| ANNEALING
METAL AND NIELLO |
| Two jewelry techniques that can
be done either in a kiln or by torch are annealing and Niello.
Annealing is the process of softening work-hardened metal
using heat and, although jewelers usually anneal with a torch,
large pieces of metal or small gauge fine wire are better annealed
by kiln. A torch could melt small gauge fine wire, so it is better
off placed inside a can in a preheated kiln for a few minutes.
| Annealing Temperature |
| Silver Sterling |
1110° F-1200°F |
| Pure Silver |
572°F |
| Gold alloys |
1200°F-1300°F |
| Platinum |
1110°F-1830°F |
| Bronze |
800°F-1250°F |
Niello, a soft, black alloy of sulfur with copper, gold,
silver or lead is used to decorate metal objects. Designs incised
on the objects are filled with the alloy (usually as a powder),
which is then fused with the metal by means of a torch or a kiln
at 1000°F.
Paragon makes three kilns for heat-treating metals, $1,170-
$1,775. |
 |
 |
| A top-loading, stackable kiln,
particularly useful for fusing glass and annealing beads;
shown immediately below is a Bead Collar firing chamber component,
which can be added in as another layer. Photo courtesy Paragon. |
|
| FIRING
ENAMELS |
| Following is a list of kilns made expressly
for firing soft enamels between 1380°F-1500°F and hard
enamels at 1380°F-1740°F.
Amaco Metal Enameling Kiln, 120V, 4-3/16" x 4-3/16" and
6-1/2" d. 2000°F. $295, pyrometer $125. Costs no more to operate
than an electric iron. Reaches 1500°F in about 15 minutes.
Round, two-piece ceramic body. Firing chamber is 6-1/4"d. $135.
Crucible™ Rectangular, front-loading kilns for glass
fusing, annealing, enameling, heat-treating, and metalworking.
Infinite switches are standard. Dimensions from 12" x 12" x 6"
(120V) to 22" x 22" x 13.5" (240V). $550-$1,050. With Bartlett™
and AutoFire™ programmable digital controllers, $900-$1,400.
Crucible™ Top-loading Glass Kiln, 240V, 2230°F,
good for enameling, fusing, and slumping. Have extremely fast
recovery. Sizes 12"w x 6.5" d (120V) to 30"w x 42"h x 18"d (240V).
$350-$1,650; with digital controller, $745-$2,045.
Dick Blick Art Materials has two from $125-$135.
HotGlass Kilns carries 25 different kilns which can be
used for enameling. HotGlass TableTop Quartz Original®, 120V.
The cost of electricity to run this kiln for one hour at half
power is approximately 9 cents per hour. Made with insulated fire
brick and stainless steel can be used for copper enameling. $630.
Olympic makes six front-loading kilns ideal for enameling.
$445-$910; with electronic control, $845-$1,310.
PMC™ Kiln, endorsed by the PMC® Guild fires
hard enamel on metal, $535.
Thompson Enamel Inc. has three kilns ranging in price
from $105-$173.25.
Thompson Electric Enameling Furnace is a small, low-cost
electric chamber furnace. 120V. Interior chamber is 5"w x 7"d
x 4"h. $173.25
Thompson Hotplate Furnace is for beginners, students and
hobbyists. 4-7/8"d. $105.
Dual Temperature Enameling Furnace holds 1450°F for
copper or 1000°F for aluminum by inserting or removing the
insulation plug. Element is connected to the bottom of the lid.
$143.85.
Paragon makes 10 enameling kilns ranging in price from
$375 to $1,220.
Paragon Furnace E9-AX is for the beginner to experienced
enamelist. Interior dimensions: 8-1/2"w x 9"d x 4-1/2"h. 120V.
$365
Paragon Model E-14ALT, for larger pieces, for the classroom
or workshop environment. Interior dimensions: 13"w x 13-1/2"d
x 8-3/4"h. 240V, 2000°F (max. temp.). $645.
Rio Grande's Ultralite Kiln, specifically developed for
firing hard enamel on metal. 110V, 1500°F (max. temp.). $137 |
Enamel pin/pendant with
24K gold cloisonné, garnets, and diamonds in 18K gold from
Magick/ Fusager Demski Design.
|
| FUSED
AND DICHROIC GLASS |
| Glass fusing, in which individual
pieces of glass are melted together to make jewelry or larger,
designed pieces, is done in a kiln heated to approximately 1,500°F.
The entire process usually takes 24 hours. Pieces are often fired
two to four times to obtain the desired results.
Dichroic glass is produced by adding thin layers of metal
oxides, including titanium, magnesium, and silicon, to the glass
in a vacuum furnace. The number of layers, the exact salts used,
and the order in which they are deposited cause the specific colors
of dichroic glass. The kiln must reach at least 1650°F and
have a good temperature gauge so the glass does not overheat and
burn off the salts. The easiest kiln to use is one with a computerized
temperature controls that could be programmed.
Crucible™ Rectangular, 240V, front-loading kilns
for glass fusing have standard infinite switches. Dimensions from
12" x 12" x 6" (120V) to 22" x 22" x 13.5" (240V). $550-$1,050;
with Bartlett™ and AutoFire™ programmable digital controllers,
$900-$1,400.
Crucible™ Top-loading Glass Kiln, 240V, 2230°F.
Has extremely fast recovery. Sizes 12"w x 6.5"d (120V) to 30"w
x 42"h x 18"d (240V). $350-$1,650; with digital controller, $745-$2,045.
EUCLID Kilns are specially designed for glass workers.
They will customize your kiln from the shape and size, to the
materials used. $542.50-$1,834 CA$; with Bartlett™ V6-CF
digital control in wall-mounted box, $934.50-$2,285.50 CA$.
Glass Glow Fusing Kiln, designed to the specifications
of Northern California glass artist and company founder Philip
R. Teefy to accommodate even the most complex situations with
ease. GlassGlow has eight kilns ranging in price from $1,650 (4
elements on the lid, 1 element on the side) to $3,900 (8 elements
on the lid, 2 on the side).
HotGlass Kilns makes 25 different kilns for fusing. Eight
modular stacking kilns range from $290 to $690.
JEN-KEN KILN Mini Fuse Kiln, 120V, 1800°F (max. temp.),
6-sided with infinite switch controller $392; optional 2-1/2"
glass view window ($100); with Orton 3-key digital controller,
$549.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max. temp.),
6-sided (11" w x 4-1/2" h). Infinite switch with analog pyrometer,
$329; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $486.
JEN-KEN KILN Top Fire Bead Annealer. Element is in the lid.
Same as above. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $365.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Master, 120V, 1800°F. (11"w x 6-1/2"
h). With infinite switch controller, $512; with Orton 3-key digital
controller, $674.
L & L Colorado GS1714 Glass Kilns. Elements on top, bottom,
and sides. Max. temp. 2350°F, multi-voltage from 200V-240V.
Door is easily opened with one hand and turns power off when opened.
Long-lasting Dyna-Glow element holders eliminate the need for
pins because the elements won't fall out of the roof. Interior
chamber: 17"w x 12"h x 14-1/2"d. $2,275.
Olympic makes 16 glass fusing furnaces, from the Olympic
126GF, 120V, (11 1/4"w x 6"d interior), max temp 2300°F
to the Olympic 3014GF, 240V, (30"x 42"w x 13-1/2" d). Elements
in lid and sides, separate switch for lid element. Manual with
infinite switch, $515-$2,115; with electronic control, $915-$2,515.
Olympic GF12E Electronic Glass Kiln, 240V, 2300°F, five
elements per side, four elements on the lid. 30" w x 60" x 12"
d. $3,200.
Paragon makes 22 fusing kilns ranging in price from $275
to $5,200. All have elements in the lid. Fusion-8 and -10 include
heating element on the side. Digital Sentry Xpress controller
fires up to four segments in ramp-hold. Simple 3-key operation
controls both heating and cooling.
Paragon Fusion-6, (6-sided), 120V, 1700°F, 11"w x 6-1/2"
h, 3-key digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass and
fire PMC. $627.
Paragon Fusion-7, (7-sided), 120V, 1700°F, 14-1/2"w x
6 1/2" h, 3-key digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass,
and fire PMC. $721.
Paragon Fusion-8, (8-sided), 240V, top fire, 1700°F, with
Digital Sentry Xpress controller, $713.
Paragon Fusion-10, (10-sided), 240V, 11" deep, $1,100.
PMC® Kiln, endorsed by the PMC® Guild. New style
controller, door sight port, and preset cycles for PMC. For firing
gold and silver PMC. Fuses glass.120V, 2000°F. $535.
SKUTT Although these two kilns do not come with automatic
controls, Skutt recommends them for serious glass workers. They
attain a better precision and the results are repeatable. The
controller allows programming up to eight segments, each with
a heating or cooling rate, a temperature to reach, and a temperature
hold time.
SKUTT GP706 beginner fusing kiln, designed for simplicity
and efficiency. 6" deep and 14.375" opening, with lid element
for even heating and faster firing and superior control for single
layers. 120V, 1650°F. $520.
Octagon Fuser, 240V, side-fired, 9"d x 17.5" opening (400
square inches of usable area) Top-loading, manual control, infinite
switch, stand. $635.
SKUTT GM10F, 115V, 1800°F. $755.
SKUTT GM22CS, clamshell design is the premier shape for fusing.
Easily fits 20" shelf. Can also be used for shallow slumping 240V,
1800°F. $2195
SKUTT GM1227-3, for fusing on multiple levels. 240V, 1800°F.
$2,285 |
Dichroic glass bead and PMC pendant by Linda
Bernstein.
Jen-Ken Bead Annealer. Photo courtesy AA
Products.
L&L Kilns' GS1714. Photo courtesy L&L
Kilns.
|
| GRANULATION
|
| Granulation requires kiln temperature
to reach 1200°F.
Rio Grande's Small Ultralite Kiln was specifically developed
for granulation. 110V, 1500°F (max. temp.). $137. |
Granulated pendant by Maija Neimans (photo:
Ralph Gabriner)
|
| LAMPWORKING |
| Glass beads and marbles must be cooled slowly
in a kiln (annealed) to avoid thermal shock and cracking. Beads
are put into a hot kiln (1000°F) while they are still on the
mandrel. If the exposed element wires are touched, you can be
electrocuted. Also when the door is open, the hot air hits your
body. Kilns designed especially for glass bead making have many
safety features such as side door openings. Annealing temperatures
vary with the type of glass, and the length of time depends on
the thickest part of the bead -- the larger the bead the longer
the annealing time.
• Using Moretti or Effetre glass: Annealing is ramped down
from the 968°F to about 750°F.
• Bullseye™ glass is annealed at 960°F down to 750°F.
• Wasser™ hand-cast glass is annealed at 940°F.
The old formula is annealed from 1150°F-650°F. The following
kilns were specifically designed for bead making, incorporating
the latest in high-tech kiln design:
Big Blue Kiln (EK Miller Company), 120V, 1650°F. Top-fired
for even heating, extra large capacity interior: 14"w x 9.5"d
x 5.5"h. Two hinged and insulated doors cause very little temperature
drop inside the kiln, help prevent thermal shock while minimizing
exposure to IR and UV. Vinyl grip handles. High-tech, lightweight,
silica-alumina ceramic fiber insulation outperforms ordinary brick
insulation. Rigidized board sides and doors reduce dusting. Chromel
Heating Element designed with a low-watt density for longer element
life. Semiconductor-grade quartz tubing element support insulators
protect you from electrical shock hazard and your work from falling
debris. $625; setpoint controller $325; ramping controller $425.
FuseBox Kiln has many of the same features as the larger
Big Blue Kiln. 120V, 1650°F, one insulated door. $500. Requires
a controller: setpoint controller, $325; ramping controller, $425.
Aim 99LS Borosilica Lampworking Kilns, 110V. Inside dimensions
are 10"d x 9"w x 9"h. Equipped with a combination infinite switch/pyrometer.
Features a guillotine door with a special stepped front, and flip-up
doors to provide easy access with minimal heat loss. $560.
Aim 99LS/D Borosilica Lampworking Kiln, 110V, 10"d x 9"w x
9"h. Equipped with a digital temperature controller. $800.
Aim 9169GS/D Borosilica Lampworking Kilns, 240V. Created
for high production. Options are a shelf with supports to allow
pieces to be stored out of the way of the flip-up doors. Equipped
with a digital controller. $1,130.
HotGlass makes 25 different lampworking kilns, many with
features not found in other bead kilns.
• Fiber cloth door which keeps the heat in and wraps around
any glass rods or mandrels sticking out of the kiln
• Optional built-in bead rack, which makes the kiln three
to four times larger than other kilns of the same size by stacking
across and upward
• Protection from shock of touching exposed element wires
• Side door for heat comfort
• Wooden handles
• Fiber Free for those who do not like to have ceramic fiber
in their studio
HotGlass has eight modular stacking kilns ranging from
$290 to $690. A full-featured bead and fusing kiln with pyrometer
for reading temperature and a dial control switch for adjusting
the temperature, $350.
HotGlass created the Quartz Original® Kilns to prevent
accidental shock from touching exposed electrical elements when
inserting mandrels with beads into the kiln. This kiln has the
electrical heating coil wire inside a high temperature quartz
tube.
HotGlass TableTop Quartz Original®, 120V. The cost
of electricity to run this kiln at half power is approximately
9 cents per hour. Made with insulated fire brick and stainless
steel. $630. HotGlass make a portable, compact gas kiln which
uses a common propane torch inserted through the hole in the side
of the kiln. Good for travelers or for use at shows and demonstrations
where there is no electricity. A pyrometer, purchased separately,
is necessary to measure temperature. Made with insulated fire
brick. $164.
Paragon Quick Fire 6, 120V, 2000°F, 6" x 6"x 6". Will
fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $268 with analog pyrometer;
$265 with infinite control switch and analog pyrometer.
Paragon Caldera, 120V, 2000°F, 8"w x 8"d x 6-3/4"h, 3-key
digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC.
$514.
Paragon Fusion-6, 120V, 1700°F, 6-sided, 11"w x 6-1/2"
h, 3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump, anneal
glass, and fire PMC. $627.
Paragon Fusion-7, 120V, 1700°F, 7-sided, 14-1/2"w x 6
1/2" h, 3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump,
anneal glass, and fire PMC. $721
Paragon SC-2, 120V, 2000°F, 8"w x 7-3/4"d x 5 3/4"h, 3-key
digital controller. $545.
SC-2 Vista, Same as SC-2, except has 2" glass view window
in door. $607.
Paragon SC-3, 120V, 2000°F, 7-3/4"w x 7-1/2"d x 7-3/4"h,
3-key digital controller. $645.
Paragon F-120, 120V, 1800°F, 11"w x 11"d x 6-1/2"h, 3-key
digital controller. $875.
Paragon also makes 10 240V kilns, from the Fusion-8
(8-sided), top fire, 1700°F for $713 (with Digital Sentry
Xpress Controller) to the GL-64AD for $4,414.
SKUTT GP706, 110V, 1650°F, 15"w x 6-1/2"h, infinite
switch with analog pyrometer. $499.
SKUTT GM10F, 110V, 1800°F, 10-1/2"w x 9"d x 9" h, GlassMaster
digital controller. $680 with solid door; $720 with bead door.
Timework Kilns were developed for the lampworker. They
are excellent for single pieces or large-scale production work.
Cantilever door lifts upwards and automatically reseats every
time it is closed for a tight fit to minimize heat loss. The automatic
control will maintain a set temperature. Temperature advances
from 0°F to 500°F within six minutes, and from 500°F
to 1050°F within 29 minutes. Maximum operating temperature
is 2000°F. Kilns operate on 115V, 14 amps, 1680 watts and
the 220V 8 amps, at 840 watts. $413-$945.
Bead Annealers Aim Bead Annealer, 120 V, 1800°F (max
temp). Portable, refractory-brick construction. Can also be used
for slumping, fusing, and preheating. This economy bead annealer
comes in three different configurations, which all feature a tall
inside surface area (8" x 8" x 9"), a slot (8" x 2") for putting
hot beads into the kiln, and a removable plug for cooling and
quicker heating. With flip-up door, $350. With flip-up door and
controller, $550.
Crucible™ Rectangular, Front-loading Kiln has standard
infinite switches. Dimensions from 12" x 12" x 6" (120V) to 22"
x 22" x 13.5" (240V). $550-$1,050; with Bartlett™ and AutoFire™
programmable digital controllers, $900-$1,400.
Crucible™ Top-loading Glass Kiln, 240V, 2230°F. Has
extremely fast recovery. Sizes 12"w x 6.5"d (120V) to 30"w x 42"h
x 18"d (240V). $350-$1,650; with digital controller, $745-$2,045.
EUCLID Kilns (Canadian) Annealers and Square Top-Loader
for Glass. These are large: 32"w x 24"d x 17.5"h (120V) to 40"w
x 30"d x 9"h (240V). Base prices: $2,684.50 to $3,860.50 CA$.
With the Bartlett™ V6-CF digital controller, $3,300-$4,518.50
CA$.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max), 6-sided,
11"w x 4 1/2"h. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $329; with
Orton 3-key digital controller, $486.
JEN-KEN KILN Top Fire Bead Annealer. Same as above except
the single element is in the lid. Infinite switch with analog
pyrometer, $365; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $522.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Master, 120V, 1800°F, 11"w x 6-1/2"h.
May be used as a single-chamber fusing/slumping kiln with a height
of 6-1/2" or made into a two-chamber kiln for bead making. With
infinite switch controller, $512; with Orton 3-key digital controller,
$674.
JEN-KEN KILN Chili Pepper Bead Annealer, 120V, 1100°F,
interior dimensions: 16"w x 4-1/2"d x 6"h. With infinite switch
controller, $475; with Bartlett™ 3-key digital controller,
$575.
JEN-KEN KILN makes two other 120V Bead Annealers from $535-$998
and nine 240V kilns ranging from $600 to $1,700. |
Beads by Michelle
Waldren (far left, photo by Roger Schreiber) and Michael Barley
(left, photo: Doug Yaple)
AIM 99LS/D. Photo courtesy of AIM
Manufacturing.
AIM 9169GS/D. Photo courtesy of AIM
Manufacturing.
Automatic kilns, such as this one, use
digital controllers that are preprogrammed. Photo courtesy Paragon.
|
| BURNOUT
KILNS |
| Lost wax casting is a technique used
to produce shape, and make multiples using a wax mold. The mold
is attached to a base, and a flask is fit over the base. Investment
(something that resembles batter) is poured into the flask and
left to harden for a couple of hours. Once the investment is dry,
the base and flask are removed and put into a kiln to burn out
the wax. The five-hour burnout cycle takes place in three stages.
The temperature is slowly raised to 750°F for one hour, then
to 1000°F and 1350°F for two hours each. The kiln is turned
off and sits for half an hour. Wax melts at about 450°F, and
most of the wax comes out at that point. Casting takes place at
900°F.
The points to consider when choosing a burnout kiln are the number
of flasks, their size and the energy source. Most burnout kilns
are front-loading and more like ovens or furnaces.
Olympic makes six front-loading kilns ideal for burnout,
from the 129Fl 120V (max temp 2250°F) to the S1823FL 240V
(max temp 2300°F). All have peepholes and infinite switches.
The interior firing chamber of the 129FL measures 11 1/4"w and
9"d. $445-$910; with electronic control, $845-$1,310.
Time Work Kilns give clean burnout or slow controlled
rises in temperature. For single pieces or large scale production
work. Controlled temperature advances from 0°F to 500°F
in 15 minutes, and from 500°F to 1100°F in 45 minutes.
115V, 2000°F (max temp). $400-$950.
Vcella makes six burnout kilns; all are front-loading,
come with pyrometer, infinite switches, pilot lights, and vent
holes. $640-$1,942.
Rio Grande sells the following burnout kilns:
Neycraft® Fiber Furnace High-Performance, 120V, 2012°F
(max). $530.
Nine-Program Neycraft® Vulcan® Oven, 120V, 2012°F
(max). $1375.
Neycraft® Vulcan® Venturi Circulating Air Oven,
200-240V, 2012°F (max). $1,725.
Programmable Fiber Furnace, 120V, 2012°F (max). $995.
Programmable Oven, 220V, 1500°F (max). $1,920.
Extra-Large Programmable Oven, 220V, 1500°F (max). $2,200.
For the health-conscious production shops, there are steam
dewaxers, which remove 95% of the wax from invested flasks.
Wax is collected in water and removed when cool thus eliminating
most of the corrosive wax-burning fumes.
| Type |
Power |
water capacity
(US gallons) |
Price |
| Compact Steam Dewaxer |
110/120V |
1.3 |
$345 |
| Standard Steam Dewaxer |
110/120V |
3.7 |
$587 |
| Large Steam Dewaxer |
220-240V |
6 |
$995 |
|
|
| PMC |
| It is only natural that this 21st century
clay should have inspired its own kiln. The PMC® Kiln,
endorsed by the PMC® Guild was designed expressly for firing
gold and silver PMC. However, PMC can be fired in any kiln that
can sustain the required temperature and almost any kiln with
a pyrometer, like those used for burnout or enameling will work.
• Standard Silver PMC, PMC+, PMC+ Clay, PMC+ Paste, PMC+
Sheet, PMC+ Syringe are fired at 1470°F for 30 minutes or
1650°F for 10 minutes.
• PMC3 is fired at 1110°F for 30 minutes or 1290°F
for 10 minutes
• PMC Gold is fired at 1830°F for two hours.
PMC® Kiln (Rio Grande), endorsed by the PMC®
Guild. New style controller, a door sight port, and preset cycles
for PMC. Plugs into a household outlet. Automatic shutoff. For
firing gold and silver PMC. 120V 2000°F. $535.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max), 6-sided,
11"w x 4-1/2"h. Will fire PMC. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer,
$329; with Orton 3-key digital controller $486.
JEN-KEN KILN Top Fire Bead Annealer. Same as above except
the single element is in the lid. Will fire PMC. Infinite switch
with analog pyrometer, $365.
Paragon SC2-1, 120V, 2000°F. $545.
Paragon SC3- 4, 120V, 2000°F. $645.
Paragon Caldera, 120V, 2350°F. $550 digital; $360 manual.
Neycraft Burnout Oven, 120V, 9" x 6.5" x 9" chamber, variable
speed controller. 0°F to 1000°F in 15 minutes. 2012°F
(max temp). Comes with a pyrometer and an infinite range dial.
$515. |
PMC® can
be fired in many different kilns, but this specially designated
PMC® kiln has been sanctioned by the PMC®
Guild. Photo courtesy Rio Grande.
|
| MULTIPLE
USE KILNS |
| Buying a multi-purpose kiln gives you the
freedom to explore other techniques when inspiration strikes.
Since you will be spending between $300 and $2,000, it makes sense
to get a kiln that can be used for multiple applications. There
are many kilns that will fuse, slump, anneal glass and fire PMC.
Time Work Kilns were developed for lampworkers, but can
be used for lost wax casting, copper enameling, plastics, and
heat-treating. Five models range from $413.50 to $945. All are
115V, 2000°F (max temp).
Crucible™ Rectangular Front-Loading Kilns, 240V,
2230°F (max temp), can be used for enameling, metalworking,
heat-treating, glass fusing, and annealing. $550-$1,050; with
digital controller, $900-$1,400.
Crucible™ Top-Loading Glass Kiln, 240V, 2230°F (max
temp), can be used for enameling, fusing, and slumping. Has extremely
fast recovery. 12"w x 6.5"d. (120V), or 30"w x 42"h x 18"d (240V).
$350-$1,650; with digital controller, $745-$2,045.
HotGlass Kilns carries 25 different kilns for flameworking,
lampworking, and glass beadmaking, which can also be used for
fusing and enameling. HotGlass TableTop Quartz Original®,
120V. The cost of electricity to run this kiln for one hour at
half power is approximately 9 cents per hour. This bead kiln,
made with insulated fire brick and stainless steel, can also be
used for fusing glass, ceramics, or copper enameling. $630.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max temp),
6-sided, 11"w x 4-1/2"h. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer,
$329. With Orton 3-key digital controller, $486. Will fuse, slump,
anneal glass, and fire PMC.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Master, 120V, 1800°F, 11"w x 6-1/2"
h. May be used as a single-chamber fusing/slumping kiln with a
height of 6 1/2" or made into a two-chamber kiln for bead making.
Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. With infinite switch
controller, $512; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $674.
Neycraft Burnout Oven, 120V, 9"w x 6.5"h x 9"d chamber,
variable speed controller. 0°F to 1000°F in 15 minutes.
2012°F (max temp). Comes with a pyrometer and an infinite
range dial. Used for burnout and firing PMC. $515.
Olympic makes six front-loading kilns ideal for jewelry,
enameling, burnout, and ceramics, ranging from the Olympic
129Fl, 120V, 2250°F (max temp), to the Olympic S1823FL,
240V, 2300°F (max temp.). All have peepholes and infinite
switches. The interior firing chamber of the 129FL measures 11-1/4"w
and 9"d. $445-$910; with electronic control, $845-$1,310.
Olympic HotBox, 120V, 6-1/2 "w x 6-1/2 "d. Designed for firing
jewelry, enameling, and ceramics. $350; with electronic control,
$650.
Paragon SC2-1 and SC3-1 fires PMC, fuses glass
(peephole optional), 120V, 2000°F, $545-$645.
Paragon Portable Caldera, 120V, 2350°F, 8"w x 8"d x
6 3/4"h, 3-key digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass,
and fire PMC. $514.
Paragon Quick Fire 6, 120V, 2000°F, 6" x 6" x 6". Will
fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. With infinite control
switch and analog pyrometer. $265.
Paragon Fusion-6, 120V, 1700°F, 6-sided, 11"w x 6"d 1/2"h,
3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump, anneal
glass, and fire PMC. $627.
Paragon Fusion-7, 120V, 1700°F, 7-sided, 14-1/2"w x 6
1/2"h, 3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump,
anneal glass, and fire PMC. $721.
PMC® Kiln, endorsed by the PMC® Guild. New style
controller, a door sight port, and preset cycles for PMC. For
firing gold and silver PMC. Fires hard enamel on metal and fuses
glass. $535.
Rio Grande Small Ultralite Kiln, specifically developed
for granulation and firing hard enamel on metal.110V, 1500°F.
$137.
SKUTT GM10F anneals lampwork beads and fuses. Front-Loader
Design. $755.
Big Blue Kiln (EK Miller Company), 120V, 1650°F. Top-fired
for even heating. Anneals beads and fuses. $625. Setpoint controller,
$325; ramping controller, $425. |
Jen-Ken Bead Master. Photo courtesy AA
Products. |
| BEGINNER'S
OR SECONDARY KILNS |
| BEGINNER'S OR SECONDARY KILNS
If you are a professional firing many times every day you will
need a workhorse that is trouble free and dependable. A hobbyist
or someone looking for a second kiln for their studio might consider
a portable, tabletop or mini-kiln that is easily moved and thus
repaired.
Evenheat Hot Box Kiln, a small yet sturdy and reliable
kiln for the beginner or as a secondary kiln for the artisan.
Will perform all glass-related firing up to 2000°F. Built-in
temperature regulator and pyrometer control the entire firing
process. Infinite switch is a manually controlled temperature
regulator. 120V, firing chamber 6" x 6" x 4-1/2" deep. Top-loading.
$290.
Paragon QuickFire 6 for fusing jewelry and small pieces.
120V, 2000°F. Compact, built-in pyrometer. $275.
Thompson Hotplate Furnace, a small furnace for beginners,
students, and hobbyists. 4-7/8"d. $105.
Skutt GP706, a perfect beginner fusing kiln. 120V, 1650°F.
$520. |
|
| PORTABLE
AND MINI KILNS |
| Small portable kilns have the advantage of
being easy to move and repair.
Paragon Portable and Stackable Caldera, 120V, 2350°F,
8"w x 8"d x 6-3/4"h, 3-key digital controller. Fuses, slumps,
anneals glass, and fires PMC. $514.
Rapid Fire 6, for jewelry, all glass-related firing up
to 1800°F, fusing, slumping, pate de verre. 120V, 2000°F
(max temp), fires to 1000°F in five minutes and 2000°F
in 15 minutes. Built-in pyrometer. Firing chamber dimensions are
6" x 6" x 6". Draws only 14A (1500watts), about the same as a
toaster oven. $274.
HotBox Mini Kiln, a top-loading mini kiln, equipped with
a manually controlled infinite switch and pyrometer. 120V, firing
chamber dimensions are: 6"w x 6"h x 4.5"d, 2000°F (max temp).
Reaches full fusing temperature in just 12 minutes. $317.
Jewel Box Kiln, a two-story version of the HotBox mini
kiln. Perfect for bead makers. Top chamber anneals beads (set
the temperature to 800°F) while the lower chamber hovers around
400°F. The lower pre-heating chamber temperature will preheat
glass rods and mandrels, so that the glass softens quicker in
the flame and will be less susceptible to thermal shock. 120V,
built-in pyrometer, manual infinite switch. Standard firing chamber
dimensions: 6"w x 6"h x 4.5"d, 2000°F (max temp). Reaches
full fusing temperature in just 12 minutes. $394. |
|
| GAS
KILNS |
| A gas-fired kiln, which has a regulator or
a pyrometer, runs on either natural gas or propane/butane. It
reaches the required temperature quicker than an electric kiln.
Small portable gas kilns are handy for demonstrating at shows
where there is no electricity.
HotGlass makes a portable, compact gas kiln which uses
a common propane torch inserted through the hole in the side of
the kiln. Perfect for travelers or for use at shows and demonstrations
where there is no electricity. A pyrometer, purchased separately,
is necessary to measure temperature. Made with insulated fire
brick. $164.
Rio Grande's gas kilns run on natural gas but can be adjusted
to use propane/butane. Ideal for production casting shops and
are more like ovens. Prices range from $2,100 for the Rio Natural
Gas Kiln to $8,500 for the Large-Capacity Natural Gas Oven, which
Rio Grande will custom make to fit the customer's needs. |
|
| CONTROLLERS |
| Temperature Controllers are an important part
of any electric kiln. They automatically fire a kiln by using
a signal from a thermocouple (sensor) located in the kiln. They
convert this signal into a temperature and compare it with what
was programmed. They can be basic and simple-to-use or hooked
up to your PC. Some controllers come with Fuzzy Logic intelligence
that mimics human reasoning, kicking in when it detects an overshoot
or disturbance, both of which produce a variance from the setpoint.
For example, if someone opens the kiln door, causing the temperature
to drop, the controller will bring the temperature back to the
setpoint in the shortest time possible with a minimum of overshoot
and undershoot. Then there are the micro processors, fully programmable
controllers, so advanced they can be configured to telephone you
if something goes wrong with the firing.
All controllers work in essentially the same way. The major difference
is in a controller's reliability and how well its software allows
you to precisely control the firing. Controllers can't make the
kiln heat up or cool down faster than it is capable. Prices range
from $99 to $1,295. If you are the adventurous type, you can make
an automatic temperature controller for a basic glass-annealing
kiln (see the "Kiln Temperature Controller Project" on www.toblerglasscreations.com).
Controllers for Lampworking and Glass Kilns Furnace
Engineering Auto Controller.
Also for gas kilns. A microprocessor, multi-ramp, multi-dwell,
fully programmable program controller. Can be configured to telephone
you if something is wrong with the firing. Shows the actual kiln
temperature as well as what the temperature should be at that
moment. Programmable delayed start time, eight ramps, temperatures,
and hold or soak times. There is a variety of 24 pre-programmed
firing cycles in its memory and 10 firing cycles could be made
by the user and stored into the memory. $440.
Bartlett™ makes six 120V and nine 240V digital controllers.
3-key, 12-key and 24-key digital controllers for glass and casting
silver. $99-$515.
Orton AutoFire® Electronic Controllers, specifically
designed for firing glass in electric kilns. They can be programmed
and the firing monitored from a personal computer, using ControlMaster™
software from Orton. This software employs sophisticated fuzzy
logic algorithms to manage the kiln's firings. The software constantly
adapts to the way the kiln is firing and compensates for the different
ways you load the kiln. Based on temperature responses from the
thermocouples, it adjusts its control of the heating elements
accordingly.
Orton's UniTemp™ maintains uniform temperatures in
the kiln using two thermocouples and special software that regulate
the power to individual heating elements, adding heat where it
is needed. Orton's software maintains temperatures at the thermocouples
to within a few degrees of each other (typically less than 3°C).
Temperature differences in other zone controllers will vary by
10°C or more, which can be important when firing some products.
Orton has three120V controllers from $125 to $225 and three 240V
controllers from $620 to $655. 3-key and 12-key.
DTC-1 Setpoint Desktop Controller. Perfect for beginners,
this state-of-the-art digital setpoint controller is easier than
setting a digital alarm clock and allows precise, worry-free control
of the kiln temperature. It automatically brings the kiln to the
set temperature and holds it there. Setpoints are programmed by
"down" or "up" arrows. Ramping down can be done manually by lowering
the setpoint at regular intervals. $325.
DTC-2 Ramping Desktop Controller, for professionals who
require precise, automatic timed ramping and sophisticated ramp
and soak options. Stores up to four programs with up to 16 segments
each. Each segment is a ramp and soak. Programs can be combined
to create a single program of up to 64 segments. Segments can
be configured as either time to temp (i.e. two hours to 1000°F)
or rate to temp (i.e., 500°F per hour to 1000°F). Always
provides a guaranteed soak. $425.
Digitry GBl Controller allows a virtually limitless number
of temperature profiles. Ramps and soaks can occur in any combination.
Each profile can last up to 99 hours and contain up to 15 set
points. Stores 10 distinct profiles. Capable of linking profiles
for more complex annealing. $550. The GB4 Programmable Temperature
Controller controls up to five annealing ovens. $1,560.
Paragon PCB1 Controller. Plug any kiln into this controller,
then plug the controller into a standard wall socket. The type
of controller is an ICS, infinite control switch (not a reostat
type device). This means when it is set at 50%, the power will
be on half the time and off the other half of the time. When the
power is flowing it is flowing at full power. $60.
Other Controllers Kilntrol Digital/PC, for gas
and electric kilns. Can be hooked up to the PC for easy setup
and control but also operates independently of the PC. Unlimited
profiles on PC's disk. 120V or 240V. Set point temperature range
up to 3000°F. Basic unit $1,295.
Kilntrol Digital (30 and 50 amp), setpoint temperature
range of 0°F to 2400°F. $595-$695.
Love Controls makes 23 controllers for jewelry and glass
applications. Prices begin at $65.00 for a 60 Series analog control
and go as high as $1,069 for an 8-Zone 900 Series Multi-Zone control.
A favorite is the 2500 Series at $200. For ramp and soak capability
the 16A, 2600, or 8600 will do the trick. $200-$300.
Olympic Electronic Controller, $360
Paragon makes six controllers ranging from $395 to $775
and three controller boards ranging from $200 to $345. Paragon's
new DTC 1000 has a fourth generation control system. Includes
six different users with eight different ramp settings apiece.
RampMaster 11 Controller gives fusers and annealers the
freedom to develop their own personal firing program and repeat
it. 120V and four 240V controllers. $518-$676.
SKUTT's Glassmaster Controller was designed using the
input of glass artists. Programming is easy enough for beginners
and sophisticated enough for the needs of glass professionals.
It is standard on the GM10F annealing and fusing kiln and the
GM22CS fusing and slumping kilns. Holds up to six firing programs.
(Can be used with other Brand kilns).
TTI is the North American distributor of Fuji Electric
products. Controllers come in sizes from 2"w x 1"h to 4"w x 4"h.
$129-$699. The standard ramp & soak feature, which is used to
create a temperature profile during heating, is included at no
extra cost in the Fuji Electric PX Series Controllers. They all
have PID control with auto-tuning and fuzzy logic for excellent
control. The new PXR series controller has up to16 segments and
two patterns. The PVX controller has up to nine patterns and a
total of 180 segments. Fuji Electric PX Series is rugged and economical
with 16-segment ramp/soak and self-tuning.$129. The PXR3 and PXR4
have the additional option of monitoring up to 31 controllers
from a computer for an additional $40.
Infinite Switches are used with a pyrometer to control
the speed at which the temperature rises. A separate switch for
the lid element gives the user several firing combinations using
the lid and wall elements. About $125
Pyrometer
Whether Digital or Analog, it works like a speedometer, and reads
the temperature as it rises or lowers inside the kiln. It is a
useful way of monitoring the progress of a switch-operated kiln.
The kiln must always be watched to ensure that the proper temperature
is maintained. A pyrometer will not hold the kiln at a desired
temperature. $69-$300.
Paragon makes three pyrometers ranging from $90 to $300.
Digital Pyrometer (max. temp 2000°F) and thermocouple, $210.00.
Analog Pyrometer (max. temp 2400°F) and thermocouple, $110.00.
Paragon Portable Pyrometer set for Paragon enameling furnace,
$110.
SKUTT Pyrometer, $97.
HotGlass makes two pyrometers, $69-$115 (digital).
Thermocouple
This precision instrument senses temperatures inside the kiln.
It will eventually wear when used above 2000°F, resulting
in a gradual shift in temperature readout.
Kiln Furniture
The shelves, stands, and posts used to support work inside the
kiln. They allow you to double and triple the space inside the
chamber; without it, you would only be able to fire the ware that
could fit on the kiln bottom. |
Jen-Ken Infi Controller. Photo courtesy AA
Products. |
Kiln
Resources Online
|
