OK Bear, I think you need to give readers a little more kiln information so that they understand what you are talking about! You think you know it all but... I don't think so. I've been doing some looking around on the internet and I found a lot of basic kiln critiques, made by kiln owners, that you didn't mention or even suggest. This information could be helpful to lampworkers who are thinking about purchasing a kiln. Hmmmm, I'm wondering what you are doing, Bear? I guess it just proves that you can put lipstick on a dog, but you'll still get a dog!
Below are some postings I've found that might be useful for lampworkers. I'm still working on finding good information on fusing kilns.
"Check into the Skutt GM-10 with a bead door. I've had mine for about 5 years and still think it's great. It has enough flexibility to allow for you to take on new stuff as your glass addiction tackes hold and you want to expand your range."
"I love my Blue Bird. I also have a jen-ken for fusing. I'd recommend either one!"
"I have the Skutt bead kiln and I love it. It's easy to program and it hasn't had any problems in the 7 years I've had it. I bought it for fusing because it works on 110 and I knew I'd dabble in lampwork (little did I know...). Because it's firebrick, I just turn it off after annealing, rather than ramping down when I make small beads."
"I want to purchase another kiln for bead making. I already have a Jen Ken and after 1 1/2 years I already need a new part. Thank goodness it is covered under warranty."
"If I could do it all over again or get a second kiln, I'd be all over the Glass Hive Wide Guy. I'd sell my Skutt to get it, but the hassle of the sale and shipping is a great deterrent."
"Why the Wide Guy, you ask? Because it's wide and the volume of beads that can be made/annealed at one time would be such a huge plus for me. My Skutt is a greatkiln, but the interior is small-ish for lampworking. Something I just didn't think about when I was researching kilns. My time gets sucked away so easily that when I have a chunk of torch time, I want to make the most of it. The Wide Guy would allow me that freedom to torch for so much longer and make the most of my time. Okay, I have to go look at the pictures of it again *Sigh*"
"Why the Wide Guy, you ask? Because it's wide and the volume of beads that can be made/annealed at one time would be such a huge plus for me. My Skutt is a greatkiln, but the interior is small-ish for lampworking. Something I just didn't think about when I was researching kilns. My time gets sucked away so easily that when I have a chunk of torch time, I want to make the most of it. The Wide Guy would allow me that freedom to torch for so much longer and make the most of my time. Okay, I have to go look at the pictures of it again *Sigh*"
"Take a look at the Arrow Springs kilns. I have never had one have a failing part and I've been using mine since 1994 (or was it '95?) They are meticulously constructed by someone whose business is beadmakers and they care about what they sell to us."
"I am a Crowley kiln convert. I just love the tall double doors and ease of use."
"I would save up until you can get one with that is brick lined. I just learned how to fuse and also do PMC. I have a chili pepper and I can't use it to fuse or do PMC."
"Many that have an AIM 84BD are pleased with its versatility in being able to anneal beads or do small fusing/slumping projects."
"... for lampworking, I got the Paragon SC2 kiln with bead door and love it. I have a kiln shelf to do quick fuses of small things (trial pendants) and PMC - it can do enameling and small ceramics but I haven't gotten into that yet."
"I LOVE Paragon! I currently have the Bluebird and had the Caldera. They're both great kilns and the Caldera can do fusing and ceramics in addition to bead annealing."
"Digital controllers are expensive and there's more different value in makes of controllers than in makes of kilns. All kilns are basically the same - a brick box with big heating elements. Any difference in value would be in extra features provided - not in different makes. Personal preference between makes of kilns is like personal preference between Chev or Ford. The best kiln to buy is usually the one that costs the least or provides the features that provide the most benefits.
When selecting a kiln, you should pay attention to the size, the features, and the cost. Make is irrelevant. Make a list of what you want, then shop for the cheapestkiln that satisfies your wants.
Having a controller is valuable but not essential. If you're on a tight budget, you can start with a kiln using a pyrometer and add a controller later."
When selecting a kiln, you should pay attention to the size, the features, and the cost. Make is irrelevant. Make a list of what you want, then shop for the cheapestkiln that satisfies your wants.
Having a controller is valuable but not essential. If you're on a tight budget, you can start with a kiln using a pyrometer and add a controller later."
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