Pyrometer: does brand / price matter?

[jaylland]

Hi all,

I have a kiln with a digital controller. I suspect the controller's temperature readings have been a bit off, so I have decided to test it by using a digital pyrometer. Any suggestions of what brand to get? I am tempted to get something on the cheap side. Would that be a mistake? Should I get a pricey one instead?

I am considering this one -- partly because my kiln has 2 thermocouples. I could test both zones at the same time:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121056723629?_t ... 97.c0.m619

[Bert Weiss]

I have a suggestion to save you money and solve your problem. I't not about brand, but about thermocouple construction. The business end of a thermocouple is the point at which the 2 wires are welded together. When this weld oxidizes the temperature begins to drift. Cheap thermocouples look like the ones in the Ebay instrument picture. The weld is exposed. These are the kind most kiln companies supply because they are dirt cheap. The one I am going to recommend is still not expensive at all.

What you want is a 1/8" diameter, inconel sheathed, Type K thermocouple. You can specify the length (match your old one) and you can get a custom wire terminal. I usually just get plain wire terminations (specify length). there is a red wire and a yellow wire. Hook the new one up, just like the old one. If this is thinner in diameter than your present thermocouple, you can jam some fiber blanket in the hole. I think it is magnesium shielded and not grounded, but I'm not 100% sure about that. Go to Krumor http://krumor.com/ They are a manufacturer, will custom configure, and sell to you direct. If there is any confusion mention my name and tell them it is for a glass kiln.

I do some consulting for studios, and just this week, a Krumor thermocouple was the solution they needed. I got the text message today that the first firing out of the box was a big success. I use this style of thermocouple. Mine are now over 20 years old and have never drifted, that I can notice.