What's the best kiln to use?... please help a newbie out

BeadNiks · #1 2008-05-22, 2:42pm

I want to set up my own studio and I'm hoping someone can give me advice on the subject of kilns. I will just be doing beads so I don't need anything extravegant. Plus I'm on a budget. I like the ones with the flip-up doors. If anyone knows of a brand that is reliable and inexpensive or has any other advice to offer on the subject, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

PittsGlass · #2 2008-05-22, 3:26pm

I am a Crowley kiln convert. I just love the tall double doors and ease of use. Here's a link to all the details

http://theglasshive.com/BEAD%20ANNEALLERS.html

Deb Hopeful Journeys · #3 2008-05-22, 3:40pm

I would save up until you can get one with that is brick lined. I just learned how to fuse and also do PMC. I have a chili pepper and I can't use it to fuse or do PMC.

You said that you just want to do beads in it, but you just never know where that might lead to.

Dennis Brady · #4 2008-05-22, 3:46pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb Hopeful Journeys

I would save up until you can get one with that is brick lined. I just learned how to fuse and also do PMC. I have a chili pepper and I can't use it to fuse or do PMC.

You said that you just want to do beads in it, but you just never know where that might lead to.

Many that have an AIM 84BD are pleased with its versatility in being able to anneal beads or do small fusing/slumping projects.

Hayley · #5 2008-05-22, 3:46pm

I second Mike Crowley's kiln . . . best customer service included!

BeadNiks · #6 2008-05-22, 4:12pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PittsGlass

I am a Crowley kiln convert. I just love the tall double doors and ease of use. Here's a link to all the details

http://theglasshive.com/BEAD%20ANNEALLERS.html

Thanks Pam,

That kiln looks terrific, I only wish I could afford it... darn, where are those lottery winnings when you need them

Unfortunately my budget is very tight right now.

Raven Wylder · #7 2008-05-22, 4:55pm

Yeah but then it's better to wait to get the kiln that can grow with you. Unless you pick up one used (which is still pricey and hard to find) new ones are going to run you a minimum of $500 or more. And you'll want a digital controller - makes life a lot easier.

BeadNiks · #8 2008-05-22, 5:00pm

[quote=Raven Wylder;1868283]Yeah but then it's better to wait to get the kiln that can grow with you....[quote]

I agree, Sheryll, I think I'm going to have to start saving up my pennies. I know it's going to take some time (and alot of buck-a-roos) to get my studio up and running, but it will be worth it in the end, I'm sure.

Raven Wylder · #9 2008-05-22, 5:09pm

BTW, for lampworking, I got the Paragon SC2 kiln with bead door and love it. I have a kiln shelf to do quick fuses of small things (trial pendants) and PMC - it can do enameling and small ceramics but I haven't gotten into that yet.

LDowdle · #10 2008-05-22, 5:56pm

Hi every one, is it okay to just jump in with a question as well. My pennies are very tight too. I saved my "hiney" off and bought a cc and i currently have a standard AF99 on order. I am very new this and this seemed to be my best option for a kiln and as a beginner. Can any of you offer your opinions on this.

I will also be getting a fire III digital controller with it so no need to babysit.

anyway The AF99 has a temperature limit of 1900 degrees. It has a flip door, it is fully lined inside, no elements showing etc, it is an annealing and fusing kiln. Is this not an option that beadniks can consider or is there a reason why nobody mentioned it?

I am just wondering because now i am a little nervous about my order.... i still have to wait 4 weeks while it gets built... I can still pull out of it?

I just found this on the site regarding the AF99. : http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...highlight=af99

lldesigns · #11 2008-05-22, 6:01pm

I LOVE Paragon! I currently have the Bluebird and had the Caldera. They're both great kilns and the Caldera can do fusing and ceramics in addition to bead annealing.

BeadNiks · #12 2008-05-22, 6:05pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDowdle

Hi every one, is it okay to just jump in with a question as well. My pennies are very tight too. I saved my "hiney" off and bought a cc and i currently have a standard AF99 on order. I am very new this and this seemed to be my best option for a kiln and as a beginner. Can any of you offer your opinions on this.

I just found this on the site regarding the AG99: http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...highlight=af99

Hi Lorraine,

Thanks for the link to the other thread about this, great info.

I have actually been looking at and considering the AF99 from arrowsprings myself. It looks like a great kiln but I would also be interested in hearing what others have to say about it.

You can just call me Nik, btw.

ps - I viewed your website link, very nice jewelry there.

PittsGlass · #13 2008-05-22, 8:35pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeadNiks

Thanks Pam,

That kiln looks terrific, I only wish I could afford it... darn, where are those lottery winnings when you need them

Can't win if you don't play

KEW · #14 2008-05-22, 8:40pm

Arrow Springs AF99. Great kiln, great service, great controller. Costs so little to run that it has never been noticeable on our electric bill. You can fuse, do PMC, whatever.

I didn't mention it earlier because it is not the least costly option and there is a tendency for people to ignore the AS owners (because it's not the least costly option).

LDowdie, you do not want to pull out of it.

murf · #15 2008-05-22, 8:47pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven Wylder

BTW, for lampworking, I got the Paragon SC2 kiln with bead door and love it. I have a kiln shelf to do quick fuses of small things (trial pendants) and PMC - it can do enameling and small ceramics but I haven't gotten into that yet.

I have have this kiln and love it. A breeze to use and no problems.

LDowdle · #16 2008-05-22, 9:08pm

Hey Nik, Thanks so much for your compliments re my work.... I love it, and hopefully by February next year (well that is the goal) 90% of all my jewellery will be done with "my own beads" .. ( wow i have always wanted to say that... hee hee )

Kew..... I have to say in my bones I am very at ease and excited about this kiln. I investigated quite a bit and felt this combination and running costs etc would be perfect... so Thank you for your opinion.... greatly appreciated.... I can not wait to receive it.

Nik.... let us know what you have decided to go with. Hey I just saw your etsy... coooooooooooooooool ..... you also make jewellery.... Lovely lovely stuff.

xx Lorraine

BeadNiks · #17 2008-05-22, 9:11pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEW

Arrow Springs AF99. Great kiln, great service, great controller. Costs so little to run that it has never been noticeable on our electric bill. You can fuse, do PMC, whatever.

I didn't mention it earlier because it is not the least costly option and there is a tendency for people to ignore the AS owners (because it's not the least costly option).

LDowdie, you do not want to pull out of it.

I'm not ignoring you, believe me, very reassuring to hear this... I'm sure Lorraine (L Dowdle) will agree.

BeadNiks · #18 2008-05-22, 9:15pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDowdle

Nik.... let us know what you have decided to go with. Hey I just saw your etsy... coooooooooooooooool ..... you also make jewellery.... Lovely lovely stuff.

xx Lorraine

Thank you Lorraine... yes, I guess you could say that making beaded jewelry was the "gateway drug" to my newest obsession with actually making my own beads... lol

BeadNiks · #19 2008-05-22, 9:17pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by murf

I have have this kiln and love it. A breeze to use and no problems.

Cool... I'll have to look further into the Paragon. Thanks to both of you!

BeadNiks · #20 2008-05-22, 9:19pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PittsGlass

Can't win if you don't play

lol... so true!

BeadNiks · #21 2008-05-22, 9:23pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb Hopeful Journeys

I would save up until you can get one with that is brick lined. I just learned how to fuse and also do PMC. I have a chili pepper and I can't use it to fuse or do PMC.

You said that you just want to do beads in it, but you just never know where that might lead to.

I know what you mean... it would be good to have something that can grow with me, so to speak. Thanks Deb!

BeadNiks · #22 2008-05-22, 9:26pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by lldesigns

I LOVE Paragon! I currently have the Bluebird and had the Caldera. They're both great kilns and the Caldera can do fusing and ceramics in addition to bead annealing.

I seems Paragons are getting rave reviews... I will definitely have to investigate further. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

LDowdle · #23 2008-05-22, 9:40pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeadNiks

Thank you Lorraine... yes, I guess you could say that making beaded jewelry was the "gateway drug" to my newest obsession with actually making my own beads... lol

It sure is.... and for me it is also the frustration of having to search or buy the precise item/colour/bead combination that I need for a client.... At least this way I can make what I envision or exactly what I need. It is so exciting hey!

Okay but in saying that...it is going to take a while LOL! Prior to today..which is 3 days counting on my new mini carlisle which I think rocks , I had 2 days experience on a braising torch(not a hothead) with map gass canisters... So I have heaps to learn about this fabulous glass venture.. I am a REAL rookie newbie at this..

BeadNiks · #24 2008-05-22, 9:52pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDowdle

It sure is.... and for me it is also the frustration of having to search or buy the precise item/colour/bead combination that I need for a client.... At least this way I can make what I envision or exactly what I need. It is so exciting hey!

Okay but in saying that...it is going to take a while LOL! Prior to today..which is 3 days counting on my new mini carlisle which I think rocks , I had 2 days experience on a braising torch(not a hothead) with map gass canisters... So I have heaps to learn about this fabulous glass venture.. I am a REAL rookie newbie at this..

So am I (a newbie that is)... I know exactly what you mean about how exciting it is to be able to make what you envision. It's very free-ing. Luckily I live near the Corning Museum of Glass which is a world class museum of glass. That's where I recently took a lampworking class and now I'm able to rent studio space until I get my own studio up and running ...which may be a while due to the cost factor, but hey, one step at a time. I'll get there eventually, luckily I'm patient by nature.

LDowdle · #25 2008-05-22, 10:15pm

That is awesome. I think taking a class is/would be a great idea... but then I would have to forfeit my kiln. aaaaa NO WAY.... I have decided to make a journal as i go on so that when I can afford a class I can ask the questions I don't have an answer for... I hope it is soon...I have many questions

Take care and don't forget to let us know which kiln you go for in the end...

x

Lorraine Chandler · #26 2008-05-22, 10:38pm

Sundance has a cute little go anywhere table top gas kiln..pretty inexpensive too and it can be converted to electric at a later date if you want.

Lorraine

Diane (clarus) · #27 2008-05-22, 11:10pm

I have the Arrow Springs AF138-T4 - it's the bigger and taller version of the AF-99. Really nice kiln. It was worth saving my pennies and getting the one I really wanted. Do get a digital controller - it will make your life much easier when you anneal your beads!

-Diane

pam · #28 2008-05-23, 4:39am

I have 3 arrow springs kilns, including the AF99 (which I have had since around '94/'95 without one problem), but never butt into a thread where someone says they want an inexpensive kiln. However, this kiln, to my thinking, is the best kiln on the market. I have 3 kilns and one controller that I can switch to whatever kiln I am using. I will never buy anything but an Arrow Springs kiln because of their reliability - never had a burned out element or relay - never had a problem with the controller that I couldn't fix using the info on their website. Love, love, love AS kilns and controllers.

Iwantonetoo · #29 2008-05-23, 2:30pm

I love my Blue Bird. I got it from www.Clay-king.com

His customer service is great!!!

I also have a jen-ken for fusing. I'd recommend either one!!

AKDesigns · #30 2008-05-23, 4:41pm

I have the AF99 also and used it for a couple of years without the digital controller. I hand cranked it a tiny bit every 20-30 minutes over a 4-5 hour period. It's doable if you don't want to spend the money on a controller right away but it is a pita. I finally got the controller and it's wonderful. Holds lots of different programs. I noticed that one mentioned in this thread only holds two programs....that just wouldn't fly for me.