How to Use a Kiln Sitter
Most electric kilns now use kiln sitters to produce more accurate results than timing and witness cones. The kiln sitter uses a junior firing cone that matches the firing temperature of the clay. When the temperature inside the kiln reaches the degree at which the clay is done firing, the junior cone sags, releasing the mechanism that shuts off the kiln. Kiln sitters take practice, but, when used correctly, produce consistent, reliable results. Each kiln may have different instructions for using the kiln sitter, so be sure to check the kiln manual before firing and adhere to all safety precautions.
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Instructions
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1
Look at the clay packaging to determine what number junior cone to use.
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2
Find the sitter fixture on the kiln. The outside of the kiln sitter looks like an electrical box with a metal rod, a button and a swinging metal plate. The inside of the kiln sitter looks like an outlet with two fixed metal prongs and a metal rod that moves up and down.
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3
On the outside of the kiln, lift the swinging metal plate up so that the latch on the metal rod holds the plate in position. At the same time hold up the metal rod on the inside of the sitter.
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4
Slide the junior cone on top of the two fixed metal prongs and let the moving metal rod rest on top. When the clay is done, the junior cone will sag and the metal rod will drop, automatically shutting off the kiln.
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When the kiln is completely loaded and ready to fire, push in the kiln sitter button on the outside of the kiln.
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Tips & Warnings
Sometimes kiln sitters do not work properly, so be sure to set the safety timer for a half an hour after the firing should be complete in case the kiln does not shut off automatically.
Keep a kiln firing record with the date and which number junior cone was used to determine if a different cone number should be used the next time.
Firing an electric kiln can be dangerous. Be sure to rigorously adhere to all safety precautions.
