buying used electric kilns

updated mon 1 apr 02

bnsaijim on fri 29 mar 02

All,

I'm a lurker, one of the bonsai pot crowd, (i.e., Luis,
Dale, Nell) that's gotten bit by the pottery bug. This is
my first post. While I don't know what you are talking
about half the time, I have learned a great deal! I see
certain arguments like art vs. craft are universal...

I've basically started handbuilding pots, found that I love
the entire process, as much as my other chosen art form.
Love to play with fire... I also paint in watercolor, so I
love the interaction of colors and the surprise outcome.
I'm chomping at the bit to start playing with glazes.

My firing has always been done by someone else at this point
so I only really have very elementary knowledge.

I would like a kiln readily available, as my schedule is not
conducive to using the local college, no one in town. Other
potters I know are using a resource that will only do ^4
work - all else is at her convenience. I need the
capabllity to fire fairly large pots (20"+) at cone 6.

I have the opportunity to purchase a used Evenheat kiln
(5320, I believe). No controls. Said to be in good
condition, with some slight damage to one of the bricks
inside. It is already in working order. This seems like a
good fit- the thought of being "intimate" with the firing
process does not bother me.

I was wondering how to evaluate the kiln, confirm that it
works properly, to decide to purchase it. Any thoughts on
pricing, etc. also might be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Jim
TX

Orchard Valley Ceramic Arts Guild on sat 30 mar 02

>I was wondering how to evaluate the kiln, confirm that it
>works properly, to decide to purchase it. Any thoughts on
>pricing, etc. also might be appreciated.

Great question, Jim. I was waiting for one of the kiln experts
to jump in here... but haven't seen any replies yet, so here
are a few suggestions.

Inspect the kiln carefully for physical damage, especially to
the elements.

Ask if the elements are the originals, and how many
firings they have on them. Ask to see kiln firing and
maintenance records, if they are kept.

If the kiln is still in use, ask if you can watch a firing.
That way, you will verify that the kiln is still functioning
correctly, and also get comfortable with the firing process.

Ask for a written guarantee that the kiln is fully functional.

Pricing on used kilns can vary a lot... can't help much there.
This may be obvious, but be sure your electrical service can
handle the kiln. If you need to have a new circuit put in,
you'll be looking at some significant costs, and you need to
factor that in as well when deciding how much you want
to spend.

Hope this helps - and good luck!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bob Nicholson
Webmaster, Orchard Valley Ceramic Arts Guild
http://www.ovcag.org/

Luis Fontanills on sat 30 mar 02

Jim wrote:
<works properly,
to decide to purchase it.>>

Aside from Bob Nicholson's very good comments, I would add that you get a
lead test kit (the type with swabs) and verify that there is no lead
contamination of the kiln. Test the interior at the top, a side and the
bottom. Check out the archives for more on lead, but the bottom line is don't
buy if you get a positive result for lead.

Luis Fontanels
Miami, Florida USA