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#1
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Ancient Cromartie Test Kiln
(Potter in UK) Someone kindly gave me a small but very old Cromartie test
kiln. They thought I could use it as a test kiln and for enamel and onglaze work. It looks in good condition and switching it on produces enormous heat, so I guess the elements are OK. The problem is I can't open it. It needs a special key which looks similar to a scaffolding key. I have enquired about a key but the price quoted is £40 including postage, which makes it prohibitive to open up and then find the kiln is useless. Just thought there might be someone out there who chucked their kiln long ago but still has a key hanging around. Also anyone with a knowledge of this kiln. It is number 456, model TK9 -KW3, phase 1 & N, voltage 240, date August 1977. Has anyone ever owned one ?. What was it like - was it expensive to run etc. I have been in touch with Cromartie, but they were totally disinterested. They had no knowledge of that kiln - it no longer existed and I was summarily dismissed. Potters do seem to live a long time, or took up pottery at a young age, so I am hoping someone can help. Gawds tooth !!!- 1977 wasn't that long ago, its just the way Cromartie made me feel. Roz |
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#3
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"Slgraber" wrote in message ... maybe a local locksmith can break the lock & disable it ~ for less the the £40 quote you got for a key. steve Exactly what I was going to suggest ) |
#4
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If the key-lock involves a metal *tongue* sticking out from the door in
order for the key to mate with the lock, the problem can be solved with either a hacksaw or (my preference) an angle-grinder. The locking mechanism isolated the power when unlocked, so separating them in the above fashion won't harm the kiln's operation. Steve Bath UK In article , Roz Lacey writes (Potter in UK) Someone kindly gave me a small but very old Cromartie test kiln. They thought I could use it as a test kiln and for enamel and onglaze work. It looks in good condition and switching it on produces enormous heat, so I guess the elements are OK. The problem is I can't open it. It needs a special key which looks similar to a scaffolding key. I have enquired about a key but the price quoted is £40 including postage, which makes it prohibitive to open up and then find the kiln is useless. Just thought there might be someone out there who chucked their kiln long ago but still has a key hanging around. Also anyone with a knowledge of this kiln. It is number 456, model TK9 -KW3, phase 1 & N, voltage 240, date August 1977. Has anyone ever owned one ?. What was it like - was it expensive to run etc. I have been in touch with Cromartie, but they were totally disinterested. They had no knowledge of that kiln - it no longer existed and I was summarily dismissed. Potters do seem to live a long time, or took up pottery at a young age, so I am hoping someone can help. Gawds tooth !!!- 1977 wasn't that long ago, its just the way Cromartie made me feel. Roz -- Steve Mills Bath UK |
#5
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I think I will get someone to attack it but because of the heat generated, I
can understand why it was kept locked. The key area is acthually a sort of inverted circular area, about 2" in diameter, with 'CK' on it. How can I close it in safety, after sawing the lock off ? As I am only used to my own safe hobby kiln with controller, where can I get details of how to use this test kiln ?. As said previously, 'Cromartie' weren't helpful at all. The kiln was rescued from amongst the rubble of a demolished school and it looks as if it has been almost unused. Too good to waste. Many thanks for all the helpful advice and I am hoping for more ? "Steve Mills" wrote in message ... If the key-lock involves a metal *tongue* sticking out from the door in order for the key to mate with the lock, the problem can be solved with either a hacksaw or (my preference) an angle-grinder. The locking mechanism isolated the power when unlocked, so separating them in the above fashion won't harm the kiln's operation. Steve Bath UK In article , Roz Lacey writes (Potter in UK) Someone kindly gave me a small but very old Cromartie test kiln. They thought I could use it as a test kiln and for enamel and onglaze work. It looks in good condition and switching it on produces enormous heat, so I guess the elements are OK. The problem is I can't open it. It needs a special key which looks similar to a scaffolding key. I have enquired about a key but the price quoted is £40 including postage, which makes it prohibitive to open up and then find the kiln is useless. Just thought there might be someone out there who chucked their kiln long ago but still has a key hanging around. Also anyone with a knowledge of this kiln. It is number 456, model TK9 -KW3, phase 1 & N, voltage 240, date August 1977. Has anyone ever owned one ?. What was it like - was it expensive to run etc. I have been in touch with Cromartie, but they were totally disinterested. They had no knowledge of that kiln - it no longer existed and I was summarily dismissed. Potters do seem to live a long time, or took up pottery at a young age, so I am hoping someone can help. Gawds tooth !!!- 1977 wasn't that long ago, its just the way Cromartie made me feel. Roz -- Steve Mills Bath UK |
#6
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Roz Lacey top-posted:
I think I will get someone to attack it but because of the heat generated, I can understand why it was kept locked. The key area is acthually a sort of inverted circular area, about 2" in diameter, with 'CK' on it. How can I close it in safety, after sawing the lock off ? As I am only used to my own safe hobby kiln with controller, where can I get details of how to use this test kiln ?. As said previously, 'Cromartie' weren't helpful at all. The kiln was rescued from amongst the rubble of a demolished school and it looks as if it has been almost unused. Too good to waste. Many thanks for all the helpful advice and I am hoping for more ? Have you tried just picking the lock? It can be surprisingly easy. Or a 1/2" drill, and you might be able to save the bolt. Good Luck! Rich "Steve Mills" wrote in message ... If the key-lock involves a metal *tongue* sticking out from the door in order for the key to mate with the lock, the problem can be solved with either a hacksaw or (my preference) an angle-grinder. The locking mechanism isolated the power when unlocked, so separating them in the above fashion won't harm the kiln's operation. |
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