Back to Ganoksin | FAQ | Contact

Trouble with Swest controller

Jewelry Discussion
#1

Hello all! I am really hoping someone can help me with two problems
I have been having with my Swest Controller for my Neycraft kiln. The
controller is Model # DTC-617 120v 15amp. The first question is: why
can’t I do more than 6 steps in my burnout cycle? I start with the
4step burnout:

9999 degrees to 300 for 1 hour
100 degrees to 350 for 1 hour
350 degrees to 1350 for 2 hours
drop 300 degrees to casting temp.

That’s 4 steps, but if I have 5 flasks in the oven with 5 different
casting temps, I am out of steps. Follow me? So far I seem to be
limited to 3 temp changes per casting day.

The next question is a real problem. When the controller gets to the
last step, be it 4 or 6 steps, it suddenly shoots up in temperature,
or sometimes plummets in temperature. I am asking it to hold at say
900degrees for 1 hour and all of the sudden the kiln is at 1100
degrees! I am not sure what to do!

Of course I tried to contact Swest, but they are no longer in
business. Please help!

Mary LInford
Blue Star Wax Carving
mary@bluestarwaxcarving.com

#2 
Of course I tried to contact Swest, but they are no longer in
business. Please help!

Many times items are made by one of the few manufactures and private
labeled for sale by another. You might try contacting some of the
other major manufactures of similar controllers and also compare
yours with other existing controllers.

Hope this helps
Dan Wellman

#3

Dear Mary LInford,

Stuller owned Swest prior to closing Swest in 2003. They have the
responsibility for supporting Swest customers (Stuller
1-800-877-7777). Your Swest furnace controller model DTC-617 was
made by Paragon Industries (Paragon 1-800-876-4328). If you talk with
Paragon you must tell them your unit is a “12 button controller with
the Swest programs in it”. You will need to accurately describe it
to them because there were several versions of this controller. You
are always welcome to call or email us (The Jewelry Equipment Dr.
1-719-527-1531).

The problem of not holding the 900 degree temp when it gets to the
last step sounds like a possible thermocouple problem. If you try a
good thermocouple to verify the problem, you must use a "Type K"
thermocouple with this furnace controller. I hope this helps.

John Cranor

#4

Dan, not sure about the step problem but the temp fluctuation sounds
like perhaps the thermocouple is going bad.

I had a similar problem before and a new thermocouple fixed it. Best
of luck!

Ken Sanders
http://www.sandersjewelry.com

#5 
    not sure about the step problem but the temp fluctuation sounds
like perhaps the thermocouple is going bad.

Give me a call and I will help. I worked for Swest for 20 years!

James Gilbert
Stuller Metals
800-877-7777 ext 6113
Email me at james_gilbert@stuller.com
Website: www.stuller.com

#6

The unit come programmed with 3 complete programs a 5,8 and 12 hour,
you can revamp the programs or create your own up to 99 hrs. I would
be happy to fax instruction for overriding the current program

Andy " The Tool Guy" Kroungold
Tool Sales / Technical
Stuller Inc
Phone 800-877-7777 ext. 94194
Fax 337-262-7791

#7

To everyone who has responded to my query, I thank you very much!
The problems have gotten worse, but looks like we are headed on the
right track now.

Thank you thank you thank you!

Mary Linford
Blue Star Wax Carving