Skutt GP706 - Manual (Page 2)

O
PERATING
I
NSTRUCTIONS
GP706 KILN OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
UNPACKING YOUR KILN
Inspect your new kiln shipping carton before opening. Look for any signs of external damage. Open the shipping
carton carefully. Thoroughly inspect the kiln for any signs of damage. If your kiln has been damaged in shipment, call your
distributor for repair instructions. Be sure to save the shipping carton and all packing materials should it be necessary to
return the kiln to the factory.
WHERE TO LOCATE YOUR KILN
Locate your kiln in a dry, well ventilated spot. It is best to locate the kiln at least 18 inches away from any walls.
Never locate your kiln near combustible materials. Your kiln stand can be placed directly on the fl oor but it is advisable to
provide some fl oor protection such as a wood stove mat or other non-fl ammable material. Ensure that a 120 volt, 15 amp
power supply is available within reach of the kiln’s power cord. A 20 amp power supply is better. Be sure the kiln’s power
cord never touches the kiln’s outer surfaces to avoid possible heat damage to the cord. Locate your kiln in a place where
loading and unloading it is easy.
SETTING UP YOUR KILN
Locate your kiln’s goodie bag shipped inside the kiln. Find the four black plastic caps and install them on the kiln’s
stand legs. Place the stand on the fl oor in the position you chose for the kiln. If necessary, level the kiln stand by placing a
shim under one of the stand legs. Small metal plates or pieces of wood may be used for this purpose. Place the kiln on the
kiln stand, centering the kilns bottom slab on the stand. Remember to position the kiln’s controls for easy access and note
how the kiln lid will open. Install the lid brace on the side of the kiln using the small knurled thumbscrew provided. The kiln
interior may be gently vacuumed to remove any brick dust that may have accumulated during shipping.
CONNECTING YOUR KILN TO THE POWER SUPPLY
Ensure that the kiln’s power switch is in the OFF position. Plug the kilns power cord into the 120 volt receptacle you
plan to use. Ensure that the kiln’s lid is closed, and turn the kiln switch to HIGH. The pilot light on the control box should il-
luminate. Leave the switch in the HIGH position for about 5 minutes then turn the switch to OFF. Unplug the kiln, open the
lid and lock it in place with the lid brace. Very carefully check for signs of heat from the heating element in the kiln lid. DO
NOT TOUCH THE HEATING ELEMENT AS IT WILL BE VERY HOT. If the heating element is warm, the kiln is ready
for it’s fi rst fi ring. If the kiln fails to heat or your circuit breaker trips, it will be necessary to call your distributor or electri-
cian for advice. Skutt Ceramic’s customer service may be called if a distributor or electrician is unavailable.
YOUR FIRST FIRING
It is advisable to perform the fi rst fi ring with the kiln empty. This fi ring will ensure that the kiln heating element is
properly oxidized (broken in). Install the kilns ceramic peep plug if you wish. Turn the kiln’s switch to the #4 position and
leave there for 30 minutes. This will allow the kiln to begin heating slowly. After 30 minutes, turn the kiln swith to HIGH
and let the kiln fi re until 1500 degrees is attained. Then shut the kiln off and allow to cool normally. If your kiln is not
equipped with a pyrometer, fi re it on HIGH for about one hour or until dull red heat is attained in the kiln.