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Read and understand all operating instructions before operating your kiln.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: |
Kilns are as safe as any other electrical appliance when used
under normal and proper operating conditions. All
safety precautions throughout this manual should be
observed.
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1. |
Do not install kiln closer than 12 inches from any surface. Also read "Choosing a location."
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2. |
Do not place the kiln on any flammable surface (i.e., Carpet, Wood, Linoleum, etc.)
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3. |
Make sure all electrical specifications are followed. Use correct voltage, wire size,
and breaker. Make sure all connections are tight. Avoid using aluminum wire.
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4. |
Always use the proper receptacle.
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5. |
Install in covered, well-ventilated area. Fumes from the ware, glazes, lusters, and paints have to be vented to the
outside. Never use your kiln outside! Avoid moisture.
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6. |
Always keep children and unsupervised personnel away. Surface will get hot and a
burn could result.
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7. |
Do not operate kiln over maximum temperature rating. Ceramic 2300 °F, Glass 1800 °F
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8. |
Fire clay, glaze, overglaze, and glass only to the manufacturer's recommended firing
temperature. Improper firing temperatures could result in damage to your kiln.
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9. |
Replace any worn or defective parts with ONLY genuine Jen-Ken Kiln replacement
parts.
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10. |
Never place anything above or under the kiln for storage, nor should anything be
propped up against the kiln.
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11. |
Do not store or use flammable products near your kiln such as gasoline, paint,
aerosol cans, paper, curtains, plastic, etc.
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12. |
A qualified electrician or service person should be used for all electrical service or
repairs.
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13. |
If the kiln power cord becomes damaged or corroded, replace the cord
immediately.
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14. |
Unplug the kiln before servicing or vacuuming.
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15. |
Do not touch or attempt to replace elements while the kiln is plugged in.
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16. |
Kiln must be properly grounded.
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17. |
Never allow the power cord to touch the kiln. Never use an extension cord.
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18. |
Do not drop or slam the lid shut.
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19. |
Let the kiln cool to room temperature before opening the lid.
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20. |
Make sure all switches are turned to "OFF" before opening the lid.
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21. |
If your ceramic kiln is equipped with a Kiln-Sitter, be sure to have the correct cone in the sitter.
(Example: Do not use a Cone 6 in place of a Cone 06). This would ruin your ware.
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22. |
Be sure the Kiln-Sitter is adjusted properly, as shown in the Dawson Kiln-Sitter Manual.
Check the adjustment periodically (about every 20-30 firings or if the tube assembly in
the kiln has been bumped by a shelf while loading.
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23. |
NEVER LEAVE THE KILN FIRING UNATTENDED.
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24. |
Use common sense while installing and using.
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25. |
Do not reach into a firing kiln.
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26. |
Do not insert any object into a firing kiln.
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27. |
If you must open a kiln during firing, wear high-temperature gloves or you may receive a severe burn.
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CHOOSING A LOCATION:
The proper location is as important as choosing the right kiln. Below are some safety
guidelines.
- The best and safest place for your kiln is on a cement floor. (If not, some type of
adequate fireproof material should be used beneath the kiln to prevent a possible fire
hazard or prevent discoloration of the floor.
- Concrete blocks may be used to raise the kiln or a metal stand that is available from Jen-Ken Kilns.
- Proper electrical service must be available.
Refer to the section on Electrical Specifications.
- Area should be free from flammable or combustible materials such as gasoline, paper,
paints, plastics, etc.
- Area should be covered, dry and with good ventilation to the outside. Kilns do not
produce foul odors and fumes, but some products, like glazes, china paints, lusters, glass paint, and glass,
for example, go through a chemical change in the kiln and release fumes into the air that
with ample cross ventilation to the outside can be kept to a minimum. If ventilation is a
problem, then call to see if an Orton Vent System would help.
- A minimum of 12 inches should be allowed between the kiln sides and the nearest non-combustible wall or object.
- Never place the kiln in a small enclosed area such as a closet, cabinet, or very small
room. The room temperature will increase past a reasonable level quickly. Air
circulation and ventilation are needed to remove heat and vapors that may be released
in the firing. In a larger room the exterior of the kiln will stay cooler than in a very small
room.
- Since the exterior of the kiln gets very hot, place the kiln out of the way of children,
traffic, and work areas.
- Never install a kiln outside and avoid undue moisture.
- Never let the power cord come into contact with the kiln. The kiln may need to be rotated a
little for the cord not to touch the kiln.
The kiln receptacle should be located to the back right of the kiln, about 1 to 2 feet from the
ground. Review the diagram below.
Installation diagrams
Electrical Specifications:
To operate the kiln safely and efficiently, your kiln needs the proper electrical outlet with the
correct electrical capacity and voltage. The chart below will assist you in the selection of
the proper wire and breaker size for your Jen-Ken Kiln. A licensed electrician or the local
power company should determine if you have the proper voltage. A kiln that is manufactured
for 240 volts of service will not run properly on 208 volts. This difference of 32 volts is about
a 25% reduction in power, which hinders a kiln from reaching higher temperatures.
Likewise, if you have, 240 volts and you install a kiln manufactured for 208 volts, it will heat
so rapidly it will damage the ware or glass in the kiln. Improper elements can be dangerous. Be sure to
have the proper elements in your kiln to match the electrical service.
If you have 208 volts of service you need to have 208 volt coils.
If you have 240 volts of service you must have 240 volt coils.
Any changes to your kiln or improper electrical installation will void the warranty.
ELEMENTS: Elements are the coils of wire that produce heat inside the kiln. They are made
from the highest quality, high temperature wire available. During the firing they become very
soft and when cool become brittle. Life expectancy of the elements will depend on the
number of firings and the firing temperatures. At lower temperatures, the elements will last
longer than firing at high temperatures. Care should be taken to make sure that no foreign
matter, such as glazes, clay, or kiln wash, come into contact with the elements. This will
greatly reduce their life expectancy. Regular vacuuming of the kiln lid, bottom, and the
element grooves is recommended.
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If you have any question at all about the electrical hook-up, contact Jen-Ken at (941) 648-0585 during business hours or contact your local electrician.
KILN BRICK
All Jen-Ken Kilns are made of hand-selected 2300 °F refractory brick. The brick is strong
as a whole and has a very long life. The brick can chip easily and care should be taken to
avoid bumps while loading and unloading a shelf. Frequently vacuum the brick lid, the
grooves that the elements are in, and the bottom of the kiln. This will remove the dust, sand,
and loose kiln wash from the kiln. Always unplug the kiln while cleaning it.
KILN JACKET
Your Jen-Ken Kiln is encased in a stainless steel jacket, and is also equipped with
handles for easy moving. Due to the high temperatures, discoloration may appear on the
stainless. A good metal polish usually will remove this discoloration. Do not clean the kiln while firing. Always unplug the kiln while cleaning it.
ACCESSORIES
Shelves: Shelves help you make the most of the inside of your kiln. Shelves are sized a
few inches smaller than the inside diameter of the kiln, so that they can be placed in and out
of the kiln easier. They are made of refractory material so that they should be handled
carefully. Shelves come in full and half sizes. Half shelves enable you to fire tall pieces on
one side of the kiln and smaller ones on the other side. Should a crack appear in a shelf,
break the shelf along the crack and use it as two separate pieces. A good coat of kiln wash
should always be maintained on top of the shelves. Store shelves upright on edge leaning
on a sturdy structure. Shelves stacked flat can put too much pressure on the bottom shelf and
cause it to stress and crack.
Posts: Posts are also made from refractory material and should be handled carefully. Posts
range in height from ½" to 14". They are used to support the shelves in your kiln at
different levels depending on the height of the ware you are firing. Usually three posts allow
you to level the shelf easier (some prefer four).
Ceramic Kiln Wash: Kiln wash is a protective coating used to keep glazes and porcelain
from sticking to the kiln shelf and the kiln floor. Mix the desired amount of dry, high-fire kiln
wash with water to the consistency of a thick cream, and stir thoroughly. Apply several thin
coats of kiln wash with a haike brush to the kiln floor and the tops of the shelves, alternating
directions, and let dry. When areas wear thin, they may be re-coated. If glazes or glass have
dripped onto the shelves or the kiln floor, chip the glazes off, sand and smooth the area, then
reapply the kiln wash.
To test kiln wash, slide your hand over the surface of the kiln-washed
shelf. If your hand is white & powdery, the kiln wash is satisfactory. Perform this test
periodically, and when the palm of your hand is is clean, then re-apply kiln wash to the shelf
to prevent the ware from sticking. Apply a thin coat of kiln wash to the cone supports on the Kiln-Sitter and to the bottom of the
sensing rod where they come into contact with the cone. However, do not apply kiln wash to
the cone or to the side of the porcelain tube. It is best to wear a dust mask
while cleaning and working with kiln wash.
Glass Kiln Wash: Glass kiln wash is a coat the keeps glass from adhering to the kiln shelf
and the kiln floor in the event of a glass run. It is best to wear a dust mask
while cleaning and working with kiln wash.
Stir the kiln wash powder first with a spoon to mix
the clays. Then add the kiln wash to water. The most common mixture is 4 cups of water to one cup of kiln wash powder. Stir to get most of the lumps out. Apply a protective coating of
kiln wash to the floor of the kiln. Hot glass can create holes in the firebrick of the kiln.
Apply kiln wash using a soft bristled brush - a haike brush, for example - to the kiln shelf. Feel free to stir the kiln wash in
the mixing container with the brush as this will keep the clays from settling. Load the brush
heavily with kiln wash when dipping it in. Flow the first coat on in one long brush stroke.
Repeat this with parallel brush strokes. Allow the shelf to absorb most of the moisture, then
apply another coat in a cross direction to the first. Repeat this for 8-10 coats. A thick layer of
kiln wash will be easier to remove later and will last longer too. Too much kiln wash on a
shelf is not a problem, unless it is uneven, but not enough will cause glass to stick to the
shelf and eventually break. Store the unused kiln wash, liquid or powder, in a sealed
container.
Let the shelf stand for several days to dry or place it in the kiln and heat it up to 500 °F. with
the lid propped open one inch. If the shelf surface is not smooth when dried, use the palm
of your hand and rub the kiln-washed shelf gently in a circular motion. For a very smooth surface, wipe the kiln-washed shelf with an old pair of panty hose.
Pyrometer: A pyrometer is a meter used to measure temperature inside the kiln. A
thermocouple (sensing device) is attached to the meter and the end is inserted into the kiln to
obtain the temperature reading. It is useful as a guide to show how fast the temperature is
rising and when you are nearing your desired temperature.
A pyrometer used for ceramics measures only temperature and should not be used as a
substitute for a pyrometric cone in the Kiln-Sitter. A pyrometer can help prevent a potential
over-fire. If the pyrometer reads a higher temperature than the cone firing temperature and
the time is longer than usual, then you can turn the switch(es) to "OFF". If you are in doubt,
about a firing, turn the kiln off, let it cool to room temperature, then inspect the cone and the
firing. It far cheaper to put a new cone in and re-fire, than to over-fire the load. A
thermocoupler can be inserted in through an open peephole. Sometimes this allows too
much heat loss, then a peephole plug may be ordered that has a hole pre-drilled through it.
Then the thermocoulper can slide in though peephole plug into the kiln.
A pyrometer used for glass work is a useful tool that can gauge the rise in temperature over a
period of time. Example: Take the temperature reading, wait 10 minutes, take the reading
again, subtract the first from the second to find the difference. Then divide this number by 10
minutes to give the rate of rise per minute.
- First temperature reading 500 °F; Second temperature reading 725 °F; difference of
225°. Divide 225° by 10 minutes equals 22.5 °F per minute rise in temperature.
There is a ½" thermocoupler hole in the steel jacket, located on the back right side of the
kiln. If the hole is to be used, you will need to drill through the brick using a ½" drill bit for
large thermocouplers or a ¼" bit for small ones. The hole is easy to drill by just spinning the bit
with your fingers. Slowly push the bit in and out of the hole clearing the dust each time. Be
sure to vacuum up the brick dust. If there is not a hole in the steel jacket then a peephole
plug may be ordered that has a hole pre-drilled through it. Then the thermocouple can slide
in though the peephole plug in the kiln.
Insert the thermocoupler at least three inches into the kiln and do not allow the tip to touch
anything inside the kiln. Make sure the ceramic block or the alloy rods never touch the
outside metal skin of the kiln.
Lid Prop: On glass kilns with the control panel mounted on the front and center of the kiln, there is a metal bar with two notches. This is the lid prop. (There is no lid prop on the 28-inch kiln.)
The lid prop will enable the kiln to be vented for moisture and fume removal on the temperature rise, usually to about 800 °F. Then close the lid for the rest of the firing.
Then the lid prop can be used to increase the cool-down time period after firing. Do not use the lid prop to cool down until the kiln temperature is below the annealing and critical temperature zone or you may introduce thermal shock into the glass, causing it to crack.
WARNING: Do not touch the lid handle or the lid prop with your bare hands during firing or cooling down. Due to the escaping heat, all these items will be very hot and you will receive a severe burn. Wear high-temperature gloves to touch anything if you are using the lid prop.
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JEN-KEN
KILN WARRANTY
JEN-KEN KILNS are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship when used under normal and proper conditions for the periods specified below. The warranty period begins at the date of original purchase from JEN-KEN KILNS, a JEN-KEN KILN authorized distributor or dealer.
JEN-KEN KILN is warranted for 2 years from date of original purchase, including elements.
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Dawson
Kiln Sitter |
is warranted by a separate 1-year warranty from W. P. Dawson, Inc.
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Fire Right Panel |
is warranted by a separate 1-year plan from W. P. Dawson, Inc.
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Perfect Fire II Panel (Ceramic) |
is warranted by a separate 1-year plan from Canadian Instrumentation Company
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Perfect Fire III Panel (Glass) |
is warranted by a separate 1-year plan from Canadian Instrumentation Company
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Auto Fire Panel (Ceramic) |
is warranted by a separate 2-year plan from The Orton Company
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Auto Fire Panel (Glass) |
is warranted by a separate 2-year plan from The Orton Company
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Dial-A-Temp Panel |
is warranted for 1 year
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Crucible Kiln |
elements are not warranted.
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To Claim Under the Warranty the Purchaser Must:
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Provide written proof of the date of purchase.
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Notify JEN-KEN KILN, or our distributor/dealer from whom the kiln was purchased
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Make the kiln immediately available for inspection.
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For Warranty Repairs:
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Warranty repairs should be handled through the distributor/dealer from whom the kiln was purchased who will arrange for any repairs or replacement of parts under the terms of the warranty and upon receipt of the kiln or defective parts. Warranty work, other than that performed at the factory; does not include labor, just parts.
The defective part may be returned to JEN-KEN KILNS (postage prepaid), 3615 Ventura Drive W., Lakeland, Florida, USA 33811. Include your name and address, a letter of explanation, and the name and address of the dealer from where the kiln was originally purchased. If after factory examination the part is found to be defective, a new or repaired part will be sent prepaid by JEN-KEN KILN.
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If the entire kiln is to be returned to the factory, all transportation costs are the responsibility of the purchaser. The purchaser should notify JEN-KEN KILN at 800-329-5456 or 941-648-0585 prior to shipping. We will advise the best shipping method and if it is necessary to return the entire kiln or only certain parts. Factory warranty work will be performed within 30 days after the defective part is returned to the factory.
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JEN-KEN KILN reserves the right, at its option, to replace the entire kiln or any part of it in order to fulfill its obligation under this warranty. |
This Warranty Does Not Cover:
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Freight Damage
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Kilns altered in any way after leaving our factory
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Abuse or neglect, moisture, improper storage
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Improper Installation
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5. |
Kiln Overfires - (exceeding the melting temperatures of the materials being fired) regardless of the cause of the overfire.
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6. |
Dawson Kiln Sitter or Limit Timer
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Kilns operated on incorrect voltage
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8. |
Improper Electrical Installation
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Kiln Furniture
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10. |
Kiln Ware
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11. |
Kilns used for purposes other than firing ceramic or glass materials
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12. |
Kilns operated in excess of the temperature rating of the kiln
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13. |
Damages that may occur from kilns that are fired on or near combustible materials (example: wood floors.)
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This Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. JEN-KEN KILN neither assumes nor authorizes any Distributor, Dealer, Retailer, or employee to assume for it any other obligations of liabilities in connection with JEN-KEN KILNS.
This warranty is limited as specified above and excludes incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you, This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
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For all service questions, contact:
JEN-KEN KILNS
3615 Ventura Drive West
Lakeland, FL 33811 USA
(941) 648-0585
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