Penny Hosler on mon 17 may 99
Michelle,
You should be satisfied with the Skutt, and not pay any shipping since
you'll probably pick it up in Portland at Georgie's. I like mine.
BUT. If I were going to do it again, I'd find a kiln with 3 zones.
Not sure which brand it is, but one of them has 3 separate temp
sensors for top, middle and bottom of kiln. Maybe Skutt even does
that now? And automatic controllers are a godsend, worth every penny
(lots of pennies). They allow you to fire down slowly for crystals
or whatever. The envirovent and controller will probably add $600+
to your bill, but they're not unnecessary fluff, IMHO. Note: You
may think this will be your only kiln, but you can bet your bottom
dollar it won't be. Along will come a deal you just can't pass up.
I suggest you get the wall-mounted controller. It costs a little
more, but can be switched from one kiln to another. So if you get a
smaller test kiln later you don't have to buy another controller.
This advice comes from a dummy who ended up buying two controllers cuz
she didn't believe she'd ever need/have/want another kiln......
Penny in Sequim
-----Original Message-----
From: the Gallaghers
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Saturday, May 15, 1999 12:48 PM
Subject: Buying the Kiln
----------------------------Original
message----------------------------
Hello Everyone,
I recently asked for comments on my sculptural work, I want to thank
everyone
who responded. I got some very positive remarks and fuel to continue
in my
developement.
So.......I've got the tax return in hand, and I'm ready to buy;
(da-da-dah, drum roll) "The Kiln"!!
I have been recommended the Skutt 1227 by someone who works at both of
the
places where I have been firing my work. He knows I like to work
large and says
I won't be disappointed with the size and quality of this kiln.
Does anyone on the list have further input to this purchase. It is
obviously my
first, but I have been assisting with the bisque firings on the manual
types at
school so I am familiar with it. I thought I wanted to get the
regular manual
type but Loren said to go for the computer controlled one if I can
afford it.
What do you think??
Since Skutt is made right here locally it makes sense to buy one, but
is this my
best option??
I've read numerous postings about kilns on this list and people have
every
different kind so it is a bit confusing.
I know I want 3' of brick, and an envirovent thingy to fire it in my
basement
(or possibly out under the porch).
I will have it direct wired to my circuit box. And fireproofing
material around
the walls nearby. I have a cement floor.
Is there anything I have forgotten??
Michelle
In Oregon
Wendy Neilson on tue 18 may 99
Penny... If you havn't already decided have a serious look at Seattle
Pottery's Crucible kiln. It has numerous options including multiple probes,
extra insulation, element in the bottom, ORTON Controllers (from what I hear
rated #1 in their field) and best of all a cone sitter. I know, I know...
some say the controllers never fail! BUT when they do, big time trouble. I
like the security of the back up just in case.
I have a Crucible (obviously) and have had excellent service from Seattle
Pottery 1-800- 522-1975. For those kiln buyers in Canada call Ray at Pottery
Warehouse in Nanaimo. (250) 716-9916 I bought mine through them and I
would do it again in a heart beat.
Wendy... Victoria, B.C.
potsnpaints@home.com
Chris & Cindy on tue 18 may 99
Michelle,
I also live in Oregon and I just spent my tax return on a Skutt 1027 with
the Kiln Master controller. I have been very happy with it so far. I fired
it three whole times, tehehe.
I looked long and hard at many different kilns before taking the advice of
other local potter who suggested I stick with Skutt unless I really had my
heart set on a particular one. Skutt is here in Portland so you are not
likely to have difficulty getting repair parts quickly.
If you are getting a 1227 it is a deep reach into the bottom of the kiln and
you will probably want the zone control option so you can evenly control the
heat throughout the kiln. I admired the L&L Kilns for a long while
primarily because of their element holders and kiln controller with 3 zone
control. You might want to check out their website: www.hotkilns.com. You
also might talk to Valley View Ceramics. Their info is on the L&L website
under distributors. They offer me a cost several hundred below retail on
both Cress and L&L when I talked to them.
I bought mine through Bennett in Florida. They had it delivered to my house
with the standard furniture kit for the same cost of purchasing it through a
local distributor. I spoke to Skutt directly before I ordered through
Bennett. They informed me the Bennett buys about 10% of all the kilns they
manufacture and always order in quantity to get the lowest price possible.
My only warning about doing what I did is that Bennett doesn't offer the
service you will get through a local place. My priority was getting it
delivered at a reasonable price since I don't have a truck and I only had
$1500 to get it done with.
Good luck.
Cindy
Zazen@teleport.com
----------------------------Original
message----------------------------
Hello Everyone,
I recently asked for comments on my sculptural work, I want to thank
everyone
who responded. I got some very positive remarks and fuel to continue
in my
developement.
So.......I've got the tax return in hand, and I'm ready to buy;
(da-da-dah, drum roll) "The Kiln"!!
I have been recommended the Skutt 1227 by someone who works at both of
the
places where I have been firing my work. He knows I like to work
large and says
I won't be disappointed with the size and quality of this kiln.
Does anyone on the list have further input to this purchase. It is
obviously my
first, but I have been assisting with the bisque firings on the manual
types at
school so I am familiar with it. I thought I wanted to get the
regular manual
type but Loren said to go for the computer controlled one if I can
afford it.
What do you think??
Since Skutt is made right here locally it makes sense to buy one, but
is this my
best option??
I've read numerous postings about kilns on this list and people have
every
different kind so it is a bit confusing.
I know I want 3' of brick, and an envirovent thingy to fire it in my
basement
(or possibly out under the porch).
I will have it direct wired to my circuit box. And fireproofing
material around
the walls nearby. I have a cement floor.
Is there anything I have forgotten??
Michelle
In Oregon
Maxine Cohn. on tue 18 may 99
Michelle,
Shimpo ConeArt manufactures 7 and 10 cubic ft. kilns (also doll, hobby,
glass, and 12, 16.5, and 22 ovals). In addition to single wall kilns, the
energy efficient double wall kilns consist of 2 1/2" brick plus 1" of
asbestos-free block insulation and are designed for high fire ware. An
element in the floor helps even out firings and prevents a cold spot. These
kilns may be purchased with an optional Orton Autofire Plus or Unitemp (the
Autofire Plus has one thermocouple and the Unitemp has two that adjust to
each other for uniform firings). These controllers are easy to use with
preset conefire programs or four user programs with 10 camphold segments
each. You can even get optional switches for additional zone controls.
Please contact Georgies, our dealer in Portland Oregon.
Laura Barov
Shimpo Ceramics
| |
|
