ments for that
switch have cycled
off. The higher the
setting, the longer
the elements stay
on during each cy-
cle. On the MAX
(High) position,
the elements stay
on continuously.
The switch can
be turned from
MIN, 1 - 5, to MAX.
MIN is the slowest
heating rate. The 3
position is Me-
dium. As you turn
the switch from
MIN to progres-
sively higher num-
bers, the kiln be-
gins to heat at a
faster rate. The
switch is called an
infinite control be-
cause you can posi-
tion the pointer anywhere between MIN and MAX to vary
the firing rate. When you finally turn the switch to MAX,
the kiln will fire at the maximum rate.
Q
Is there any documentation that has the ap-
proximate rate of speed on the infinite control
switch? For example, the heating rate when the
knob is set to 2.5.
A
The heating rate at a particular infinite control
setting varies from one kiln to another. This is
because the rate at each setting depends on the
size of the kiln, voltage, age of elements, type of
insulation, etc.
Q
Instructions for certain glazes state that the
kiln should be fired at a certain rate per hour.
How do you know how fast the kiln is firing?
A
Use a pyrometer to figure the firing rate at
each switch setting on your particular kiln. The
rate at those settings will be fairly repeatable.
If your S-series kiln has more than one switch, you can
use them to help balance the heat in the kiln. The top
switch controls heating elements in the top half of the
kiln; the bottom switch controls heating elements in the
bottom half. If your kiln has three switches, the middle
switch controls elements in the middle of the kiln. To add
more heat to a section of the kiln, turn the switch for that
section to a higher position sooner than the other
switches.
S-Series Firing Schedules
These firing schedules are only suggestions. You will
need to test fire your kiln to find the schedule best suited
for your ware. Most S-Series kilns also have a gen-
eral-purpose firing schedule printed on the front of the
kiln's switch box.
Decals
Prop the lid in the vented
position and remove the
peephole plug(s). Turn
switch(es) to MIN for 45
minutes or until moisture
no longer appears on a mir-
ror held near the lid. (Mois-
ture indicates that steam is
still coming out of the kiln.)
Turn switch(es) to MAX (High). Close the lid
from the vented position and insert the plug in
the bottom peephole.
Low-Fire Greenware and Glaze
Prop the lid in the vented
position and remove the
peephole plug(s). Turn
switch(es) to MIN for 2
hours or until moisture no
longer appears on a mirror
held near the lid. (Moisture
indicates that steam is still
coming out of the kiln.)
Turn switch(es) to 3 (Medium) for 2 hours.
Turn switch(es) to MAX (High). Close the lid
from the vented position and insert the plug in
the bottom peephole.
Porcelain and Stoneware
Prop the lid in the vented
position and remove the
peephole plug(s). Turn
switch(es) to MIN for 1 1/2
hours or until moisture no
longer appears on a mirror
held near the lid. (Moisture
indicates that steam is still
coming out of the kiln.)
Turn switch(es) to 3 (Medium) for 1 1/2 hours.
Turn switch(es) to MAX (High). Close the lid
from the vented position and insert the plug in
the bottom peephole.
12
The infinite control switches.
