First time firing a new kiln

Gabriel · Post by **Gabriel** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 4:42 pm

I have read through the manual and didn't see any notices about first time usage. Do you need to do anything special to a 'large' kiln(Jen Ken Oval) kiln for the first time or just fire it up and test the temperature?

kiwistudio2003 · Post by **kiwistudio2003** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 4:52 pm

Way back in the dark ages I was told that you needed to "season" your elements, either when a kiln is new or you replace elements, by going to approx.100f higher than the highest temp you'll be firing to. I've 8 ceramic kilns and one glass kiln and this seems to have worked for me over the years.
Bill

I think we consider too much the good luck of the early bird, and not enough of the bad luck of the early worm, F.D. Roosevelt

BillBrach · Post by **BillBrach** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 9:53 pm

My Paragon Caldera came with instructions to take it to 500 degrees and let it sit at least 2 hours at that temp, to drive any moisture out of the firebrick. Then, fire as normal.

Lynn g · Post by **Lynn g** » Sun Mar 07, 2004 5:21 am

Don't forget to kiln-wash the floor to protect against damage from drips, accidents, boo-boos, etc.

Lauri Levanto · Post by **Lauri Levanto** » Sun Mar 07, 2004 1:13 pm

Driving out the moisture is one thing, as said.
Burning out the binders - if a fiber kiln is another. Went the room!
Burning in the elements. If you have Kanthal elements,
they contein aluminium. It is supposed to oxidizeand form
a protective layer on the wire. Therefore the first firing
must have some venting. I do not know aboutNiChrome
elements.

One more trick:
After drying out, fire one more time an empty kiln
Up ASAP, Turn of. Draw a temperature curve for your kiln.
Compare it to the curves you programm. Where the
kiln curve is higher, you need to regulate up,
but can shut off and even vent the kiln way down. Saves electricity and time.

Where the kiln curve is below the programmed curve,
you are trying impossible.

-lauri