Fix or Trash Skutt 231-18

[Kalenika]

Hello,
I have a Skutt 231-18 that I have not been able to use since I purchased it a few years ago. It needs to be re-wired and I have a friend that is an electrician and will be doing this for me, but I'm wondering, since I don't know if the Kiln actually works, if it is worth getting it wired up. Some of the elements on the bottom ring are not secured anymore and all the elements appear a little grayish and ashy. The kiln brick is also cracked as shown in pictures and some of the brick will need to be replaced. The Kiln also needs a new kilnsitter (just the tube and prongs that hold the cone). I will be doing any repair work myself.
I have an opportunity to purchase a Skutt 818-249, single phase, cone 10, in working condition for between $400 and $450. Would you fix the 231-18 or scrap it and buy the 818-249?
Thank you,
Katie

[PaulOuzts]

There seems to be quite a bit of damage and I imagine the grooves holding the elements are in bad shape. My advice would be to scrap it for usable brick and buy the other kiln if its truly is working...you might want to know how old it is and the usage. If you are going to replace with a new one, I would suggest a L&L because of the element holders. Every electric kiln (there have been 9) I've ever owned in time fell apart and the worst damage occured when replacing the elements.

[ArnoldHoward]

The firebricks are in good condition except for the bottom groove. The elements look almost new. Judging from photos alone, I would say the kiln is worth repairing. The damage shown in the photos is minor. Most kiln damage is more cosmetic than anything else.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com