Skutt FireBox8x6 LT - Manual (Page 5)

5
5
Locating the Kiln
• Install in a well ventilated, sheltered area such as a carport, garage, utility or hobby room. allow a minimum
18 inches (46 cm) of space between your kiln and adjacent walls, other kilns, shelving, etc. when multiple kilns
will be installed in the same room, make sure the control boxes on the kiln are not facing adjacent kilns. radiant
heat from nearby kilns can damage the controller.
• For small rooms, monitor the firing so room temperatures do not exceed 100ºF (38ºc). do not fire if room
temperatures are 32ºF (0ºc) or less as damage to the kiln may result.
• locate the kiln on a noncombustible surface such as bare cement or ceramic tile. If a non combustible surface is
not available, the uniform mechanical code requires two inches of masonry below the kiln extending a minimum
of 12” (31 cm) beyond the outside circumference of the kiln.
• when installing a kiln in a room with a fire control sprinkler system, do not place kilns within a 10 ft. (3m)
radius below sprinkler heads. If this is not possible, contact skutt for alternative solutions before installing.
• all kilns are vulnerable to the highly corrosive effects of marine air. If you live near salt water, locate the kiln
indoors and protect it from damp air.
Coating Shelves With Kiln Wash
Kiln wash is a high alumina powder that you mix with water then paint on your kiln shelf. When dry it has a powdery
look and feel to it. It is designed to protect your kiln shelf in case something melts onto it. The kiln wash acts as a barrier,
protecting the shelf from the molten material.
1. Mix kiln wash with water until it is the consistency of heavy cream.
2. Use a brush to paint a thin layer on one side of the shelf and let it dry.
3. Brush on another thin layer making your strokes perpendicular to the first brush strokes and let dry.
Placing the Shelf
The shelf should be placed in the center of the kiln on top of the 3 evenly spaced shelf posts Be careful not to
hit the thermocouple when placing the shelf. Do not try to load the shelf while there is power to the kiln.
Test Firing the Kiln
It is always a good idea to run a test fire before you fire your kiln with valuable art inside. Place an 04 Self
Supporting Pyrometric Cone on a posted shelf about 2 inches from the thermocouple and chamber wall, close
the lid, and follow the instructions in this manual for programming a Cone 04 Cone Fire Mode program.
After you press start the kiln will run the program. It should take approximately 7.5 hours to fire then needs
to cool. You may see a little smoke. This is just some residual oil burning off the elements. When the kiln has
cooled to room temperature open the lid and inspect the cone. It should now be bent over. The more it bends
the more heatwork. Below are images of cones with varying degree of bends. If your cone falls within the ac-
ceptable range you are good to go. If your cones do not fall within this range chances are your kiln just needs
a slight adjustment. Contact a Skutt Technician at (503) 774-6000. To purchase cones when needed go to
www.kilnarts.org and find a dealer near you.
G
ettinG
S
tarted