It's already August folks! And that means it's time to take a good look at all of your beloved pottery equipment in the classroom and beyond. We have compiled a short & sweet yearly checklist based on all the parts of the picture that we look at when we (the kiln techs!) are there ourselves, to make sure everything's running smoothly and safely for the rest of the semester.
Depending on whether you're an elementary, middle, or high school — the entirety of this checklist may not apply to you. And friends, this may not be as fun as picking out your clay and glazes for the lesson plans ahead, but it will save you plenty of headache, heartache, and stress in the long run.
Download a PDF of the checklist
Kilns:
- If possible, run an amperage test. Make sure there are no amps showing “0”, or listen for relays to click on and off. You can watch a quick video on how to do this here.
- Run a glow test to make sure all element grooves are glowing. Instructions for this test can be found here.
- Thermocouple visual check – look for cracks/chips.
- Power cord and outlet visual check – look for melting or discoloration.
- Overall kiln visual check – look at bricks, floor, & lid for any large flexing cracks or missing chunks.
- Check to make sure kiln vent is working properly, notate any louder-than-normal sounds, look for any rusting or holes in vent piping.
- Notate any problems or error codes.
- Remove floor shelves and gently vacuum out element grooves and floor of kiln. Make sure kiln is unplugged for this part!
- Scrape and vacuum kiln shelves, inspect for cracks and see if any need to be re-washed or replaced.
Wheels:
- Turn all wheels on and check for speed issues or any strange noises.
- Do a foot pedal adjustment if need be.
- If reverse switch is available, check to make sure it works.
Other equipment:
- Check to make sure pugmills are working and vacuum settings are working properly.
- Clean out and maintain pugmill if there is dry clay in hopper, vacuum chamber, or nozzle. Reference manual if available.
- Check that slab roller is turning properly, look for missing canvas or misalignment.
- Properly clean out wall-mounted extruder and check for wear on foot pad.
Gas kilns:
- Clean out carbon buildup on inside of burner with feather duster or pipe cleaner, and in pilot bar with a can of compressed air.
- Inspect thermocouples for wear and damage.
- Shine a light and/or phone camera up the chimney to look for obstructions and clear if you find any.
- Remove any loose debris from inside of kiln chamber with a vacuum. Notate any excessive cracks on walls, arches, and floors.
- Finally, with an empty kiln, turn the unit on and make sure the light-up sequence works. This may take a couple of tries as the system may need to bleed air. Turn main burners on, and monitor kiln firing for about 5 min to ensure all burners light up, and that the system is working properly.
(Left, discolored power cord on a kiln - gross!)
(Middle, foot pedal adjustment) Source: https://potterycrafters.com/7-common-pottery-wheel-issue/
(Right, Peter Pugger vacuum chamber full of clay - not so great)
