Kiln Furniture and Controllers

Kiln Controllers

ST315 Kiln Program Controller

Price £302.50 + VAT*


The ST315 is very easy to use and has the ability to run very sophisticated programs; it is   therefore useful not only for straightforward ceramic firing but also for the more complex programs for example glass slumping and macro crystal glaze firings. The excellent value brings it within reach of those working on tight budgets.

     

 

The ST315 defines soaks by hours and minutes and ramps by degrees per hour; it has the following features-

  • Nine programs each with nine fully adjustable segments.
  • A segment has a target temperature a heating/cooling ramp and a soak; any of which may be bypassed if not required.
  • Delay start up to maximum 99hrs 59mins.
  • Automatic Shut Off.
  • Digital display throughout firing.
  • Over-temperature safety and surge protection.
  • Event relay for operating external equipment available as optional extra.
  • Keyboard locking facility.
  • Energy used display.
*Please note price includes 2m compensating cable and harting plug; other fittings may differ in price.

 

ST222 Plug In Kiln Program Controller

The ST222 kiln program controller is designed for small plug in 13amp kilns with power rating up to 3kW. It is ideal for retro fitting to kilns with KilnSitters as it involves no electrical work it can simply be plugged in. In addition to the controller you will also need a thermocouple of appropriate length to measure the temperature inside the kiln. This controller turns your manual kiln into a fully automatic system capable of firing all ceramic and glass programs.

The ST222 has the same operating base as the ST315, i.e. 9 programs each having 9 segments. Each segment consists of a heating ramp, a target temperature and a soak. For full details see the ST315 specifications.

Specifications:

  • Size: 173mm x 86mm x 44mm
  • Material: black ABS (Flameproof)
  • Power supply: 216.2volt –2503volt
  • Maximum: 3kW
  • Fuse: 13amp

Price £266.25 plus VAT.

 

Thermocouples

Thermocouples measure the temperature inside a kiln and transmit the information to the kiln controller.  The most common thermocouple type used on Cromartie kilns is type “S”. Type “R” was used prior to 1991 and the Perfect Fire series of controllers mostly used type “K”.  When replacing a thermocouple it is vital to ensure that you have the correct one, a serious underfire or overfire could occur.  

Thermocouples also come in various lengths, it is important to have at least 25mm (1”) of the thermocouple protruding into the kiln chamber.  Top loading Cromartie kilns mostly used the 115mm (4.5”) length but there were variations; front loading kilns have longer thermocouples usually up to 305mm (12”) overall length.  Smaller thermocouples are priced £40/£50 but prices vary as thermocouple wire is made from platinum and other precious metals which fluctuate in price.  Please ask for advice when ordering.

 

ST610B Portable Pyrometer

 

The ST610B is a handy inexpensive pyrometer designed for spot checking all types of kilns including gas, electric, raku, wood and oil burners. As it is battery powered it is ideal for outside use and the large digital display is easy to read. A small thermocouple is provided for testing the instrument, it not suitable for kiln use, you will need a thermocouple of appropriate length to suit your kiln, please ask for details.

Size 170mm L x 85mm W x 45mm H.

 

 

Specifications-

  • User selectable thermocouple types: R, S, K and N
  • Large clear 34mm display
  • Blue display backlight
  • Long battery life (PP3) with auto power-off
  • Units ° C, ° F, Kelvin
  • Resolution 1°  / 0.1°
  • Maximum temperature logging feature
  • Display hold feature
  • Rubberised protective holster
  • Storage case
  • K type thermocouple supplied
  • Wide choice of thermocouples available

Price £99.00 plus vat and postage.

 

Kiln Furniture

View our range of furniture for Cromartie-Skutt kilns here.

Cromartie kiln furniture is made from high quality refractory clays designed for firing to 1300°C. We recommend that you always test batts before using to ensure that they are not cracked. Test by “ringing” with a metal object, a clear ring means that the batt is intact a dull ring could mean that the batt is damp. Use Cromartie batt wash on the surface of the batts to minimise glaze absorption and damage from glaze runs.

Props

 


Used to support kiln shelves, three props are normally used to support each shelf to give stable support, though larger square or rectangular shelves may be suited to four props.


 


 

Prop Extensions

 

For extending tubular props, Prop Extensions have a recess at one end and a plug at the other to enable them to be slotted into each other and into the props.



Prop Connectors

 Prop Connectors are like Prop Extensions except that they have two plugs and no recess so that they will  connect two props one on top of the other.



Prop Base or Collar

    
     Tubular props slot into the Prop Base to give greater stability.




Batt Wash

Batt wash protects the surface of your kiln shelves from small deposits of glaze left on the base of pots by creating a barrier that absorbs the glaze. Batt wash comes as a white powder, mix with water to make a liquid the consistency of single cream and paint it onto the top surface of the kiln shelves only. Over time the batt wash will wear away when this becomes obvious it is time to repaint.

Spacers

Use spacers under the base bats to lift it clear of the base brick. Always position props in line with the spacer.

Tile Cranks

 

 Tile Cranks are used to support tiles in the kiln. The uprights (legs) slot into a base/cover at either end producing a frame into which the tiles are placed. Ledges protruding from the uprights support the tiles. Use our refractory cement to give a secure and rigid assembly. Two base/covers  and either three or four uprights as indicated are needed for each set.




Refractory Cement

Designed for all refractory uses, this cement gives a permanent rigid construction to Tile Cranks. It is an air drying paste that hardens to its full potential in firing. Apply sufficient to fill the hole around the spigot when in place in the Base/Cover. Remove excess cement with a knife, (not a wet cloth) and ensure assembly is held square for 24 hours while setting.

Pyrometric Cones

 
Cones, (Pyrometric cones) and minibars soften and bend at specific temperatures. Their function is to measure the combined effect of temperature and time. Cones are used as visual indicators of heatwork; they are sometimes referred to as witness cones.


 

Minibars

 

Minibars are used exclusively in KilnSitter kiln controllers where the bending action shuts off the kiln. Each cone is given a temperature value, e.g. cone 04 is 1070°C, this will vary depending on the rate of temperature rise.




 

Stilts

 Stilts are for supporting ware with glazed bottoms in the kiln. Each stilt has a raised point on the end of each leg which supports the ware. Stilts leave small firing marks in the glaze which can be removed with a Stilt Stone (carborundum stick). Disposable Stilts are designed for one firing only but with care several firing are possible.


 

 

 Metal Pointed Stilts perform the same function as disposable stilts but they have sharper metal points which leave smaller marks in the fired glaze. Metal Pointed Stilts can be used many times over.

 

Tee Cranks

Tee cranks are refractories for plates that are stacked to form a stable and secure assembly to support the ware during firing. To prevent the foot of the plates sticking to the crank, pins can be rested in slots. Tee cranks have a flat construction that allows ware to be placed by sliding in sideways without rebuilding the crank. For deeper plates use the distance spacer which adds height to the crank legs.