Hulk

If you want to fire to cone 6, you may find that this kiln has trouble getting to cone 6, and you would be better getting a kiln rated for 8 or higher.

I'll second the recommendation of McKenzie's book
I've been a traction fan for over fifty years, that too!
Much better these last few days, thanks all...

Had 2 broken vertebrae when 19, wore a back brace 3yr, chest constrictor 2 yr. Back pain is not new, but found that push-ups, and other exercises alleviated the pain. When bad, wedging helped also, Hanging from an overhead bar and wiggling your hips help also. In the long run better muscles do the job, but the older we get. .. . 
best,
Pres

Treat Your Own Back, by Robin McKensie. 
This book did wonders for my lower back, by opening my eyes to what I was doing wrong. Changed some daily habits, and my back has never felt better. It’s an inexpensive book, and a quick read. Highly recommend it!

Back pain is no fun, Tom. I put up with it for way too long until about 2 years ago. I went in to get treated for what I thought was sciatica which I put up with for more than 20 years. After PT which only made it worse, and an epidural which seemed to work for about a month, they did an MRI which showed that I had spinal stenosis. Arthritis in my L4-L5 vertebrae was impinging on my spinal cord causing all the problems. I underwent spinal surgery which took care of all the back and leg probs I had been putting up with for so long. Lower back and leg pain is now a distant memory.
Take care of yourself!

Congrats on the new kiln,  I bought the slightly shorter model like your about 9 months ago with a Genisis controller.   I was also hesitant to jump into controlled firings,   I had been using a dual Skutt digital thermocouple set up for 15 years.  The L&L  had a larger diameter than my old Skutt so my husband put commercial casters on it.  I keep it in a corner and then roll it out to load, fire and unload.   With it deep in the corner I have room to work with my other kilns.  I will be checking out John Blicks firing schedules.  Have fun!    Denice

Good Luck, Tom...I think you'll find auto-firing a delight. You will have to experiment with firing schedules at first and there should be some recommendations in the user's manual. I also found John brick's schedules to be helpful. Once you've established your primary schedules, future firings will be a breeze!

thanks a lot, Hulk

I did a small planting this year. 5 okra, 5 bigboy tomato, 5 sakura tomato, 5 cucumber. Should be more than enough to feed us and some neighbors. They are already in the ground I sprouted them from seed in the studio a while ago. About 12'' tall now. Okra is starting to produce as well as the Sakuras. It will be hot in Georgia in a month!
As far as what kept me away, a few things. My job was killing my shoulder and pottery was just adding to it. On top of that I had a 3rd son, and started a business during the pandemic. Spent about 2 years working 60+ hours a week between my job and my business. I left my job back in the end of January and haven't looked back. Thankfully my shoulder is on the mend now and doesn't hurt all day and night anymore.
I think I am going to focus on making jars for the forseeable future. I love making cups and such, but for some reason I am just drawn to making lidded jars right now. Go to go where the heart calls.
 
 

We closed out our storage units last week.
Yesterday we moved out of our son's house and spent our first night in the new house!

Nice!

Hooray!  Congratulations!

A “garagio”! Nice space!!

Exciting times! Your new neighbourhood is lucky to have you.

Missed bowling 4 times last week, but I have seen much improvement, and am now walking upright with only some discomfort. Whoooow!

Best wishes for speedy recovery!

WOW! Talk about a quick response! I really appreciate the return to the old format!
Thank you!

you are going to have many  very happy birds in chico.  and the vegetation will get even lovelier than that photo.   can't wait to see the new location description in your avatar.

Congratulations on your new house and studio,  you will love having a real studio.   I have had areas in homes that I worked  in and even a tiny building  but they were never a real studio.    We built our new house and  a studio  plumbed  and wired for a potter (me).   I love it,  I could live in it,  when you get settled you will love your studio.    Denice

Way cool!!! Best wishes-how exciting!

Chico is going to be a big change from Los Osos. You mentioned IMCO in Sacramento for your clay. You also have Alpha Fired Arts in Sacramento for ALL your needs. If you're in the Sacramento area in the future, let me know and we can do lunch!

Congrats? on getting into your new place. Your old studio looked great!, and that back yard looked really nice.
We had to add heat/air to ours too, and the heat broke in October, the part finally arrived in January, lol.

Beautiful garden. You never know how much stuff you have until you pack it up and move it  I wish you well in finding a new home.

Hi Sparky,
Welcome to the forum!
Please post your question under the Equipment Use and Repair sub-forum.
A picture of the kiln may be helpful as well, and a close up of the information plate (indicating the model number, amperage rating, max temperature, etc.).

Thank you pres, min hulk & old lady, consult with ortho surgeon is Fri for plan of action. I'm sure it will turn out OK, I'm hoping a month and I can throw small or at do least slab work.