Gary Elfring on fri 24 may 02
I'm interested in purchasing my first electric kiln. I currently
fire at a school in a gas kiln (cone 10, reduction). Since I can't
install a gas kiln at my office, I'm going the electric route.
I want an electric kiln capable of cone 6 - 8. I will fire about twice
a month, at least at first. I want a computer controller, and the kiln
can't draw more than 50 amps at 220-240 volts. Top loading, since
front loading seems really expensive.
My problem is, there seem to be millions of kilns and I can't tell the
difference between them! Why does one cost $1,000 and another,
seemingly similar one, cost $2500?
Any recommendations on brand? Single or double walls? Elements in the
bottom? Round or oval?
--
Best regards,
Gary mailto:info@elfring.com
Orchard Valley Ceramics Arts Guild on sat 25 may 02
>I'm interested in purchasing my first electric kiln. I currently
>fire at a school in a gas kiln (cone 10, reduction). Since I can't
>install a gas kiln at my office, I'm going the electric route.
I recently bought a cone art kiln, based on the recommendation of
a friend who bought the same model. I'm quite happy with it. ConeArt
is a Canadian company, but I believe they are owned by Shimpo...
I see the same kiln for sale under both names.
I chose this kiln for three reasons:
1) Extra inch of insulation, for greater energy efficiency
2) Bartlett programmable controller - very flexible and easy to use
3) Elements in the kiln floor as well as the walls.
The model I bought is 7 cubic feet, rated at 48 amps, 240 volts. It
is sold as a "cone 10" kiln, and fires quickly and reliably to the
cone 6-8 range. I think the model number was 2327. Cost, through
my local dealer, was $2217, including shipping charges.
If you buy this kiln, call Bartlett and ask them to make you a copy of
the SMT 600 Technical Manual. It's 7 pages of additional information
on the controller, including how to run diagnostics. It really should
be included in the "Operation Manual," but it isn't. (Or drop me a note
and I can copy it for you.)
Good luck - and let me know if I can answer any other questions about
this kiln.
Regards,
Bob Nicholson
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