plunger and allowing the button to pop out to its
original position. Repeat the operation 6 - 12 times
to loosen the mechanism.
Note:
For reliable operation of the Kiln Sitter, the
kiln should be level. You can level it by inserting
shims under the stand legs.
Kiln Sitter Operation
Regardless of your firing experience, check the opera-
tion of your new Kiln Sitter by watching large pyrometric
cones placed in the kiln behind a peephole for at least 12
firings. (These are called witness cones. See "Paragon
Ceramic Kiln Instruction and Service Manual.") We rec-
ommend that you use large witness cones in every firing.
Their cost is less than the smallest piece of greenware,
and using witness cones is the only way to check the
accuracy of your Kiln Sitter.
Keep a firing log book so that you can accurately esti-
mate the firing time for each type of ware.
Turn the kiln switch(es) to the OFF position.*
Remove the metal
firing gauge and
save.
Caution:
Do not fire
with the metal gauge
in place! Serious
damage to the kiln
and Kiln Sitter will
result.
Apply a thin coat of high fire kiln wash to the upper
edges of the cone supports and the lower side of
the actuating rod. The application of kiln wash
should be thin enough to dry in 5 to 10 minutes.
Note:
It is a good idea to have two sets of cone
supports. They easily slide out of their slots. Coat
the extra set with kiln wash while the other set is
in the kiln. The fresh set will be dry and ready the
next time you load the kiln. Do not allow kiln
wash to build up on the cone supports.
Note:
Keep a small bottle of kiln wash near the
kiln. A nail polish bottle with the built-in brush is
a convenient applicator. Shake the bottle before
each use.
WARNING: You MUST apply kiln wash before each
firing. Otherwise the cone could stick to the metal and
prevent the Kiln Sitter from shutting off the kiln. Remove
old kiln wash and apply new before each firing. Do not al-
low kiln wash to touch the cone or the inside of Kiln Sitter
tube. Make sure the kiln wash has dried before inserting
the cone.
Note:
Examine the cone supports each time you
fire the kiln, and replace them if they are cor-
roded or warped. Use emery cloth to remove
traces of greenware, corrosion, or bits of melted
cones. These foreign materials can catch on the
cone, preventing it from slumping freely.
Check that the sensing rod moves up and down
freely and is centered in the tube. (Do not fire the
kiln if the sensing rod movement is sluggish,
which may indicate that corrosion has built up in-
side the tube. If necessary, replace the tube.)
Raise the weight and lightly press the release claw
down over the trigger.
After checking the number on the small pyromet-
ric cone to be sure it is correct, place the cone un-
der the actuating
rod and on top of
the cone supports.
The cone should
be centered on the
cone supports, and
the rod should rest
on the center of the
cone. Never apply pressure to the cone when you
load it into the Kiln Sitter. Handle cones as if they
were extremely fragile.
7
Applying the kiln wash is easier
if you remove the cone sup-
ports.
Apply kiln wash to the cone sup-
ports. Let the kiln wash dry before
inserting the cone.
*To turn off the Paragon SnF kiln: Turn the top switch to the OFF posi-
tion. The second switch (and third, if you have one) is a switch-timer.
Turn the switch-timer pointer to a number, then turn clockwise until it
clicks and points to "On." Turn it clockwise one more click to the right
to turn it off.
