How To Track Down An Operating Manual For Crusader Kiln

[TheRustyVW]

Acquired a kiln recently that was in service at a special needs school. Cosmetically, it looks very well taken care of however I know very little about kilns other than I now have a slip cast project under my belt and several molds ready to fire (cone 6). I'd love to know all there is to know about this kiln, especially if its any good (read: works). Did Crusader in Holland, MI go out of business, because there's very little about them and the only book I've found traces of is out of print and seemingly unobtainable.

 

This 215-222 kiln is a top loading model, has two peep holes and two manual temp control knobs. It's 240 volts, 25 amps, 6000 watts. I have a gamut of questions before I turn the power on and possibly wreck the first batch of slip casts. Although I know there will be a round of 'getting up to speed' with this thing, I'd like to go into this as well armed as possible.

 

Thanks again for whatever insight you can throw my way.

Best,

 

Damon

The Rusty VW, LLC

 

[Mark C.]

I must say the gas can next to kiln will take the rust right off that VW when it blows-you may want to store it elsewhere or getting up to speed may have a whole new meaning.

I do not know about this kiln.

Welcome to the forum.

Mark

[jrgpots]

My first kiln was an old crusader. It could fire to cone 10. I replaced the coils. Mile hi Ceramics had replacement coils. That was 20 years ago. I'm sure your local suppier could get new coils if needed. But, I could not find any manuals back then. The good news is that it is completely manual. You have full control!

[neilestrick]

All manual kilns work the same. Low for an hour, medium for an hour, high till the cone drops. Or some variation of that. This kiln does not have a kiln sitter, so you'll have to use visual cones. Might be worth investing in a sitter. Euclids may be able to roll elements for it.