Evenheat 810 Kiln
The Evenheat 810 Kiln has two primary parts: the kiln itself and a temperature controller, which senses the temperature inside the kiln using a thermocouple and interrupts the power supplied to the kiln when it reaches the desired temperature.
 | |
| Owner/Loaner | PS:One |
|---|---|
| Serial Number | 38008 |
| Make/Model | Evenheat 810 |
| Arrival Date | 2010 |
| Usability | Yes |
| Contact | {{{contact}}} |
| Where | Small Metals |
| Authorization Needed | yes |
| Hackable | no |
| Estimated Value | $865 |
| Host Area | Small Metals |
Major Components
The temperature controller's power plug.
The temperature controller's power switch; the kiln's power plug is plugged into the temperature controller output outlets, to the left of the switch, and should not be unplugged.
The temperature controller's control panel; the current temperature will display in the top readout, in red, while the target temperature will display in the bottom readout, in green; the up & down chevron buttons below the display change the target temperature. Note: both the desired & current temperatures read out in Fahrenheit.
The kiln's thermocouple port, with the thermocouple inserted.
The tip of the kiln's thermocouple, on the other side of the port.
The connectors where the thermocouple leads plug into the temperature controller; the '+' lead of the thermocouple should plug into the '+' jack, and the '-' lead should plug into the '-' jack.
The kiln's main controller. The two switches should be in the 'on' position (pictured, 'off') to power the heating coils; when powered, the light below the upper switch will glow orange; the main power cutoff (pictured in the 'off') position; is above the lower switch.
The kiln's main power cutoff, in the 'on' position; note how the button is pushed in, and the lever is pulled slightly upward.
Usage
Firing the kiln
The Raspberry Pi formerly on the Dyna Kiln 100 has been moved to the Evenheat. The firing instructions are on that page. If you understand this well enough to move the whole sections over, please do.
- Plug in the temperature controller's power plug and flip the controller's power switch; this will light up the temperature controller's control panel. The current temperature (in red) should read room temperature (somewhere around 70F). Touch the thermocouple tip for a minute and check that the current temperature raises closer to the mid/high 80s (the temperature of the surface of your skin), to ensure that the thermocouple's polarity is correct.
- If the thermocouple is not inserted through the kiln's thermocouple port, insert it. Place the pieces to be heated in the kiln.
- Make sure the kiln's power plug is plugged into the temperature controller's outlets. Switch the two switches on the kiln's main controller to the 'on' position (to the left).
- When you are ready to actually start heating the kiln, lock the main power cutoff lever in the upright position by placing a pyrometric cone in the cone sitter on the inside of the kiln. This is important for safety and protecting the kiln, do not override. Thermocouples can lose accuracy and fail. The cone will automatically shut off the kiln at its designed temperature. For tempering steal chose a cone above your desired temperature. The button should lock in the inward ('on') position. If the kiln has been powered on correctly, the light directly below the upper switch on the kiln's controller face will glow orange. The power cutoff button can be returned to the outward ('off') position, killing power to the kiln, by pressing the lever down against the face of the kiln controller.
Finishing a firing
- Kill the power to the kiln by pressing the main cutoff lever against the controller face, returning the main cuttoff button to the outward ('off') position. The indicator light on the main controller face should shut off.
- Shut off the two power switches on the main kiln controller face, as well as the temperature controller power switch, next to its power output outlets. When this is done, the kiln should be entirely cut off from electricity.
- Open the kiln and remove the contents. Wear proper PPE.
- Leave the kiln lid open, to let its interior cool. The kiln is heavily insulated, so it will take a very long time to cool if the lid is left closed; that may be a desired temperature profile.
History
On 1/28/2013 this was tested to at least power up and create heat.
3/3/2014. Inspect and test all mechanical and electrical components.
Remove upper switch, disassemble, clean contacts, reassemble and reinstall.
All components appear to works as intended.
Heating Profile
On 3/3/2014 I ran the kiln using a PID temperature controller set to 2200f.
Room temp to 500f. 7 min.
Room temp to 1000f. 17 min.
Room temp to 1500f. 40 min.
Room temp to 2000f. 95 min.
2/6/19
PID monitor read out will not read temperatures higher that about 1600, however, it fires to cone 6 (2232) no problem.
If you have the target temp set higher than it can read the temperature will keep rising until the cone sitter automatically turns it off.