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How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:30 pm
by JeffP
Hi
I have a Paragon Fusion 14 which is a top loader, elements in lid, and peep hole on side.
Just put in my first attempt at a slump and realised I can't actually see to the bottom of the mold

to see if it has slumped fully.
I assume that opening the lid to look is a bad thing, so how do I know when the slump is complete, other than let the schedule run and see?
Thanks
Jeff
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:40 pm
by Brock
Looking briefly at slumping temps is no problem.
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:56 pm
by Kevin Midgley
protect your eyeballs etc.
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:57 pm
by JeffP
Brock wrote:Looking briefly at slumping temps is no problem.
Thanks Brock. I was concerned that it would remove too much heat, or worse crack the plate.
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:59 pm
by JeffP
Kevin Midgley wrote:protect your eyeballs etc.
I am wearing green kiln glasses, but I had someone say to me that even that isn't full protection and I should only look when absolutely necessary. What is your take on this? Do the glasses offer fully protection or only partial?
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 10:08 pm
by Kevin Midgley
I rarely look. Don't want cataracts.
Murphy's law says bleep drops on the glass from opening and closing lid during firing.
Check the suppliers above.
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:35 pm
by Laurie Spray
You can open it enough to take a quick good look. Wear good long gloves and you will be fine (no longnhair, syn clothes). You just never want your glass to fall below 1100 is my rule.
Take your first look around 1200 if it is a shallow mold. Take notes so next time you will not have to open!
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:00 pm
by Brock
I think observing safety precautions is a good idea. However, I didn't know any better and looked in my kilns daily for over 20 years. I'm not recommending it, but sometimes dangers are exaggerated to ensure compliance.
Re: How to check top loader for slump
Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:02 pm
by Brock
JeffP wrote:Brock wrote:Looking briefly at slumping temps is no problem.
Thanks Brock. I was concerned that it would remove too much heat, or worse crack the plate.
No, you'll be fine.
You can open, take a look and close and you'll only lose 50 degrees, or so.