. I hope that new lid works out for you and you can get back to firing soon!

@sherristone4850 3 года назад

What if your kiln doesn’t shut off? It’s an old Duncan with a kiln sitter. My first time to fire since my parents are no longer with me. Come 04. 1 hr on low, 2 hours on med and now 1.5 hrs on high since it hasn’t turned off. Help!!

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

That does seem long. Do you have any witness cones inside to see if it’s getting close. It might take 8 hours in elements are old or tired. After 10 I would shut it off.

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

That is a little suspicious. Be careful. You can trip it yourself.

@ianjames6320 4 года назад

O I feel your pain man

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

👍🏻 much appreciated

@camelazo 3 года назад

I have a question , all the kilns are 220v rated right?

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

Most are 208 or 240. There are some smaller ones that are 120v.

@tiffanybattel2705 4 года назад

I just replaced elements and now my cord/plug is getting hot! This didn't happen with the prior elements. Any suggestions?

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Hmmm. Electricity is tricky and I am not an expert. I suppose I’ll state the obvious thing like do you have the right plug or right gauge of Waite? Are all the elements correctly wired? Aside from that I say much more. I called my kilns customer service and they were very happy to walk me through my issues. Best of luck. I know it’s frustrating.

@tiffanybattel2705 4 года назад

@@CeramicJim I have a skutt, looks like that tiny one you have next to the kiln you are working on from what I got a glimpse of. I contacted skutt, who has great customer support. I just wired up my new cord (we isolated it to the cord getting hot due to new elements so I changed it out from a 14 gauge to a 12 gauge) I pushed the plunger in (its a kiln sitter) turned to low and no light is on. A light flicker on the power light. This is so frustrating!

@CeramicJim 4 года назад

Believe me I can relate. Wouldn’t the switches be the next thing? Although if it worked fine before then it should now. Especially with new elements a new plug. This is where my knowledge runs out. Hang in there and take it one check at a time.

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

I had another kiln issue recently. After replacing the elements and the plug it worked for a handful of firings. Then the same problem happened. Half the elements were working and low voltage. This time I traced it back to the outlet. One of the power cords was lose and must have been racing because the wire coating was melted. Work checking through outlet too. You probably have. I hope you’ve fixed your kiln by now 🤞🏻

@omaremad9011 3 года назад

How volts it needs

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

It depends. Some kilns need 120, 208, or 240.

@ellebee3857 3 года назад

Im in the same boat trying to figure out what’s wrong with my kiln 😭

@CeramicJim 3 года назад

I called the manufacturer and in all honestly, my old man. Without those two I wouldn’t have been able to fix it. What’s the issue?

@heatherjane0808 2 года назад

This exact same thing is happening to me 😭

@CeramicJim 2 года назад

Yeah. Super annoying at least without a computer there are no relays and so the problem can only be a few things.

@heatherjane0808 2 года назад

@@CeramicJim my kiln us with an electrician now 😪 for the 2nd time. Hoping and praying he finds the fault. Moving kn a few weeks and have a ton of pieces I need to fire 🙏🏻 lifted my spirits to see I'm not the only one haha - all the best x