Wanted - glass kiln - UK

You know, I've been thinking, again.

I think kilns should cost more once they have been trained, new kilns should be cheaper, they don't know what to do.

Honestly hope you find one, they are great fun....

I've been thinking the same thing. I've also noticed that we seem to be seeing the good old 'UK Pounds = Dollars' thing on kiln pricing....

It's almost worth a trip over the pond to collect one.... though I doubt I'd be able to pass it off as hand luggage .

Mmm - I've got the book (Glass Fusing by Petra Kaiser) - and it doesn't seem too complicated - but then, these things never do, do they ?

I've been doing Tiffany-style work for about 5 years now - and would like to branch out into warmglass - but the cheapest I can find a little Paragon SC2 for over here is just over 500 UK pounds - or getting on for 900 USD - which is a bit too much right now.

Where do all the second-hand ( 'trained' ) kilns go ....? I've looked on eBay - but (as you'd expect) they tend to go for over-inflated prices.....

Thanks for the encouragement.... maybe it's worth me taking a short course (the local s/g supplier does 1/2-day, 1-day and 2-day courses)

- just to see if I get on with the technique before shelling out the cash....

Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply

You mean, you are willing to lay out that kind of money and you don't even know if you will like it? the comparison to the work you are currently doing is non existent, not even similar other than you have to cut the glass. SO that can't be used to decide.

Go take the class... the worst thing that can happen is that you learn something, never a bad thing... and you will be able to understand your own interests a bit more.

It is possible to build a kiln, that really is pretty simple, the controller is where it gets complicated, and if you are really nice, speak softly and slowly so he can understand your accent, njb,(here on the group) will help you out with a controller that is better than anything I have seen sold, for a really good price,( but even that is expensive, your just getting more for your money.)

Good luck!

Fair point - perhaps I'd better give the course a try

I understand that......

Yes - I have a good idea of what I want to be able to do, and the reading I've done suggests that it's possible - but there's nothing to beat some 'hands on' experience.....

Sounds interesting..... One of the great imponderables is the 'how big a kiln?' question - but that's probably a bit 'cart before the horse' ... I'll make some enquiries about the warmglass courses - thanks !

Many thanks !!

Adrian Suffolk UK

======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply

Adrian - glad to see you are wanting to progress in your stained glass work.

How are you doing?

As to getting hold of a 'trained' kiln - why not start small and see if you can find an enamelling kiln locally to get started with.

We have bought several and pointed students towards finding their own by advertising in your local newspaper 'wanted' columns.

Many hobbyists get themselves one of these and in time when they have given enough enamelled jewellery as Xmas pressies just push it to the back of the garage until they see an advert asking for them!!

Of course you probably wont get a controller with them but no harm in learning to fire by eye!!

Unfortunately most kilned-glass workers tend to buy another one rather than dispose of their old kilns unless they need the space - I use my last remaining small enamelling kiln for testing new glass and combinations.

You could also advertise on line with adtrader.co.uk and freeads.co.uk

Hope this helps.

Of course you know we sell all the glass you need too as well as the Boyce Lundstrom series of books and lessons packs!!

Elizabeth