kiln elements as they relate to firing

[Marilynne Lipshutz]

Hello!
I have two new kilns with both top and side elements. Top is on an infinite switch while side elements have a digital controller. All my other kilns (7 others) have only top elements.
I was taught glass "likes to see the heat" and that's why lid elements.

With these two new kilns, since the top element is not managed by a controller, it can't be ramped.
I know some kilns have both top and side elements managed by a controller. Not these two.

Suggestions please? Should I only use the side element? It seems using side elements heats from the perimeter in, unlike the more even heat from top elements.
Using an infinite switch for the top elements ? What is the use of that?

Thank you!
Marilynne Lipshutz

[Brad Walker]

The infinite switch on top can be used to control how much heat comes from the top. In normal operation you set it to high, but you can dial it down if you wish. For casting, you often want side only heat, so can turn the top off.

I used to believe that you had to fuse with top elements, but I no longer believe that. I often fuse with side elements only, just making sure to go slowly enough that uneven heating isn't an issue. Side elements only is also helpful if your piece is very close to the top elements (for example, during a drop firing).

[Marilynne Lipshutz]

Thanks, Brad

I found having a top element with only an infinite switch can be really confusing. Since there is no ramp up, its goes quickly to the setting.
I checked temperatures at distinct settings.
It was really a futile exercise because the glass didn't heat like a ramp up.
Wondering if others have experience with elements set up like these? Can an infinite controller be replaced by digital ?

What is that top element used for in a glass kiln?

[Brad Walker]

Not sure what you mean by "Since there is no ramp up, its goes quickly to the setting." There's the same ramp up with side elements as with top elements, it's basically what you program. As far as temperature rise goes, the main thing having both elements on is it gets you up faster when you're going as fast as possible, which I seldom do.

Regarding replacing the infinite switch, it's a switch, not a controller. I'm not sure what you'd replace the switch with -- if you just turn it to high all the time, it will behave top elements on all the time, which it sounds like is what you want.

As for what the top element is used for in a glass kiln, it's used to heat the glass, just like the side element. With the infinite switch, you just have the option of turning the top element on or off.

[Don Burt]

You can add a programmable controller to each of the kilns safely.
https://kilnfrog.com/collections/manual ... oller-120v