[Ray Bright]

I am about to fire a kiln I bought used for the 1st time. I am testing some glazes and the kiln, and want to use only one ring of a Skutt 231-18. I have no instruction manual, so I assume I just remove the top ring, remove the lid from it, and fire it up? Sounds too easy, am I over-thinking this?

R  P4080005.JPG (1.75MB)
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[neilestrick]

You can do that, but the difference in firing cost would be minimal. If you do it, make sure there's no risk of someone (children) sticking something into the exposed interbox plug while it's firing. And move it away from the wall and get those rugs out of there, too. Nothing flammable with 24 inches!

[Ray Bright]

[quote name='neilestrick' date='03 October 2012 - 12:41 PM' timestamp='1349286103' post='23046']
You can do that, but the difference in firing cost would be minimal.

Thanks. I was thinking about the cost, and assume it to be 1/2.

R

[neilestrick]

[quote name='Ray Bright' date='03 October 2012 - 12:22 PM' timestamp='1349288578' post='23055']

neilestrick, on 03 October 2012 - 12:41 PM, said:

You can do that, but the difference in firing cost would be minimal.

Thanks. I was thinking about the cost, and assume it to be 1/2.

R

Only a couple of dollars.

[Ray Bright]

Have not fired this kiln. Do you have a guess as to how long it will take to reach cone 05?

[neilestrick]

Hard to say, and depends on your firing schedule. Somewhere between 6 and 12 hours....

[Mark C.]

Just leave them together and fire.The cost will not matter much and it will be safer and easier,
My 2 cents

[Ray Bright]

Mark C., on 04 October 2012 - 12:59 AM, said:

Just leave them together and fire.The cost will not matter much and it will be safer and easier,
My 2 cents

There is a separate switch to turn the electric on for the top section. Should I leave that off, if I'm keeping the top section on? This is a test firing, I don't have enough material to fill the kilt above the 1st level.

R

[bciskepottery]

For a test firing, you might want to leave both sections on -- that way you'll know if the elements, relays, etc. in both sections work. Stack the wares loosely so some are fired in both sections.

[neilestrick]

You have to turn on all sections or it won't reach temperature.