peterj@megalink.net on sun 21 jul 02
I am seriously considering an Axner Super Kiln, the 28x31 incher. But I
have some worries and questions.
This kiln appears to give top performance for less than top dollar, and I
always wonder about that.
So here are my questions:
- Is it a reliable kiln?
- Is it a reliable company? Is it easy to get customer service? The couple
people I've spoken with seem nice but vague.
- Does the performance of the kiln live up to the heavy-duty quality it's
advertised to have? Are the elements really solid, is the construction
superb, is the insulation as good as it appears?
- Is the controller program simple and flexible, or does it have hidden
limitations?
- How hard/easy is it to get replacement parts?
And here is a general question - Does the fact that the walls and elements
are coated with ITC make it more difficult to remove the elements when you
have to change them??
Anyone who's using one of Axner's kilns and can help me out, I'd really
appreciate the insight. No one around here carries the brand, and I've not
seen it in action or spoken with one person who has an opinion - except for
a few affiliated with the company.
Thank you,
Carrie Jacobson
Bolsters Mills, Maine
william schran on mon 22 jul 02
Carrie asks about the Axner Super Kiln:
- Is it a reliable kiln? Have had the largest model in school
situation for 2 years, fire about once a week
- Is it a reliable company? Is it easy to get customer service? The couple
people I've spoken with seem nice but vague. Have had good response
to a problem I had with small chip of brick breaking loose from lid
(outside) near where hinge is attached. They had kiln manufacturer
send repair cement at no charge.
- Does the performance of the kiln live up to the heavy-duty quality it's
advertised to have? Are the elements really solid, is the construction
superb, is the insulation as good as it appears? The kiln is made by
Olympic and is a heavy kiln. Warning - this kiln is one piece, not in
sections. I believe this is factor in it's performance. There is a
layer of insulation between brick and exterior metal that does help.
The lid is thick and heavy. The one area of poor design is the prop
to hold the lid open. It's only on one side which causes the lid to
flex/twist slightly which puts a greater strain on the hinge
assembly. I now use a 12" shelf post as a secondary prop on the
opposite side to hold up the lid. I think 2 lid props are needed for
this kiln. The elements are heavier and construction is good.
- Is the controller program simple and flexible, or does it have hidden
limitations? Can't answer, ours is a manual kiln.
- How hard/easy is it to get replacement parts? Have not had to
replace anything yet.
And here is a general question - Does the fact that the walls and elements
are coated with ITC make it more difficult to remove the elements when you
have to change them?? Don't know, but I think it will have an effect.
FYI, the element in the floor is a long way down there. I dread the
time when I have to replace the floor element.
Hope this helps, Bill
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