Which Arrow Springs kiln - small or big - would you buy??

[dlbirtwell]

Yes, I am afraid this is yet another 'what kiln to buy' question but I have waited so long to buy this kiln, I don't want to make a mistake. So opinions are needed.

I am looking at an Arrow Springs kiln. I know, I know, mucho dinero but two things, the quality and the separate digital controller are directing me toward there.

What I am not sure on is what size. It is either the AF99-T4 which is 9" by 9" and 6 1/2" high or the AF1813-C which is 18" by 13" and 9" high. The price difference would be $235. There is the in-between AF138 but I use 12" mandrels and do not want them sticking out that much (although I know they will also on the AF99.) Also, the AF1313-C but that is only $80 less so why not go for the bigger one?

Right now I want to anneal beads, fuse cabachons (sp?), and fire PMC. As I get more comfortable with fusing, I will want to play around with plates, etc. BUT (and here's the question, finally) would I regret getting the bigger kiln when I do the smaller work? Will I feel I am wasting the space by only filling up maybe one quarter to one half of the kiln at times? I have seen posts that say get the biggest you can but will I regret it? (By the way, I am not worried about the electrical cost so that is not a factor. I have calculated that.)

Sorry so long. Thanks for any help.

[beadworkstudio]

Go for the biggest kiln you can afford. You won't regret having a big kiln for small work, but you will kick yourself if you want to make something large.

Another consideration is that the smaller firebrick kilns are a real pain to flash vent. I have the little Skutt kiln with the bead door, and I have to babysit mine for quite a while to keep it below devit temps. And then I'm always worried one side of the glass will shock in the process.

[artwhim]

I've had the Arrowsprings AF99 for 5 or 6 yrs and I love it. It doesn't take up a lot of space and the heat stays contained well so that I don't roast when working by it. I use it for all 3 jobs. I would recommend to get an extra kiln shelf if you plan to do PMC or fuse glass with silver jump rings - the silver goes into the shelf and will discolor light colored glass that sits on that spot the next time. This kiln vents easily when fusing. I do have the keflar (think that's what they are called) gloves. Don't try to vent with a pot holder because it will start on fire. This kiln does limit the project size you can do. Fusing isn't my favorite thing to do so that doesn't bother me. If you plan to make beads for an entire day, you may find that the bead racks don't hold enough. The dog door system works great - easy to peek in at what you are fusing without losing much heat.
Hope this helps.
Kathy

[MaryBeth]

I also have the AF99 and I love it! However, I am lusting over the new, larger version. For that amount of money I would go for the larger kiln!8-)

[DesertDreamer]

I've had an 1813 for 8 years now and LOVE IT!!!! I make beads in the middle of the mandrel so a shallower kiln wasn't possible. I can load it with well over 30 beads at a time (when I'm on a major roll) with no problems. Also, with the rod shelf, you can use one side to preheat "difficult" glass while loading the other side with beads. It's wonderful!

[e. mort]

I have one of the original arrowsprings kilns with set point digitial controller. I have used it for over 10 years now, and it has been a great kiln. I would have upgraded to a larger 220 version from arrowsprings, but I was offered a good deal on a used skutt bead kiln so I bought that instead. Regardless, I would definitely go with a 220v version if you have plans for large pieces in the future. But, if you don't have a 220v outlet then make sure you figure in the cost of having one installed because depending on where you are, how old your house is, etc. it can really add a lot more to the cost of getting your kiln into operation.

However, that paragon kiln with the guillotine door is sweet too!

Eric

[Ellen Black]

Hi, I have the 1318, and love it. The only thing I wish I had done was get the double flip doors. Mine has the two inch opening. Ellen

[Flamechick]

I just ordered the AF-138 with the double tall bead doors. I went with this size as I didn't want to pop for the extra bucks it would cost to get an electrician to put in a 220v outlet.

You probably already know this, but there's a 6 to 8 week waiting period after you place your kiln order with AS. I am still anxiously awaiting mine ........

[dlbirtwell]

Thanks for all the advice! I ordered the big one today. Now all I have to do is figure out how I am going to get it into the basement as I am sure it is a heavy you know what.

As far as the 240 volt circuit, my friend is going to do the electrical work. I will pay him but it will be a lot cheaper than getting an electrician. He wired his whole house so I know I can trust his work.

Thanks again!

[Ellen Black]

Just curious, did you get the double flip doors?

Yes, it is very heavy the 1318. Takes two people or one real strong one. I still have the box it came in too. It's huge. Did you get the controller also?

Ellen

[Flamechick]

Thanks for all the advice! I ordered the big one today. Now all I have to do is figure out how I am going to get it into the basement as I am sure it is a heavy you know what.

As far as the 240 volt circuit, my friend is going to do the electrical work. I will pay him but it will be a lot cheaper than getting an electrician. He wired his whole house so I know I can trust his work.

Thanks again!

Use a hand truck cart and wrap some bungee cords around your kiln and the cart. Find a burley guy friend, and bribe him with beer! It could work! :biggrin:

[FigeroCat]

I just ordered the AF-138 with the double tall bead doors. I went with this size as I didn't want to pop for the extra bucks it would cost to get an electrician to put in a 220v outlet.

You probably already know this, but there's a 6 to 8 week waiting period after you place your kiln order with AS. I am still anxiously awaiting mine ........


I ordered this one as well a week before Christmas 2005. I called last week and asked how my order was coming along and they said another 3 weeks! Perhaps it will arrive around the 17th of February. I understand ANXIOUS!

Angie

[Mr. Smiley]

The big one really isn't over kill at all, so I say go for it! :D

[dlbirtwell]

Just curious, did you get the double flip doors?

Yes, it is very heavy the 1318. Takes two people or one real strong one. I still have the box it came in too. It's huge. Did you get the controller also?

Ellen


I got the 1813-C so since it is 9" tall, I think it automatically comes the double flip doors.

Yes, I got a multiple segment controller! Boy, this CC bill is going to be huge!

Diane.

[Ellen Black]

I got the 1813-C so since it is 9" tall, I think it automatically comes the double flip doors.

Yes, I got a multiple segment controller! Boy, this CC bill is going to be huge!

Diane.


The controller is FANTASTIC I think. And plenty of segments to add programs as you go along and have different needs. And Greg is real good about walking you thru adding them. It will come pre programmed with several programs, which is real nice. Ellen

[Flamechick]

I ordered this one as well a week before Christmas 2005. I called last week and asked how my order was coming along and they said another 3 weeks! Perhaps it will arrive around the 17th of February. I understand ANXIOUS!

Angie

Wow! So we're talking closer to 8 weeks than 6 weeks. Argghhh...On the bright side, more time to save up the money so the CC bill won't hurt as much!:grin:

[dlbirtwell]

The controller is FANTASTIC I think. And plenty of segments to add programs as you go along and have different needs. And Greg is real good about walking you thru adding them. It will come pre programmed with several programs, which is real nice. Ellen

Ellen,

That's one of the reasons I picked Arrow Springs. Good customer service on their kilns and controllers! The pre programming is a nice touch.