Help with Kiln Purchase

[trivialpersuit]

we're pretty much all set to "light this candle" - torch, Oxy Concentrator, glass rods, etc. We want a Bead Kiln that will also serve as a kiln for small ceramics (less than 6") - most likely small custom tiles...

We're looking at the OLYMPIC HB86BC on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300225845442&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:us

and also the Jen-Ken AF3P:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150247636583&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123


Since we're Noobs maybe we're looking at the wrong one for our needs... We like the fact the Olympic does 2300 degrees (for ceramics) but anybody have suggestions? We want to basically do bead making and MAYBE small ceramics. Also a Digital Controller is a Pyrometer - Correct? So we can anneal without having to manually sit there watching a timer? Not sure where to ask locally as any store will promote the stuff & equipment they sell but won't recommend something they don't sell. Are the 2 kilns above good kilns - which is better? HELP! :?:

[lldesigns]

You might want to also check the Paragon Caldera! It can get hot enough to do fine ceramics.

Fire silver clay, china, ceramics, porcelain, stoneware, decals, enameling, jewelry, and glass in Paragon™s digital Caldera kiln. It makes glass compatibility and glaze color tests fast and easy. It fires rapidly to 2350°F/1287°C. With a separate top and bottom, it is stackable and completely portable. The kiln is easy to carry to seminars. Take it with you on vacation. For a digital kiln that can do this much, the Caldera is surprisingly affordable.

Clay King is having an awesome sale. And as powerful as it is, it can still plug into a standard outlet...that's very important!

http://www.clay-king.com/itempcald.html

I've used only Paragon - I have a Bluebird that I LOVE! I also had the Caldera but had to sell it because I was in desparate need of money. I really miss it!

[Dennis Brady]

we're pretty much all set to "light this candle" - torch, Oxy Concentrator, glass rods, etc. We want a Bead Kiln that will also serve as a kiln for small ceramics (less than 6") - most likely small custom tiles...

We're looking at the OLYMPIC HB86BC on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300225845442&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:us

and also the Jen-Ken AF3P:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150247636583&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123


Since we're Noobs maybe we're looking at the wrong one for our needs... We like the fact the Olympic does 2300 degrees (for ceramics) but anybody have suggestions? We want to basically do bead making and MAYBE small ceramics. Also a Digital Controller is a Pyrometer - Correct? So we can anneal without having to manually sit there watching a timer? Not sure where to ask locally as any store will promote the stuff & equipment they sell but won't recommend something they don't sell. Are the 2 kilns above good kilns - which is better? HELP! :?:

As to the kilns, I'd suggest that what's required for firing ceramics is so radically different then what's needed for glass, I'd look for 2 different kilns. Ceramics requires nothing more then firing up to the desired temperature and turning off the kiln. Used ceramics kilns are regularly sold very cheap. Small ones often as low as $100. Firing glass is considerably more complicated.
http://www.glasscampus.com/tutorials/pdf/Pottery%20Kilns%20for%20Glass.pdf

A pyrometer is a gauge to display the temperature inside the kiln so you'll know when to turn the kiln up, down, or off. A digital controller allows you to program the kiln so it will go through it's instructed firing schedule without you being in attendance. If you buy a kiln without a controller, you can add one on later - but that'll cost about $300. It's much more practical to just buy a kiln with a controller.

Both the kilns you're looking at have digital controllers - but the JenKen is unsuitable for ceramics. It only fires to 1700F.