desertpotter Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 Is it necessary to 'season' new elements when they're first installed? Rather than just jumping straight in to firing work? I've seen some information about this, but can't find anything definitive. What is the advantage to running an empty firing? Is it possible to skip this step? Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liambesaw Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 Yes absolutely. It's extremely important for element life. This allows the elements to gain a thick coating of aluminum oxide which protects them from damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 By seasoning the elements what you are doing is allowing the elements to build up a protective layer of (mostly) alumina oxide. When firing clay and glazes the alumina oxide coating on the elements prevents the corrosive gases that occur during firing to prematurely age the elements. Keeping the plugs out and propping the lid slightly allows more oxygen to circulate through the kiln which helps in forming the alumina oxide layer, or if your kiln has a vent then run that for the entire firing. If you only ever fire to less than 1920F or if the kiln is made of fibre then preconditioning isn't necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertpotter Posted December 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 49 minutes ago, liambesaw said: Yes absolutely. It's extremely important for element life. This allows the elements to gain a thick coating of aluminum oxide which protects them from damage. Something so important should be included on the packaging in my opinion! Lol. What temp/schedule do you suggest for an initial firing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrgpots Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 Seasoning the kiln in very important. You know what they say, "Seasonings is the spice of life." However, if you add too much salt in this case, you'll never get it out of the kiln....lol. So this time of year i'd stick with nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. You have to adjust the seasoning depending on the time of year... I hope everyone injoys this season's spices and their dishes (or mugs). Jed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 your kiln manufacturer manual will tell you what cone or temperature you should use to fire the empty kiln. call them if you do not have a manual. do not email unless you want to wait forever for an answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kielb Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 23 minutes ago, desertpotter said: Something so important should be included on the packaging in my opinion! Lol. What temp/schedule do you suggest for an initial firing This is a decent article https://skutt.com/images/Top-5-ways-to-Extend-the-Life-of-your-Kiln-Elements.pdf Kanthal has a handbook as well but is 100 pages of intense reading. Most kiln manufactures recommend something in their manuals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liambesaw Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 2 hours ago, desertpotter said: Something so important should be included on the packaging in my opinion! Lol. What temp/schedule do you suggest for an initial firing? It's in the kiln manual, but doesn't come with replacement elements. I think the skutt element replacement video also mentions it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 like a mix of seasonings-Like Mrs Dash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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