New Kiln ?????

[albina]

Looking to buy a new kiln. Is there a difference between top firing and side firing. I make beads and I am interested in fusing small pendants? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Albina

[RSimmons]

I've got a Skutt GM10 with a bead door on it. It's programable for a variety of things, including fusing, bead annealing, PMC, etc. The bead door is great for loading the hot kiln as you make the beads. The body of the kiln is firebrick so it's heavy and holds heat well. It also runs off of normal house current - a real plus for most of us.

Robert S

[pam]

Hi Albina, fusing kilns usually have elements in the top of the kiln so that the heat radiates down from the top evenly over your pieces. Most bead annealing kilns have side elements because they seem to cover the area with heat better. They both will work though. I do highly recommend you get a kiln with a bead door, especially if you get a kiln with elements in the lid.

Hi Robert!!

[albina]

Thanks Pam and Robert for your help.
Albina

[RSimmons]

I forgot to mention that the Skutt is a side-element kiln.

Hey Pam. Finally lit the Betta and made 2 more pyrex columns for work. So much hotter than the Minor!

Robert

[pam]

Great, Robert. I hope you actually have made beads with it also. It was really hot!! Is it on ng? and what is your oxy supply? Great torch!!

[RSimmons]

So far I'm still on propane and tanked O2, but low pressure on both. I haven't made a bead in a couple of months. Big problem with the studio floor has held things up, but someday soon.....

Robert