Suggestion: Small, inexpensive entry level bead annealer

[asiceloff]

I'd like to toss this idea out to the vendors on the board ---

PLEASE make a small inexpensive starter kiln with a digital controller.

I'm thinking something similar to the Digital Speedfire kiln (for PMC) but which has a bead door (and maybe wider than tall?). That model runs for a bit less than $400 with free shipping.

I realize this model is small, I realize that for a serious professional bead maker, a small kiln is not that helpful. But I think you'll find a decent market in the new lampworkers...those of us just getting started.

I have seen entry level non-digital kilns for about $400 but I think the consensus is that these are not the best option for lampworking. (If I'm wrong, then let me know why)

And everyone says buy used, but the fact is....there are very few entry level kilns for sale out there...and most of them are priced at nearly-new prices.

Now, I'm new to lamp working and I realize this isn't a cheap hobby. I'm not complaining about the cost, but I really think there is a market for this.

What do you think?

[echeveria]

There are instructions out there for building your own out of a tool box or mailbox. Print them and get someone handy to help you build one. I don't have a clue what the parts cost out at, but I assume it is less than the available ones.

Right now you can get a digital Chili Pepper from Mountain Glass Arts for $580. It is a just-fine kiln. I use mine almost every time I torch. I have had it for 7 years.

[Khaleesi Dane]

Devardi glass makes a mini glass annealers for about $80.
I bought it with my first ever torch and glass, and it's been working just fine for batch annealing the small number of beads that I make that are worth annealing!! Being a beginner, most of mine aren't worth that step, but once a week or so, I fire some.

I tested the annealing job, early on, with a couple uglies, by dropping them on the concrete floor. Unannealed shattered, annealed bounced. Works for me, at this stage.

You might want to check out glass hive too. I am going to start one of their layaway plans for a small annealers next month! Awesome program!
Good luck!

[asiceloff]

Glass hive has very nice kilns. I might look again at their less expensive models....I just wanted to toss out this idea and see people thought. Maybe there really isn't a market for it.

[beckd]

Do yourself a huge favor and get "Glass Hive " kiln on their layaway plan.

[asiceloff]

beckd...that seems to be one of the best options out there! :)

[2DogsPhoto]

A glass hive kiln is my plan eventually also, and if I was going to spend $400 I would bump it up and get one of theirs. But something simple and close to $300 would be something uhh would buy in a heartbeat.

[istandalone24/7]

i've love a small kiln with interior dimentions of about 2x2x2 because 9 out of 10 times i make one marble a day and that's it. kinda a waste of electricity to fire up a bluebird xl for one marble.

[snoopdog6502]

Myself I need a kiln that will not kill me to move and does a large variety of things.

Im looking at a paragon caldera digital.