jem83

thank you all: I'm very appreciative of your expertise! I will look for that pinning demo...

Thank you Neil: do you think pinning it is sufficient? Would I be better off replacing it... and trying to replace the brick at the same time? And, is this something a novice can do? I would be sure to inform myself. The manual (or what I believe to be the manual) has some instructions, and of course the internet is rife. I'm not sure about finding technicians locally...

I apologize: I made a newbie mistake. The kiln sitter trigger wasn't engaged and that is why it wouldn't power on. I figured that out last night and was able to get it going, which was exciting! I turned it off after a few minutes, but at least I know it works, and will try a basic test fire soon. However, that element certainly looks like it will need replacing, even if it's currently working, so I may start informing myself on that process. I downloaded the circuitry diagram: thanks so much for unearthing that. I am fairly certain the model is 1193S and so yes, the diagram is correct. Do you think that replacing the element makes sense, given what you see in the pic above?

Thank you for the help PeterH! A follow-up: when I finally got the kiln onto the right outlet and turned it on... nothing. Wiring all looks good (my partner in crime opened the kiln sitter to have a peek), but at least one element appears possibly damaged. I'm attaching a pic of the interior with the element in question at the bottom. Would that cause the whole thing not to heat? Is it worth replacing? I found what looks to be the element for sale and it is listed at just $50, and I would probably go ahead and replace both of them. I am just concerned that if I do that (if I *manage* to do that), and it still doesn't turn on, I'm out $100...but if that is the likely culprit, maybe it's worth taking the risk. Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice you might have! Thanks so much...

thank you! It is cute and I will look into the controller A lot to learn!

The kiln sitter is indeed LT-3K! Sorry for the picture quality. Thanks very much for what you turned up: very helpful. For the manual, maybe the best step is to call Paragon diectly (?)

Greetings potters! This is my first post here. I am an intermediate-to-advanced thrower but have no experience with kilns or firing on my own, and want to start *cautiously* dipping my toe into that side of things. I was lucky enough to be given a used/vintage test kiln as a freebie on Facebook marketplace. I was assured it works, but have yet to turn it on. Here is a folder with pics. I think I have the electrical figured out: from what I can tell it's 120V and the plug shape is a 5-20 with associated requirements. However, I can't find the manual online and as a newbie I would really like to have it. Does anyone have any tips or words of advice for finding it, or a reasonable equivalent? I have been searching variations on Paragon, high fire, fire, 1193, 1193D, etc. Any words of advice about locating a manual or just about the kiln itself would be MUCH appreciated!