William & Susan Schran User on fri 7 jul 06
On 7/7/06 1:55 AM, "Phil reynolds" wrote:
> The name on the kiln is Crest Electric Kiln with a model number of B-23-H.
> I can't find anything on the net about it.
The manufacturer is Cress.
Here's the link to the model you asked about:
http://www.cressmfg.com/b23h1.htm
-- William "Bill" Schran
Fredericksburg, Virginia
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
Mark Tigges on fri 7 jul 06
www.cressmfg.com
Follow the links to the 'B' series.
I wrote a big long email explaining how the b-27 had probably too
large an electrical requirement for typical household service.
Then I reread your email and saw that it's a b-23. I would say go for
it.
My first kiln was almost identical, what I did was replace the clothes
dryer breaker with 40 amp, and then just use that circuit when you
want to fire (of course you won't be able to use the dryer at the same
time though).
Their data says that it will reach cone 6, it will, but VERY slowly.
I had an Olympic which was exactly the same specs, and it reached cone
6 almost asymptotically at about 1185 C (15 degrees below what is
commonly accepted as cone 6).
Mark.
On Fri, Jul 07, 2006 at 12:55:37AM -0500, Phil reynolds wrote:
> I have an opportunity to by a small electric kiln from a friend of a friend
> for $150. It was this guys mothers and he said she used it for ceramics.
> The name on the kiln is Crest Electric Kiln with a model number of B-23-H.
> I can't find anything on the net about it. I am very new to pottery and
> kiln and I am trying to figure out if this would give me what I need. I
> didn't have plans to buy a kiln for a long while but for $150 it is almost
> impossible to say no. Does anyone here know anything about Crest Electric
> Kilns? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
--
http://www.m2crafts.ca
m2crafts [at] gmail
Bunny Lemak on fri 7 jul 06
Hi Phil-
This kiln was probably used for low fired ceramics. If it is the size you
want, the price is excellent.
Have you actually seen the kiln? Make sure all the elements are in good
shape, nothing hanging out or damaged. Same with the bricks and floor.
Ask them to turn it on, and make sure all the elements glow a nice red
color.
Crest has been around in the ceramic industry for many years. If this
woman took good care of the kiln, it should last you a long time.
Will she be including all the furniture too? How big is it? If you think
it will fill your needs, and it runs good I wouldn't hesitate in buying
it. You can always upgrade later.
Bunny
Cindy Bracker on fri 7 jul 06
I think you will have more luck if you look up Cress. The B-23-H is
still being made, so parts are still available. Before you spend any
money on a used kiln, however, know what you're getting into. I have
posted the following several times regarding various kilns. I admit,
I didn't re-read the whole thing to make sure I'd taken out all
references to the last time I posted it, so you might see something
that mentions specifics from the last time.
So here it is...
Generally you can use the "75% rule" Which is:
If the kiln is in excellent condition, pay up to 75% of a new one.
Factors that will affect lowering that "percent of new" price are:
1. Availability of parts (in this case, yes)
2. Brick condition - although bricks are cheap, the time (labor) to
replace them is intensive
3. Age - Deduct about 10% for anything over 5 years old, deduct about
20% if its over 10 years old (kiln design is constantly changing and
improving)
4. Number of firings on the elements. Some kilns use VERY expensive
elements. (In this case, elements are only $31.00 retail) If this
information is not available, beg, borrow or steal an Ohm meter and
take a resistance reading of each element, then call the kiln
manufacturer with those readings to determine use.
5. Power cord condition - melted plastic or corroded-looking prongs
is an indicator of a bigger problem
6. Electrical panel condition - beg borrow or steal a screwdriver and
open up the control box. (MAKE SURE THE KILN IS UNPLUGGED FIRST!)
You don't need to be an electrician, just look around in there. If
the wires are "crispy," or anything looks green & powdery or black &
powdery or otherwise like World War III assume it needs to be
replaced. You might want to call a kiln tech or the mfgr to
determine the cost of replacement before making an offer on the kiln.
7. Voltage & Phase - This is usually a problem with school auction
kilns. Most homes in the US are 240V Single Phase. Schools or
industrial/commercial locations can be either 240V or 208V and Single
or Three Phase. The best thing to do is pass on any kiln that isn't
the same as your electricity. However, if you can talk the person
down to a really low price, (like 25% of new maximum) you might be
able to change the kiln to match your electricity. (This usually
involves AT LEAST a new set of elements and switches) Be sure to
contact the mfgr or a local kiln tech before agreeing to buy under
these circumstances
8. Furniture - If shelves are included that's a plus (if this is your
first kiln or a different size than your existing kiln) Generally a
shelf kit can cost anywhere from $100-$250 depending on size. This
may offset some of the deductions on price (I still wouldn't pay more
than 75% of the new price no matter how many shelves were included)
9. Exposure - If the kiln has been outside or in an uncontrolled
environment, it will GREATLY reduce the value. You can often tell if
this is the case because the bricks will smell funny (This is mold -
and if this is the case, walk away. The bricks are NOT in good
condition anymore) or you might see mud dauber or bug nests in the
control box. There might also be excessive rust (especially around
the hinge & screws).
Of course it goes without saying that if the seller won't let you
look at the kiln or check the elements etc. there's probably a reason
for that. Ask why or just pass altogether. You should feel
comfortable purchasing this particular kiln from this particular
person. If anything gives you a strange feeling, don't buy it. You
are welcome to call and ask for Dave while looking at the kiln or
afterwards with questions, toll-free (888) 822-1982 during our
business hours (Tues-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-3 Central Time)
Cindy Bracker Sturm
Bracker's Good Earth Clays, Inc.
888-822-1982
http://www.brackers.com
On Jul 7, 2006, at 12:55 AM, Phil reynolds wrote:
> I have an opportunity to by a small electric kiln from a friend of
> a friend
> for $150. It was this guys mothers and he said she used it for
> ceramics.
> The name on the kiln is Crest Electric Kiln with a model number of
> B-23-H.
> I can't find anything on the net about it. I am very new to
> pottery and
> kiln and I am trying to figure out if this would give me what I
> need. I
> didn't have plans to buy a kiln for a long while but for $150 it is
> almost
> impossible to say no. Does anyone here know anything about Crest
> Electric
> Kilns? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
Phil reynolds on fri 7 jul 06
I have an opportunity to by a small electric kiln from a friend of a friend
for $150. It was this guys mothers and he said she used it for ceramics.
The name on the kiln is Crest Electric Kiln with a model number of B-23-H.
I can't find anything on the net about it. I am very new to pottery and
kiln and I am trying to figure out if this would give me what I need. I
didn't have plans to buy a kiln for a long while but for $150 it is almost
impossible to say no. Does anyone here know anything about Crest Electric
Kilns? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Victoria E. Hamilton on fri 7 jul 06
Phil -
Do you mean Cress?
I bought one new many years ago (1980 maybe?) - it was way more than
adequate. Cannot remember the model #.
Vicki Hamilton
Millennia Antica Pottery
Seattle, WA - summer is here, the tomatoes and the chili peppers are getting
there, and the asparagus has been delicious! Yahoooooo!
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Phil reynolds
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 22:56
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Crest Electric Kiln
I have an opportunity to by a small electric kiln from a friend of a friend
for $150. It was this guys mothers and he said she used it for ceramics.
The name on the kiln is Crest Electric Kiln with a model number of B-23-H.
I can't find anything on the net about it. I am very new to pottery and
kiln and I am trying to figure out if this would give me what I need. I
didn't have plans to buy a kiln for a long while but for $150 it is almost
impossible to say no. Does anyone here know anything about Crest Electric
Kilns? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Janine LaMaie on fri 7 jul 06
Hi Phil:
The kiln in question is a Cress - not Crest. You can search the web again
and even the Clayart archives and you will find some information. I am not
familiar with Cress kilns myself. Good luck. ($150 for almost any kiln
that works is probably a deal!)
Janine
Tacoma, WA
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