Lampwork kiln

Hey Carol, after reading your COE post yesterday, I think you need to show readers what a kiln looks like.  A lot of people have no idea what you are talking about and need some more information!  I hope you don't intend to use your own kiln pictures, your work area looks like a tornado hit it.

 Thanks Bear for that excellent suggestion!   Unfortunately I only have pictures of my own studio.   And I must admit, it does look like a tornado hit my work area.  But that's because I actually work there!   The top picture is a view of my kiln from the side.  The bottom picture shows the bead door open with some of my beads sitting inside the kiln on my bead holder.

Above are pictures of my "small" kiln.  It is a Skutt kiln that has a bead door on it.  I also have a regular door which I can use when fusing small items.  I like to use the regular door on the kiln for fusing so that way I can control the temperature of the kiln easily.  When the bead door is on the kiln, there is a slight gap around where the small bead opening closes.  A bead door is essential if this kiln is going to be used for lampworking.  Lampworking is just another name for beadmaking, if you are confused.

There are a few kilns made specifically for lampworking.  I owned my kiln before I began lampworking.  If a glass artist wants to use a kiln for more than just lampworking, I suggest they purchase a kiln more like the one I own.  

I have heard about kilns, (or a kiln pot),  that can be used in a microwave oven!  Unfortunately I have also heard that they are difficult to use.  Plus it is advised to use that microwave only for glass and not food, too!  I think it would be a better investment to purchase a regular kiln as opposed to the microwave varieties.