Idaho Potter Posted June 2, 2012 Report Share Posted June 2, 2012 I love my Scutt digital electronic kiln. It fires bisque better because ramping is available firing up or cooling down. Glazes come out great, too. I have an older Cress kiln (no separate rings) that I've been using mainly for bisque firing. I would really like to have the ability of ramping with this kiln, too. I've spoken with Scutt's tech and they say there's no problem, just plug the wall controller into the wall and the Cress into the controller. For some reason it doesn't seem like it should be that easy. Am I asking for trouble when it's not there? If you have considered this or are currently using such a device, I'd sure appreciate your input. Kind of spendy, but if it will allow me to have two digital kilns, the conversion will cost less than a third of a new kiln. Appreciate any useful comments. Thanks, Shirley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 The one other thing you did not mention was you have to hook up the controllers pyrometer to your kiln. With this hooked up it tells the controller to give more or less juice depending on what needed. If I recall you set all your kiln switches to high as well. Other than the 500-600$ to buy one thats it. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yedrow Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 You can get a Bartlett controller for around $250 I think. That's the controller on the L&L. You will need relays that will handle the amps, btw. I don't know if one controller has the right relays for another kiln. I'm stepping up the kiln size so I'd better check that (reminder, lol) I'm about to do the same thing with an Orton controller and an old Excel kiln. We'll have to compare notes. If mine works out I'll have a computer controlled (PID) kiln in great shape for under $500, w00t!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoobydoozie Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 Yes, indeed, I have considered it for my old EvenHeat. Seems like a great deal. When you buy a new kiln, you don't have to pay for the controller again and you can still use cones as a safety or by themselves. The other plus is that it can be mounted at an easy to use height. Haven't made the purchase yet, but will be very interested how you like it if you make the purchase. PS - I have a Skutt glass kiln with digital controller and absolutely LOVE it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted June 5, 2012 Report Share Posted June 5, 2012 The Skutt wall mount controller works great. Yes, a Bartlett controller is cheaper (Skutt uses that one, too, not just L&L), but you'll also need relays, a transformer, thermocouples, wires, outlet, power cord, and the knowledge to assemble it together in a box and get it to work. It's easier to buy on. That said, I think the controller is overpriced at $895. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted June 5, 2012 Report Share Posted June 5, 2012 I did this about eight years ago for my old Crucible oval kiln and a Barlett wall mounted controller. I don't remember it being complicated to do. It worked great. I left that set up with my coop members back in Montana. My new oval has a controller built onto it. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLowes Posted June 5, 2012 Report Share Posted June 5, 2012 You might also consider AIM Kilns, as they can put together, as they call it, field controller that you plug in for power and plug your kiln into for control, the same as Skutt. Give them some kiln specification information and they can quote you. http://aimkiln.com/aimcontrollers.htm Vulcan Kilns also puts together an Orton Autofire based controller that they sell on Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/...=item25710141c6 I have corresponded with both of these companies while deciding how to automate my kilns and found them helpful and knowledgeable. Either one can make a plug and play controller for you. I also looked at the Skutt wall mount controller, but it did not have the amps rating I needed. My local pottery supply was able to give me a quote considerably below the advertised price, so ask yours, they may be able to pull the price down as well. I will probably continue on my path to make my own, as I want to share the controller between two kilns. Were it not for that, I think it would be great to be able to take something out of a box, mount it on the wall, and plug and play. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idaho Potter Posted June 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2012 Many thanks to all of you who commented on this. Will probably stick with the Skutt because--except for drilling a hole for the thermocouple--it is a plug-and-play unit. Thie price I was quoted by the Skutt techie (back in March) was $649. Sure hope that is the price and not the one mentioned by Neil of $895. After I get it up and running, I'll post my comments--good or bad--back here on the forum. Thanks, again Shirley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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