[Help with using a Duncan Automatic Teacher-Plus Kiln]

When I use the Witness cones they are not bending at all

 

[Help with using a Duncan Automatic Teacher-Plus Kiln]

On 8/7/2018 at 8:50 AM, neilestrick said:

You need small cones or bars, for whatever cone you're firing to. Most folks bisque to cone 04, then you'll glaze to whatever cone your clay matures at. Your clay and glaze should mature at the same temp. In electric kilns, that generally means either cone 04/05 or cone 5/6. To use the cone, lift the weight on the sitter, push down the claw that holds the weight, then place the cone inside the kiln on the two bars in the sitter, with the rod sitting on top of the cone. That rod is connected to the claw on the outside. When the cone bends, the rod goes down, the claw goes up and releases the weight which hits the switch that shuts off the kiln. Have the number on the cone face toward the inside of the kiln, so you can see it. The timer on the sitter should be set to about 20 minutes longer than the firing is expected to take. It is just a countdown timer, it does not control how long the firing takes. So you'll need to do a bisque and glaze firing to figure out how long the firing will take and set the time accordingly. For the first firing just set it to 12 hours and do the math afterwards. You need a new cone for every firing. Witness cones are not necessary once you have the sitter calibrated. You may want to use them for the first couple of firings to make sure everything is good.

I have the same Kiln,  I need to know what type of Element for replacement.  My kiln is not firing at the correct heat.  Suspect element is out.  any help?