March 28, 2025
KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS L&L KILN KNOWLEDGEBASE Home> Support> Knowledgebase-FAQs SERCH> Maintenance How should my kiln be maintained on a regular basis? REGULAR KILN MAINTENANCETo keep your kiln in top operating condition, we recommend the following minimum housekeeping: How to Check Wires and Wire Connections Look for any burned spots or deteriorating wire. How to Fix Lid Seal Fix lid seal if a bright red glow is visible around the seal when kiln is operating and/or excessive heat loss can be felt around seal. How to move DaVinci Cord Connection to make them cooler Sometimes the heat around a kiln can become too much for the standard DaVinci cord connections. I blew up a a piece of ceramic, how do I get glaze out of the wall and off the element? Dig it out of the wall carefully.Use safety glasses and a dremel to carefully grind the glaze off the My contactors / relays are wearing out too quickly - what can I do? Under normal circumstances, relays will last many years even when the kiln is fired every day. It is not unheard of to hear about a relay failing, just not very common. My firebrick has some cracks. What should I do? Firebrick cracks as it is heated and cooled- it is to be expected. When the kiln is hot, all the cracks fill in from the expanding brick. One of my elements failed, should I replace them all or just the one that failed? Normally it is best to have elements that are all the same age. That way it is easier for the kiln to fire more evenly top to bottom. Repairing Small Holes & Chips in Brick For brick repair Repairing Very Large Holes in Brick For repairing brick Spring Tool for Older Easy-Fire Hinge Assembly is Missing The special tool we used to make for assembling Easy-Fire spring-loaded hinges is no longer available. People have had good success using a long heavy screwdriver to do this - one a Stop Heat Leakage Make sure peepholes are plugged with peephole plugs and more Tightening Stainless Bands Tighten the case by turning the screws of the case clamps. To stop heat leakage: Plug Element Holes Plug element holes if they are too large. What is L&L's brick facing for and how do I use it? Facing is meant to penetrate into the brick 1/2" or so. When it is fired, it makes that part of the brick harder and more reflective. Be sure not to use too much! What size elements should I order? We have had several improvements in our element holder designs over the years and have been able to increase the interior size of the holder to accommodate a larger element. What sort of pliers should I have for installing the very thick series elements into my kiln? The pliers to get for grabbing the wire and bending it around the bolt are called Linesmans Pliers. When do you need to replace the Control Board? voltage goes to the control board, but there is no output from the control to the power relays Which kilns have element circuits wired in series and which are wired in parallel? Mostly you just have to remember how each kiln is wired or look at the wire diagram. Usually in series elements the wire is big and fat, and in parallel elements they are thin. Why are some elements not twisted? We double-twist element ends that are 14 gauge and thinner. We do not twist element ends on 13 gauge, 14 gauge, and 11 gauge wire or the thicker APM wires. Why do my DaVinci kiln sections move out of alignment or slide off the floor slab over time? If a DaVinci is installed on a smooth floor and the lid is opened a lot, or left open for long periods of time, the weight of the lid will cause the counterbalance to want to lean forward. Why is the element for the powered bottom not long enough? Electrically speaking, all the elements in most L&L kilns are the same (exceptions are front-loaders with door elements, B models, J/K18R kilns, JD/J230PB with HD Series wired elements, and pos Control Adjusting Thermocouples For ideal firing results, thermocouples in each zone should be close regarding how far they protrude into the kiln. Can't Change Options on One-Touch Control Sometimes when you press the Bisque or Glaze button on the One-Touch control you are not able to change the options. The control does nothing. Cone Offset Cone Offset adjusts heat work in your kiln Does the Bartlett overtemperature control have a reset button like a "normal" overtemperature control? Resetting the Bartlett High Limit Control Does the digital controller have a way to prevent an over fire? Once the kiln is properly calibrated after the test firing, it will fire very reliably for many firings. The digital controller achieves this reliability by constantly comparing the thermocou DynaTrol is blinking This troubleshooting step if for controls made before 2006. leave the toggle switch on for 30 seconds without pressing any buttons. This will give the control time to go through its internal start-up sequence. DynaTrol Programs in Excel Format See how the standard programs are listed in Excell Format Genesis Control will not connect with WIFI Can't get your Genesis controller to connect to your WiFi network? There are a few things to check to help remedy the problem and get your controller's Wifi up and running. How can the thermocouple wires get reversed on a Jupiter or DaVinci Automatic Kiln? When packed, the thermocouples on the Jupiter JD and DaVinci kilns are mounted to the kiln sections without the thermocouple lead wire attached. This is because the panel is packed separately. How do hold times and heatwork affect my work? There is an option to add time to the end of the program that appears when you enter a program. Usually, there is no need for more than a few minutes of holding at the end. How do I adjust my kiln-sitter? When to inspect the kiln sitterKiln-sitters need to be adjusted and inspected before the first firing and then again every 10 firings or so. How do I control the cooling with the DynaTrol? There are three different ways to control the cooling rate on the DynaTrol. How do I enter a really slow program? On the DynaTrol you will need to use the Vary-Fire programming. On a 3-button Bartlett or 4-button One-Touch enter a custom program.Here is an example: How do I know which thermocouples to get for my kiln? L&L has used a lot of different style thermocouples over the years. With thermocouples there are different TYPES, and within the various types there are different STYLES. How do I program a slump or tack or full fuse glass program into DynaTrol? This program is fine for slumping, tack fusing, or full fusing, just substitute different top How do I program general instruction panels for 3-key Bartlett Turn on kiln switch. Press any key to clear ErrP from display. How do you find out how many firings the DynaTrol has performed? Press the Review button after the firing.This only works on DynaTrols manufactured after 2006. How do you program a controlled cool down in the DynaTrol or One-Touch control? A customer asks: I would like to program my kiln to heat to Cone 6 then cool normally to 950°F and then hold for one hour at 950°F and then cool naturally. How high can the DynaTrol or Genesis be programmed to fire to? The DynaTrol control panel can be programmed to fire to up to 2400° F or 1315° C. How many times has the kiln been fired? To check the number of firings on a DynaTrol control: Press REVIEW PROG. The last items that come up are FIRE and then the number of firings. How to add soak to or reprogram a DynaTrol during a firing Change of Program During Firing: When firing you can alter the program anytime. You must press START/STOP, then reprogram, then press “Start”. How to add soak to or reprogram a DynaTrol during a firing Change of Program During Firing: When firing you can alter the program anytime. You must press START/STOP, then reprogram, then press “Start”. How to Change the cycle time of the DynaTrol Control Go to the HIDDEN “Other” MENU How to Change Thermocouple Type (Type S or Type K) on a DynaTrol The type of thermocouple on a DynaTrol (with the Blue face) can be either Type K or Type S. How to Change Thermocouple Type (Type S or Type K) on a Genesis The type of thermocouple on a Genesis can be either Type K or Type S. How to create custom program in the Genesis Control Here are step by step instructions on how to create a custom program with ones own heating requirements with an added delay on the Genesis controller.At the main "IDLE" screen, press How to create very long programs in the DynaTrol? A customer asks: How to deal with differences in DynaTrol Boards for installation (600 vs 700 series) There are some differences in the 600 series DynaTrol board and the 700 series DynaTrol board. Pagination First page Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Current page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Next page Last page

March 28, 2025

KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS

L&L KILN KNOWLEDGEBASE

Maintenance

How should my kiln be maintained on a regular basis?

REGULAR KILN MAINTENANCETo keep your kiln in top operating condition, we recommend the following minimum housekeeping:

Look for any burned spots or deteriorating wire.

Fix lid seal if a bright red glow is visible around the seal when kiln is operating and/or excessive heat loss can be felt around seal.

How to move DaVinci Cord Connection to make them cooler

Sometimes the heat around a kiln can become too much for the standard DaVinci cord connections.

I blew up a a piece of ceramic, how do I get glaze out of the wall and off the element?

Dig it out of the wall carefully.Use safety glasses and a dremel to carefully grind the glaze off the

My contactors / relays are wearing out too quickly - what can I do?

Under normal circumstances, relays will last many years even when the kiln is fired every day. It is not unheard of to hear about a relay failing, just not very common.

My firebrick has some cracks. What should I do?

Firebrick cracks as it is heated and cooled- it is to be expected. When the kiln is hot, all the cracks fill in from the expanding brick.

One of my elements failed, should I replace them all or just the one that failed?

Normally it is best to have elements that are all the same age. That way it is easier for the kiln to fire more evenly top to bottom.

Repairing Small Holes & Chips in Brick

For brick repair

Repairing Very Large Holes in Brick

For repairing brick

Spring Tool for Older Easy-Fire Hinge Assembly is Missing

The special tool we used to make for assembling Easy-Fire spring-loaded hinges is no longer available. People have had good success using a long heavy screwdriver to do this - one a

Stop Heat Leakage

Make sure peepholes are plugged with peephole plugs and more

Tightening Stainless Bands

Tighten the case by turning the screws of the case clamps.

To stop heat leakage: Plug Element Holes

Plug element holes if they are too large.

What is L&L's brick facing for and how do I use it?

Facing is meant to penetrate into the brick 1/2" or so. When it is fired, it makes that part of the brick harder and more reflective. Be sure not to use too much!

What size elements should I order?

We have had several improvements in our element holder designs over the years and have been able to increase the interior size of the holder to accommodate a larger element.

What sort of pliers should I have for installing the very thick series elements into my kiln?

The pliers to get for grabbing the wire and bending it around the bolt are called Linesmans Pliers.

When do you need to replace the Control Board?

voltage goes to the control board, but there is no output from the control to the power relays

Which kilns have element circuits wired in series and which are wired in parallel?

Mostly you just have to remember how each kiln is wired or look at the wire diagram. Usually in series elements the wire is big and fat, and in parallel elements they are thin.

Why are some elements not twisted?

We double-twist element ends that are 14 gauge and thinner. We do not twist element ends on 13 gauge, 14 gauge, and 11 gauge wire or the thicker APM wires.

Why do my DaVinci kiln sections move out of alignment or slide off the floor slab over time?

If a DaVinci is installed on a smooth floor and the lid is opened a lot, or left open for long periods of time, the weight of the lid will cause the counterbalance to want to lean forward.

Why is the element for the powered bottom not long enough?

Electrically speaking, all the elements in most L&L kilns are the same (exceptions are front-loaders with door elements, B models, J/K18R kilns, JD/J230PB with HD Series wired elements, and pos

Control

Adjusting Thermocouples

For ideal firing results, thermocouples in each zone should be close regarding how far they protrude into the kiln.

Can't Change Options on One-Touch Control

Sometimes when you press the Bisque or Glaze button on the One-Touch control you are not able to change the options. The control does nothing.

Cone Offset

Cone Offset adjusts heat work in your kiln

Does the Bartlett overtemperature control have a reset button like a "normal" overtemperature control?

Resetting the Bartlett High Limit Control

Does the digital controller have a way to prevent an over fire?

Once the kiln is properly calibrated after the test firing, it will fire very reliably for many firings. The digital controller achieves this reliability by constantly comparing the thermocou

DynaTrol is blinking

This troubleshooting step if for controls made before 2006. leave the toggle switch on for 30 seconds without pressing any buttons. This will give the control time to go through its internal start-up sequence.

DynaTrol Programs in Excel Format

See how the standard programs are listed in Excell Format

Genesis Control will not connect with WIFI

Can't get your Genesis controller to connect to your WiFi network? There are a few things to check to help remedy the problem and get your controller's Wifi up and running.

How can the thermocouple wires get reversed on a Jupiter or DaVinci Automatic Kiln?

When packed, the thermocouples on the Jupiter JD and DaVinci kilns are mounted to the kiln sections without the thermocouple lead wire attached. This is because the panel is packed separately.

How do hold times and heatwork affect my work?

There is an option to add time to the end of the program that appears when you enter a program. Usually, there is no need for more than a few minutes of holding at the end.

How do I adjust my kiln-sitter?

When to inspect the kiln sitterKiln-sitters need to be adjusted and inspected before the first firing and then again every 10 firings or so.

How do I control the cooling with the DynaTrol?

There are three different ways to control the cooling rate on the DynaTrol.

How do I enter a really slow program?

On the DynaTrol you will need to use the Vary-Fire programming. On a 3-button Bartlett or 4-button One-Touch enter a custom program.Here is an example:

How do I know which thermocouples to get for my kiln?

L&L has used a lot of different style thermocouples over the years. With thermocouples there are different TYPES, and within the various types there are different STYLES.

How do I program a slump or tack or full fuse glass program into DynaTrol?

This program is fine for slumping, tack fusing, or full fusing, just substitute different top

How do I program general instruction panels for 3-key Bartlett

Turn on kiln switch. Press any key to clear ErrP from display.

How do you find out how many firings the DynaTrol has performed?

Press the Review button after the firing.This only works on DynaTrols manufactured after 2006.

How do you program a controlled cool down in the DynaTrol or One-Touch control?

A customer asks: I would like to program my kiln to heat to Cone 6 then cool normally to 950°F and then hold for one hour at 950°F and then cool naturally.

How high can the DynaTrol or Genesis be programmed to fire to?

The DynaTrol control panel can be programmed to fire to up to 2400° F or 1315° C.

How many times has the kiln been fired?

To check the number of firings on a DynaTrol control: Press REVIEW PROG. The last items that come up are FIRE and then the number of firings.

How to add soak to or reprogram a DynaTrol during a firing

Change of Program During Firing: When firing you can alter the program anytime. You must press START/STOP, then reprogram, then press “Start”.

How to add soak to or reprogram a DynaTrol during a firing

Change of Program During Firing: When firing you can alter the program anytime. You must press START/STOP, then reprogram, then press “Start”.

How to Change the cycle time of the DynaTrol Control

Go to the HIDDEN “Other” MENU

How to Change Thermocouple Type (Type S or Type K) on a DynaTrol

The type of thermocouple on a DynaTrol (with the Blue face) can be either Type K or Type S.

How to Change Thermocouple Type (Type S or Type K) on a Genesis

The type of thermocouple on a Genesis can be either Type K or Type S.

How to create custom program in the Genesis Control

Here are step by step instructions on how to create a custom program with ones own heating requirements with an added delay on the Genesis controller.At the main "IDLE" screen, press

How to create very long programs in the DynaTrol?

A customer asks:

How to deal with differences in DynaTrol Boards for installation (600 vs 700 series)

There are some differences in the 600 series DynaTrol board and the 700 series DynaTrol board.