Skutt KilnMaster User manual

KilnMaster
www.skutt.com
6441 SE Johnson Creek Blvd. Portland, OR 97206 [phone] [e-mail]
 04/21/17
Operating Manual

2Letter from the President
Thank You!
Dear Kiln Owner,
Thank you for purchasing a Skutt Kiln. At Skutt we have been
committed to making quality products and supporting them with
the best customer service possible for over 60 years. If for any reason
you feel we are not delivering on this commitment, please let us
know so we can do our best to make things right.
Kilns are very safe and easy to operate pieces of equipment when
you take the time to understand how they work. Even if you are an
experienced kiln operator, you will want to read this manual to take
advantage of the many new features incorporated into the design of
this latest generation of KilnMaster Kilns.
In the new KilnMasters, there are many advanced features that are
designed for our technicians to access data when helping you to
troubleshoot your kiln. There are also some advanced programming
techniques that you may never need. If you don’t quite understand
them, don’t worry about it. Just remember they are there if you do
need them.
If at anytime you need further explanation, please feel free to
contact us or your local Skutt distributor.
Again, on behalf of Skutt Kilns, thank you for buying a Skutt Kiln.
Sincerely,
Jim Skutt
President
Please checkout
www.skutt.com for the
following Accessories
and Upgrades available
for your Kiln:
• KilnLink
• Rolling Stand
• EnviroVent 2
• EnviroLink
• EV2 Rolling Stand
Adapter
• EasyView
... and more!

3
Safety
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 observe the following safety recommendations:
●

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

●
to protect your skin and make sure clothing is kept well away from any kiln opening or hot kiln surface.
●The elements inside the kiln chamber will cause an electrical shock if touched. Never insert metal

●Always be sure to unplug the kiln before working on the electrical components. If the kiln is hard wired,
turn off the circuit breaker.
●Plan on being with the kiln when it is scheduled to turn off.
●Remove all potentially combustible materials from the kiln area.
●
glass applications), cardboard, wood, plastic, etc.
●Long term viewing inside the kiln chamber can cause damage to your eyes. Therefore, it is recommended

welders green or gray glasses will protect your eyes.
●Be cautious of intense heat around the peep holes when peep plugs are removed.
●
static shock or electrical surges can damage the circuit board in
the controller.
●The kiln lids on many models are heavy. Make sure the lid brace
is secure before releasing the lid. Make sure the hardware that
secures the lid brace is secure and not corroded.
●Do not place anything in the kiln you are unsure of. Certain

Items that may be damp (i.e. greenware, kiln shelves) have the

trapped inside them turns to vapor when heated.
●
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 125°F (52°C).
●The controller is a temperature control device. It is not a safety
device.
●
temperature refers to the room temperature while the kiln is

kiln.
●

4
●
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 the kiln lid handle before touching the
controller to discharge the static.
●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 is done by a licensed
electrician.
●Kilns should always be located in a dry place to prevent electrical shock and corrosion.
●
installing any Skutt Product.
●
be set off when the kiln is at peak temperature. This should be tested with the kiln at peak temperature,

●
●Skutt Ceramic Products Inc. will not assume liability for injury or damages caused by variations from the
instructions put forth in this manual.
●
sensitive objects and living things.
●Ventilation is key to maintaining a healthy work environment and proper room temperature. Proper
installation of a Skutt Envirovent 2 will clear potentially harmful fumes from the room. To ensure proper

●The proper placement of thermocouples is crucial to the proper 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.
●Only use the stand that is designated by Skutt Ceramic Products for your particular kiln model. Other
stands may not properly support the weight of your kiln, provide adequate clearance, and could pose a

●
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.
●Be sure to properly tension the springs on kilns equipped with lid lifters.
●Always unplug the kiln before performing any repairs or general maintenance. If your kiln is wired direct,
turn off the breaker.
●Use only Skutt replacement parts. Improperly sourced parts may pose a hazard to you and your kiln and
void your warranty.
●
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 are loose, tighten them as much as

Safety

5
Table of Contents
Contents
Be Safe ............................................... 3
Quick Start ......................................... 7
CONE FIRE MODE .............................................................. 7
.................................................... 7
Set Up................................................. 8
Contents List............................................................................. 8
Electrical Check List .................................................................. 8
Anatomy of a Kiln ..................................................................... 8
Locating the Kiln ..................................................................... 9
Preparation............................................................................. 10
Remove And Set Up Stand ............................................... 10
Place Slab (Kiln Bottom) ................................................... 10
Placing the Kiln................................................................... 10
Place Peep Plugs ................................................................ 10
Clean.................................................................................... 10
Test Firing ............................................................................... 11
Loading .............................................................................. 11
Kiln Wash Shelves .............................................................. 11
Place Witness Cones ........................................................ 11
Prepare Venting.................................................................. 11
Enter Test Fire Program ..................................................... 11
Tensioning The Lid Lifter......................................................... 12
Programming ................................... 13
General Programming Information........................................ 13
Idle Mode............................................................................ 
Start/Stop/Enter ................................................................. 
Delay.................................................................................... 
Alarm ................................................................................... 14
Menu.................................................................................... 14
Review ................................................................................. 14
View ..................................................................................... 14
During the Firing ............................................................... 15
After the Firing ................................................................... 15
Fine Tuning Your Kiln ......................................................... 15
Choosing A Programming Mode............................................ 16
Programming Cone Fire Mode............................................... 17
Description of Steps .......................................................... 
Advanced Cone Fire Menu Features ....................................... 19
Writing custom Cone Fire programs ............................... 19
Slow Cooling (Cone Fire Controlled Cooling) .............. 19
Programming the Ramp/Hold Mode...................................... 20
Description of Steps .......................................................... 21
Advanced Features ................................................................. 22
...................................................................................... 22
Skip Step ............................................................................. 22
Cone Correlation................................................................ 22
Running a Stored Ramp Hold Program.................................. 22
Menu Features.................................. 24
Menu Layout........................................................................... 24
Menu Programming Tips........................................................ 24
SET (Settings) ......................................................................... 25
.................................................................... 25
COOL (CONE FIRE Controlled Cooling)......................... 25
 (Change from Fahrenheit to Celsius Scale) ........ 25
..................................................................................... 25
ARM .................................................................................... 25
dIAG (Diagnostics) .................................................................. 25
ERTF (Err Temp & Time of Last Firing) ............................. 25
VOLT (Voltage).................................................................... 26
AMPS (Amperes) ............................................................... 26
LEd (LED )............................................................... 26
bd T ()................................................. 26
OUTS (Output Test) ........................................................... 26
CNFG (Conguration)............................................................. 27
ERCd (Error Codes ON/OFF) .......................................... 27
TCOS (Thermocouple Offset) .......................................... 27
ZONE (Zone Control Options).......................................... 
Id (Control Interface System ID) ...................................... 
OUT4 (Output 4 Settings) ................................................ 
 ............. 29
2KEY (2 Keys to Start Kiln) ................................................ 
dTCT (Detect Current Sensor Rating) ............................. 
RSET (Reset To Factory Settings) ..................................... 
COST ................................................................................... 
(OTHER) .................................................................................. 30
Troubleshooting Your Kiln ............... 31
Warranty Work ....................................................................... 31
Non-Warranty Work ............................................................... 31
Your Local Skutt Distributor ............................................. 
The Skutt Factory ............................................................... 
The Skutt Website .............................................................. 
Error Codes ............................................................................. 31
Questions and Answers.................... 36
Preventive Maintenance .................. 38
All Kilns................................................................................... 38
KM Kilns ................................................................................ 38
Kiln Sitter (KS) kilns................................................................ 38
Tightening stainless steel bands ............................................ 38

6Table of Contents
Repairs ............................................. 39
Brick Replacement.................................................................. 39
LidMaintenance ..................................................................... 40
Floor repairs ........................................................................... 40
Replacing elements ............................................................... 40
Replacing the Thermocouple.................................................. 41
Appendices ...................................... 42
Appendix 1 — Disassembling Multi-section Kilns .................. 42
Appendix 2 — Using The Lid Lifter .......................................... 42
Appendix 3 — Heatwork.......................................................... 43
Appendix 4 — Loading Tips ..................................................... 44
Appendix 5 — Electrical Requirements ................................... 45
..................................................... 45
Voltage ................................................................................ 45
Appendix 6 — Set up and specications for PK kilns............... 48
Appendix 7 — Set up for the KM 1627.................................... 50
Appendix 8 — The Wall-Mounted KilnMaster Controller ........ 52
Appendix 9 — Primary Display Messages................................ 54
Warranty........................................... 67

7
Quick Start
Quick Start
Quick Start is a memory aid, not a substitute to reading and understanding the manual.
Activate the power source by plugging in the kiln or controller. After plugging in the kiln, the display
will read WAIT
IdLE. On ZC
models you will also see “TC2” which indicates it is reading thermocouple 2. Begin all programming
in Idle Mode.
Be sure the controller is set to the right temperature scale before proceeding (Fahrenheit or Celsius).
CONE FIRE MODE
Step 1
●Press CONE FIRE
Step 2
●
●Press ENTER
Step 3
●Input Cone number
●Press ENTER
Step 4
●Input a SPEED
●Press ENTER
Step 5
●Input hold time
●Press ENTER
Step 6
●Press REVIEW
Step 7
●Press START
THE RAMP/HOLD MODE
Step 1
●
Step 2
●
●Press ENTER
Step 3
●Input the number of segments
●Press ENTER
Step 4
●
●Press ENTER
Step 5
●
reach
●Press ENTER
Step 6
●
●Press ENTER
Step 7
●Repeat steps 4 thru 6 until alarm

●Press ENTER
Step 8
●Press REVIEW
Step 9
●Press START

8
Lid Lifter
Lid
Lid Latch
Kiln Section
Section Latch
Fire Brick
Kiln Elements
Kiln Floor or Slab
Kiln Stand
Control Box
Peep Plug
Thermocouple
Controller Touchpad
Stand Feet
Section Handle
Anatomy of a Kiln
Set Up
Set Up
Your Skutt kiln has traveled a long way by rail or truck. Look for
any signs of damage caused by transit. If damage is found, call
your freight agent and ask for an inspection.
Do not discard the packing materials, they may be needed later.
Contents List
Skutt Kilns should arrive fully assembled. Packed with the kiln you

●Kiln Stand
●Instructional Video
●Operating Manual
●Stand Feet
●
●
●Brick Lid Prop (If your kiln is not equipped with a lid lifter)
Electrical Check List
Make sure serial plate matches electrical supply, if you are not sure, consult an electrician. See


9
Locating the Kiln
●Locate your kiln near your present electrical outlet or where a new circuit can be installed.
Position the kiln to the left of your electrical outlet so the cord will have an easy run and will not
place a strain on the plug or outlet.
●Install it 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

controller.
●


●


●

before installing. Be sure temperature rating of sprinkler heat detector will be adequate for
normal operation of kiln at peak temperature.
●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 the damp air.
Set Up
18 "
Kiln
18 "
Kiln 18 "
18 "
Envirovent 2
Example of Typical Installation
Fan
Shelving
10' (3.1m)
12' (3.7m)

10
Preparation


●

Load the Lid Lifter Springs
If your kiln is equipped with a spring assisted Lid Lifter, you will need to load the springs. They

instructions on tensioning the springs.
Remove and Set Up Stand
●Remove the tape holding the lid brace and lid prop if your kiln has a lid lifter , open the lid, and secure the
lid brace in place.
●Slightly bend the stand packing cardboard to relieve the tension against the brick wall and carefully lift the
stand out of the kiln, being careful not to damage the brick or the thermocouple.
●Remove tthe peep plugs which are taped to the stand.
●Install the black plastic stand feet which are located in the plastic bag with the manual.
●Place the stand where the kiln will be located. If you have an older style EnviroVent (where the fan motor
mounts directly under the kiln), place it in the stand now.
Place Slab (Kiln Bottom)
●
padded surface. Be careful not to set the kiln on anything (watch the power cord) that will damage the
bottom row of bricks.
●Center the slab on the stand. Allow a minimum of eighteen inches (46 cm) of spacing from walls and other
kilns.
●If the stand is not level or wobbles, shim legs accordingly. Do not place shims between the stand and the
slab.
Placing the Kiln
●
●On models with slabs that latch to the kiln, reattach the latches.
Place Peep Plugs

them in. If you are not using an EnviroVent, EnviroVent 2, or any other Downdraft vent, be sure to

Clean
Vacuum the inside of the kiln to remove dust, brick chips, and other foreign matter from around the
elements. Be sure not to get the vacuum hose or nozzle too close to the thermocouple or touchpad.
Static electricity built up in the hose can damage the electronics. Be sure all tape and tape residue is
removed from the kiln and stand.
Set Up