Skutt KilnMaster LT User manual

WWW.SKUTT.COM
6441 SE JOHNSON CREEK BLVD. PORTLAND, OR 97206 (503) 774--6000 SKUTT.COM
Rev. 01/07/15
KilnMaster LT
Models FireBox8x6 LT, FireBox 8x4 LT and GlazeTech
Operating Manual

2
2
Be Safe
Tens of thousands of kilns are used safely in homes, schools, and professional studios throughout the world.
With a good understanding of your kiln and a little common sense you can avoid any accidents. Please ob-
serve the following safety recommendations:
Operation
• Thestainlesssteeljacketandsomeoftheotherxturessurroundingthekilnwillgethotenoughtoburn
your skin when the kiln is heated. Therefore it is important to be extremely careful when working close to
the kiln. We recommend posting warning signs of this potential hazard in the kiln room.
• Keep anyone who cannot understand warning signs such as small children and pets away from the kiln
whenitisring.
• Do not open the kiln door while the kiln is heated.
• The elements inside the kiln chamber will cause an electrical shock if touched. Never insert metal instru-
mentsorplaceanypartofyourbodyintothekilnwhileitisring.
• Always be sure the kiln is disconnected from the power supply before working on the electrical compo-
nents.
• Plan on being with the kiln when it is scheduled to turn off.
• Remove all potentially combustible materials from the kiln area.
• Long term viewing inside the kiln chamber can cause damage to your eyes. Therefore, it is recommended
that you use IR and UV protective glasses when looking into the kiln for extended periods of time. #3 weld-
ers green or gray glasses will protect your eyes.
• In the event of a severe storm, unplug the kiln. Exposure to static shock or electrical surges can damage
the circuit board in the controller.
• Do not place anything in the kiln you are unsure of. Certain items may potentially melt, explode, or release
toxic fumes. Items that may be damp (i.e. greenware, kiln shelves) have the potential to crack or explode
inside the kiln when the moisture is trapped inside them turns to vapor when heated.
• Never allow your kiln to exceed the temperature rating listed on the serial plate.
• For your safety, the protection of your kiln, and the protection of your ware inside the kiln, we recommend
that you avoid unloading the kiln when it is above 125ºF.
What’s Inside
Safety
Safety......................................2-3
Getting Started........................4-5
Programming Overview............6-7
Cone Fire Mode.......................8-9
Glass Fire Mode......................10-11
PMC.......................................12-13
Ramp/Hold.............................14-16
Advanced Programming.......................17
Display Messages................................18-19
Troubleshooting...................................20-21
Programs.............................................22
Wiring Diagram...................................23
Program Notes.....................................24

3
3
Installation
• As with all electrical products, there is danger of electrical shock. Use only properly sized and rated copper
wire when installing the power supply for your kiln. We recommend this work be done by a licensed electrician.
• Kilns should always be located in a dry place to prevent electrical shock and corrosion.
• Follow all instructions for installation in this manual. Always observe fire and building safety codes when
installing any Skutt Product.
• If there are fire sprinklers located in the kiln room, make sure they are rated high enough so they will not be set
off when the kiln is at peak temperature. This should be tested with the kiln at peak temperature, the ventilation
system turned off, the sprinklers disabled and all doors and windows closed for maximum assurance during test.
• We recommend having a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires easily accessible near the kiln.
• Skutt Ceramic Products Inc. will not assume liability for injury or damages caused by variations from the
instructions put forth in this manual.
• Kilns get hot. Observe all the instructions to ensure proper clearances from flammable or temperature sensitive
objects and living things.
• Ventilation is key to maintaining a healthy work environment and proper room temperature. To ensure proper
ventilation and room temperature is maintained, consult a qualified HVAC professional.
• The proper placement of thermocouples is crucial to the operation of all automatically controlled kilns. Check all
thermocouples for damage and correct placement. Thermocouples must protrude into the kiln chamber at least
1” to ensure an accurate reading.
• The power cord is sized correctly to handle the power for your particular kiln. Never use an extension cord.
• Make sure the power cord is routed in such a way as to not touch any portion of the kiln that gets hot.
• Be careful of pinch hazards when working on or assembling the kiln.
Maintenance
• Always unplug the kiln before performing any repairs or general maintenance.
• Use only Skutt replacement parts. Improperly sourced parts may pose a hazard to you and your kiln and void
your warranty.
• Never modify your kiln without first consulting Skutt. Improper modifications may pose a hazard to you and
your kiln and void your warranty. Items such as alternative thermocouples, controllers, kiln coatings may ruin
your kiln if improperly installed or applied.
• Replace any electrical components that are discolored, brittle, or corroded.
• Inspect all stainless steel bands to ensure they are tight. If they loosen, tighten them as much as possible to
prevent the band from slipping or flexing.
• The controller is a temperature control device. It is not a safety device.
• The maximum operating temperature is 100ºF (38ºC). This temperature refers to the room temperature
whilethekilnisringanddoesnotpertaintotheinternaltemperatureofthekiln.
• The minimum operating temperature is 33ºF (1ºC).
• The controller contains static-sensitive parts that may be damaged by static electricity. Use caution to avoid
creating static that may damage the equipment. In areas where static electricity is common, or during dry
times of the year throughout the country, touch something metal before touching the controller to dis-
charge the static.
Precautions for the KilnMaster LT Controller
Safety

4GettinG Started
*DVDwasspecicallymadetointroducetheFireBox8x6.Alltheinfomationisstillcurrenthoweverthekilns
no longer have a cone included with them.
Inspecting your Kiln
Your kiln may have a traveled a long way to get to you and on rare occasion, freight damage may occur. Inspect your
kiln for any obvious physical damage when you unpack the kiln. Minor imperfections in the brick are normal and
expected, large cracks and broken out chunks are not. If you notice damage to your kiln or any missing items call Skutt
at [phone] . Be sure to have your kiln’s serial number on hand. This is located on the side of the control box.
A Skutt technician will walk you through the process of repairing or replacing your kiln. If a return is required you will
need to re-pack the kiln using the original packing materials and return it along with your receipt for the product.
Warranty Registration
YouSkuttkilncomeswitha2yearlimitedwarranty.Youcanndthedetailsofthiswarrantyinthebackofthis
manual. Please be sure to go to www.skutt.com and click on Warranty Registration to register your warranty.
Thiswillspeeduptheprocessingofanywarrantyclaimsandensureyouarenotiedofanyproductchange
information.
Box Includes:
• FireBox 8x4 LT and 8x6 Kiln
• 7” by 7” Kiln Shelf
• 3 - 1/2” Kiln Shelf Posts
• Operating Manual
• 1 lb Kiln Wash
• *Instructional DVD
• GlazeTech Kiln
• Operating Manual
• *Instructional DVD
Read Your Manual
Reading your manual and watching your video before you start firing will improve your firing success. It will give you a
sense of confidence that will make your kiln owning experience much more enjoyable and safe. Each programming sec-
tion will give you a basic understanding of the technique (i.e. Bisque Fire, Slumping Glass, or Firing PMC Gold) along
with step by step instructions for programming.
Visit www.kilnarts.com
There is no way to cover everything you need to know in this kiln manual so we developed KilnArts.org as an
additional resource. It has basic information about Ceramics, Glass and PMC along with web tools that help
youlocateplacestotakeclassesandndsuppliesinyourarea.
We highly suggest you take classes to further your knowledge and understanding of the world of Fired Arts.
Themoreyoulearn,themoresuccessfulyourprojectswillbeandthemoreopportunitiesyouwillndfornew
and interesting projects.

5
5
Locating the Kiln
• Install in a well ventilated, sheltered area such as a carport, garage, utility or hobby room. Allow a minimum
18 inches (46 cm) of space between your kiln and adjacent walls, other kilns, shelving, etc. When multiple kilns
will be installed in the same room, make sure the control boxes on the kiln are not facing adjacent kilns. Radiant
heat from nearby kilns can damage the controller.
• For small rooms, monitor the firing so room temperatures do not exceed 100ºF (38ºC). Do not fire if room
temperatures are 32ºF (0ºC) or less as damage to the kiln may result.
• Locate the kiln on a noncombustible surface such as bare cement or ceramic tile. If a non combustible surface is
not available, the uniform mechanical code requires two inches of masonry below the kiln extending a minimum
of 12” (31 cm) beyond the outside circumference of the kiln.
• When installing a kiln in a room with a fire control sprinkler system, do not place kilns within a 10 ft. (3m)
radius below sprinkler heads. If this is not possible, contact Skutt for alternative solutions before installing.
• All kilns are vulnerable to the highly corrosive effects of marine air. If you live near salt water, locate the kiln
indoors and protect it from damp air.
Coating Shelves With Kiln Wash
Kiln wash is a high alumina powder that you mix with water then paint on your kiln shelf. When dry it has a powdery
look and feel to it. It is designed to protect your kiln shelf in case something melts onto it. The kiln wash acts as a barrier,
protecting the shelf from the molten material.
1. Mix kiln wash with water until it is the consistency of heavy cream.
2. Use a brush to paint a thin layer on one side of the shelf and let it dry.
3. Brush on another thin layer making your strokes perpendicular to the first brush strokes and let dry.
Placing the Shelf
The shelf should be placed in the center of the kiln on top of the 3 evenly spaced shelf posts Be careful not to
hit the thermocouple when placing the shelf. Do not try to load the shelf while there is power to the kiln.
Test Firing the Kiln
Itisalwaysagoodideatorunatestrebeforeyoureyourkilnwithvaluableartinside.Placean04Self
Supporting Pyrometric Cone on a posted shelf about 2 inches from the thermocouple and chamber wall, close
the lid, and follow the instructions in this manual for programming a Cone 04 Cone Fire Mode program.
Afteryoupressstartthekilnwillruntheprogram.Itshouldtakeapproximately7.5hourstorethenneeds
to cool. You may see a little smoke. This is just some residual oil burning off the elements. When the kiln has
cooled to room temperature open the lid and inspect the cone. It should now be bent over. The more it bends
the more heatwork. Below are images of cones with varying degree of bends. If your cone falls within the ac-
ceptable range you are good to go. If your cones do not fall within this range chances are your kiln just needs
a slight adjustment. Contact a Skutt Technician at [phone]. To purchase cones when needed go to
www.kilnarts.organdndadealernearyou.
GettinG Started

6
6
CONE FIRE
FROM IDLE
Change °RAMP/HOLDPMCGLASS FIRE
ENTER PREHEAT TIME
CHOOSE FIRING SPEED
ENTER A HOLD TIME
ENTER CONE VALUE
PRESS START
CHOOSE A TECHNIQUE
CHOOSE FIRING SPEED CHOOSE A PMC PROGRAM
PRESS START
ENTER NEXT SEGMENT DATA
ENTER HOLD TIME #1
ENTER TEMP #1
ENTER RATE #1
ENTER # OF SEGMENTS
CHOOSE A PROGRAM #
ENTER NEXT SEGMENT DATA
PRESS START
CHOOSE TEMP SCALE
ADJUST PEAK TEMP
ADJUST PEAK HOLD
ADJUST PEAK TEMP
ADJUST PEAK HOLD
VALUES IN DOTTED BOXES ONLY NEED
TO BE CHANGED IF THE FACTORY
SET VALUES DO NOT PRODUCE THE
RESULTS YOU DESIRE. GLASS FIRE MODE
ADJUSTMENTS WILL ONLY APPEAR IF KILN
IS IN MODIFY GLASS FIRE MODE. SEE
ADVANCED PROGRAMMING
CHOOSE LOAD OR PRO
CHOOSE LOAD OR PRO
TO LOAD A PROGRAM YOU HAVE
WRITTEN AND STORED PRESS ENTER
THEN SELECT THE PROGRAM NUMBER,
PRESS ENTER TO SELECT IT, PRESS REVIEW
AND THEN PRESS START.
TO WRITE A NEW PROGRAM PRESS
THE UP ARROW. THE DISPLAY SHOULD
READ PRO. PRESS ENTER TO SELECT IT
AND THEN CONTINUE TO WRITE YOUR
PROGRAM
Programming Modes
Your kiln is equipped with the KilnMaster LT Controller, one of the most advanced 3 Button Controllers in the
industry. As you can see in the diagram below it offers you 4 different programming modes and an option to
change the temperature scale to either Celsius or Fahrenheit. The diagram illustrates the various programming
steps. For more detailed instructions on entering a particular program, refer to the instructions for program-
ming later in the manual.
Threeofthesemodes,ConeFire,GlassFireandPMChaveringprogramsdesignedbyexpertsalready
storedinthecontrollerspermanentmemory.Allyouhavetodoisgiveitsomebasicinformationspecicto
your project and press start. It really is that easy.
For those of you that want to design your own programs there is Ramp and Hold programming mode. With
Ramp/Hold you can input programs with up to 8 segments and store up to 5 programs for future use.
ProGramminG overview
PRESS REVIEW
PRESS START
PRESS REVIEW
PRESS REVIEW
PRESS REVIEW
PRESS ENTER

7
7
Controller Modes
A “Controller Mode” (as opposed to
a Programming Mode) is simply the
current state of the controller. The chart
below shows you the basic functions of
thekeysatvedifferentModes.You
will notice that the function of the key
can vary depending on which Mode is
active.Whenyourstplugthekilninto
the receptacle the controller will be in
Idle Mode. This means it is ready to be
programmed. Once you press Enter you
will move into Programming Mode. After
you have entered the data for your program it will switch to Ready Mode. This means the kiln is ready to run
the program when you push Start.
During The Firing you can access certain features that tell you where you are in the program and allow you
tomakeadjustmentswhilethekilnisring.ThenalmodeisComplete.ThedisplaywillashCPLTalternately
withthetemperatureofthekilnchamberandtheamountoftimeittooktoretheprogram.ToreturntoIdle
ModejustpressEnter.WhenthekilnrstentersCompleteModethealarmwillbeep14times.
Controller Mode Start/Stop Key Up Arrow Down Arrow
Idle Initiates Programming No Function
Press once to review
Press twice to go to
“redi”
Programming Stores Displayed
Value Increases Value Decreases Value
Ready Starts Firing No Function Reviews Current
Program
During Firing Stops the Firing
Shows Current
Segment Access to
Skip Segment
Add Time
Add Temp
Reviews Current
Program
At Complete Back to Idle No Function No Function
Button Descriptions
The Start/Stop/Enter key is used for exactly those purposes. Use it to “Start” programming your kiln or to
“Start”aring.Ifthekilnisringandyouneedtoshutitdown,useitto“Stop”thering.Lastlyitisusedto
“Enter” a selection.
Use the Up or Down buttons to scroll through menu options or scroll to a time or temperature value. In certain
controller modes they can also serve a single function action or provide access to a sub-menu. Consult the
table below.
Entering Time and Temperature
When using the up and down arrows to select a time or temperature it is helpful to know that the longer you
hold the button down, the faster it moves through the numbers. This helps you reach numbers quickly when the
currently stored value is far away from the desired value. It can be easy to overshoot your value so you will
want to release the button before you arrive at your value and then slowly approach it. Releasing the button
automatically reverts it back to the slowest advancing speed. For single increments simply press and release
the key each time.
When entering a Hold Time it is extremely important to know that, unlike a microwave, everything to the left of
the decimal light is hours and everything to the right is minutes. Entering excessive hold times can cause dam-
age to your kiln and its contents.
Getting to back to Idle
“IdLE”Mode is where all programming starts. When power is applied, the display will briefly flash Lt2G and then
flash IdLe along with the current temperature. Sometimes you make a mistake when programming and want to start
over. To get back to IdLE, you will need to finish entering all of the information for that program, start the program
and then stop the program. You can also unplug the kiln. When you plug it back in it will return to IdLE.
ProGramminG overview

8
8
Overview
Cone Fire Mode was developed by Ceramic Engineers to provide artists with an easier way to
retheirkiln.InthepastartistshadtousePyrometricCones.PyrometricConesarepyramid
shaped clay formulations which were designed to bend when they received the appropriate
amount of heatwork for the clay or glaze inside the kiln. The artist would look into the kiln
through peep holes and when the cone softened and bent, they would shut off the kiln. This is
why every clay and glaze has a cone value associated with it.
Cones used in electric kilns range from 022 to 10. It is helpful to think of the “0” as a minus
sign. The higher the number, the higher the temperature. For example a Cone 04 is hotter
than a Cone 06 and a Cone 6 is much hotter than a cone 06.
Thanks to modern electronics we can now simulate the heatwork measured by cones with
Electronic Kiln Controllers. Cones are used primarily for testing and troubleshooting your kiln today. An added
bonusofcontrollersisthatwecanmoreaccuratelycontroltheringspeedsbeforeandafterthekilnreaches
peaktemperaturetoproducespecialglazeeffectsandprotectfragilepiecesthroughcriticalringranges.
Preheat
TherstquestionthecontrollerasksyouwhenyouareusingConeFire
Mode is “How Long Do You Want To Pre-Heat?”. Preheat was intro-
duced to help prevent ceramic pieces in the kiln from cracking due to
rapidly escaping moisture in the piece. Water turns to steam at 212 °F
(100°C).Ifyourefast,thesteamwantstoescape,andwhenitdoes,
it can crack or shatter your ware.
An easy way to tell if a piece is still wet is to hold it up to your cheek.
If it feels cool it still has moisture in it. Under normal conditions smaller
pieces(liketheonesthatwouldtinyourkiln)takeaboutaweekto
dry.
If you are not sure if your ware is completely dry, adding a preheat time
isgoodinsurance.Usually1to2hoursissufcient.WhenaPreheat
time is entered the kiln rises in temperature at a much slower rate than
normal until it reaches 180°F (82 °C) and then holds at that tempera-
ture for the amount of time you entered. During this Hold time you will
see the kiln counting down the time alternately with the current tempera-
ture of the kiln.
Remember that when you are entering time in your controller that the
numbers to the left of the decimal equal hours and the numbers to the right of the decimal equal minutes.
Entering Cone Value
Every commercial clay and glaze should have a cone value of
or range of cones printed on the label. It is very important not to
exceed this rating. Raw materials used in clay and glazes can vary
drasticallyontheirmeltingpoint.EarthenWareclaysgenerallyre
inthe04-06range.PorcelainandStonewaregenerallyreinthe
6-10range.IfyouredearthenwaretoStonewaretemperaturesit
would most likely melt all over the shelf. If you are ever unsure of the cone value of a particular clay or glaze
askyourclaysupplier.TheyshouldalsohavegoodknowledgeofthepreferredConeValuestousewhenring
greenware(BisqueFiring)orwhenringglazedbisque(GlazeFiring).
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
024681
01
2
Temperature (∞F)
Hours
250∞
1000∞
1150∞
1694∞
1946∞
Cone 04, Medium Speed
Cone fire mode

9
9
Entering Firing Speed
WithCeramicstherearecertaincriticaltemperaturerangeswhereitisimportanttoslowdownthering
rate.ConeFireModetakescareofmostofthisforyou.Allyouhavetodoisselectoneofthreering
speeds; Slow, Medium or Fast.
Slowisgenerallyforyourbisquering(clayisdriedbuthasnotyetbeen
red).Mediumisrecommendedforyourglazering.Allthewatershould
be completely out of the piece and most of the organics have burned out
soyoucanreabitfaster.Ifyouhaveanunusuallylargeorthickpiece
you may want stick with Slow just to be safe. Fast is only recommended for
Decals and Lusters.
Selecting a Hold Time
When you enter a hold time, you are telling the kiln to maintain the peak tem-
perature for the amount of time you have entered. A 5 minute hold time can allow
the kiln time to even out and make sure all the glazes are flowing nice. If you
Hold too long, you start to affect the amount of heatwork. Just as you wouldn’t
want to cook food too long, don’t enter too long of a hold time. Remember, the
numbers to the left of the decimal represents hours and everything to the right of
the decimal represents minutes.
Cone Fire Programming
1. Start with the display reading “IdLE”, Press ENTER.
2. If “C-Fr” is displayed, press ENTER, else press an arrow key to display
“C-Fr” and then press ENTER.
3. Display reads “PrHt”. The Preheat Time is the length of time you will
hold at 180 °F (82 °C). Use the arrow key to adjust the Preheat Time
and then press ENTER to store the value. REMEMBER the time is dis-
played in the form HH.mm. H= hours, m=minutes
4. Display reads current stored Cone #. Enter new Cone #. Use the Ar-
row Keys to display the desired Cone #. The Up Arrow moves toward
a hotter Cone # and the Down Arrow moves toward a cooler Cone #.
Press ENTER to store the displayed Cone #.
5. Display reads current stored Heating Rate. Use the arrow keys to dis-
play “SLo” (Slow) , “MEd” (Medium) or “FASt” (Fast) and then press
ENTER.
6. Display reads current stored Hold Time. Typical hold times are in the
5 minute (00.05) to 10 minute (00.10) range. Use the arrow keys to
display the desired hold time and then press ENTER to store the value.
7. The display will read “rEdI”. Press the Down Arrow to Review the
Program.
8. Iftheprogramiscorrect,PressENTERtostartthering.
Cone fire mode
Use arrow keys to select
C-Fr
Press ENTER
From IdLE
Press ENTER
Enter preheat time
Enter Cone #
Enter speed
Enter Hold Time
at top temperature
rEdI
Press ENTER to
start firing
Press Down Arrow
to Review Program

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Overview
Glass Fire Mode was developed by Skutt in order to provide
glass artists with a simple way to fire their glass projects without
having to be an expert in programming. The built-in programs
were designed by glass artist Gil Reynolds to work with the
two most popular types of fusible glass, COE 90 and COE 96.
Fusible glass is glass that is specifically designed to be “compat-
ible” when fused together. Glass that is compatible will have the
same Coefficient of Expansion (COE). This means it will expand
and contract at the same rate when it is heated and cooled.
Glass that has different COE’s will create stress in the piece
when it is fired and will likely crack. So when choosing glass
for your project be careful never to mix your COE 90 and COE
96 and never use glass that was not specifically designed to be
compatible.
Glass Fire Mode has programs available for Slumping, Fusing, and Tac Fusing. All the programs are carefully designed
to prevent shocking the piece while it is heating or cooling and for proper annealing. The programs vary based on the
size and thickness of the piece you are firing. The wider and/or thicker the piece, the slower you need to fire it and the
longer you need to anneal it.
Glass gets “shocked” when one potion of the glass heats or cools faster then another portion. By slowing the firing you
limit the potential for this to happen.
Annealing has more to do with the glass transforming from a fluid state back to a rigid state when it is cooled. You want
all the molecules to go through this transition at the same time and at the same rate. This happens generally between
750°F (399 °C) and 1000°F (538 °C). The controller will slow down the cooling rate of the kiln through this period
by cycling the heating elements on and off. Once past this range the kiln will shut off and cool at a natural rate. Never
open the lid until the kiln has cooled completely.
To program the kiln you will need to give it two pieces of information; What Speed and What Process?. You may have
to make slight adjustments to the peak temperature and hold time to adjust for certain projects but for the most part you
will stick with the factory settings.
Speed
As mentioned earlier, the speed you choose will depend on the size of the project. We have made it simple for you by
providing this chart to make your selection. If you have multiple pieces in the kiln at once, use the speed that corre-
sponds with the largest piece. You rarely have problems firing too slow.
GlaSS fire mode