To the enlightened, what's my dream kiln?

[shangri-leigh]

I pose this question to those of you with experience in the matter.
This will be my first kiln purchase. I would like a digital controler, boro capability, a future toward fusing?, and something in a fashionable hue.
Faves and raves? Duds and spuds?
:-k

[Kalera]

Arrow Springs! You don't get to pick the color, though.

[shangri-leigh]

Wow, those are beautiful, actually, just more than I was looking to spend.
Perhaps I'll have to save yet another month....
Thanks Kalera, and by the way, who makes those hot glasses you are wearing in the photo? You look so Johnny Depp.

[Kalera]

Wow, those are beautiful, actually, just more than I was looking to spend.
Perhaps I'll have to save yet another month....
Thanks Kalera, and by the way, who makes those hot glasses you are wearing in the photo? You look so Johnny Depp.

LOL! That is THE BEST celebrity comparison I've ever received!

The frames are from some old Guess sunglasses, and the lenses are courtesy of Mike and Bob at Auralens. :)

For a less-expensive alternative that also fuses, check out the Glass Hive fusing/annealing kiln: http://www.theglasshive.com/BEAD%20ANNEALLERS.html

Or Jen Ken's little kilns: http://cdvkiln.com/menuglas.htm

[BillBrach]

Hey Kalera, where'd you buy your last two kilns !!

As an aside, steer away from ANY kiln insulated with fiber blanket IF you want to do boro !! This means that the Chili Pepper is out.

[Mr. Smiley]

Bill, can you elaborate? I was going to buy a chili pepper for my bench. I have several other fire brick kilns, but wanted something fast and small... possibly for travel as well. ;)

[Mr. Smiley]

To answer the origional question and not just hijack... I think you would be happy with a smaller Jen-ken for your first kiln... they will do pretty much whatever you want to do for little money. ;) If you can afford it, I would suggest a glasshive kiln. They are great people and make excellent quality kilns!

[BillBrach]

Brent,

The Chili Pepper has a MAX temp of 1100. This won't allow you to strike boro.

Also, I've been told by the factory that the fiber has to be replaced every 3-4 years, because the binder starts to deteriorate and drops fiber bits on your beads. I'd suspect that boro temps would aggravate this.

On the whole though, the CP is a GREAT kiln for soft glass. In addition to being portable, it holds the distinction of being able to get a LOT a beads in it too, which is why people buy it.

For a boro worker, I'd recommend the Jen-Ken "Bead Box". A compact, lightweight kiln with a sturdy top handle for carrying it around. It also has built-in feet, to elevate it. Incidently, it costs less that the CP too.

Bill

[Mr. Smiley]

Thanks Bill. I don't go over 1100 to strike- ever. I think it's just about what I want for my bench top kiln... even if it sheds. My price on them is pretty good, so I may grab one up and let you all know how it works. I need the space and that little Jek-Ken is nice... just not big enough. I may alter the CP and put some brick type material in there... if not, I have plenty of fiber here to replace with. I bought a huge roll- LOL

Thanks again for the insight. You are always most helpful! :D

[Teague]

Bill~

I keep going back to your page to ponder the Jen-Ken Bead Annealer, it says on the specs pages that it also comes in a 9in height is that correct? I really want to get into fusing too, so I want something that I can at least make a small bowl, etc... Do you ever get refurbished kilns?

Teague

[BillBrach]

Teague,

Yes, the 11" across kiln is available in a 9" deep version. With that model, you can get a 4" high bead door too. PM me for price.

As far as refurbished, no, I've not had one yet. Occasionally, I can get a new 'scratch & dent' but none are available right now.

Bill