Kilns- how much does size count?

I'm ready to purchase my first kiln and I've only ever seen an Arrow Springs kiln IRL, which I liked. But, I don't want to spend more than ~$650 and that won't get me one with a controller.

Searching, I've found no opinions on either the Aim CR 413 or 420, they may be newer models since they are not on the Aim site.

They are firebrick with fiberboard doors, quartz encased elements in the sides, and a Bartlett controller, 1800 watts. They are both 9" deep and

4.5" tall, bead doors are doubles and give full access to the inside. The 420 is 20" wide and 1400 deg. max and the 413 is 13" wide and 1800 deg. max. The cost difference is insignificant.

Should I stick to the smaller/hotter kiln just in case I might be interested in PMC or fusing in the future? Does the wider kiln seem wasteful if I don't utilize all that space as a beginner?

I'm trying to buy just once on such a big/heavy item! Thanks for any wisdom from the pros! jo

Reply to
jo
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One thing I've learned (the hard way) is that if you get to a point where you are making a lot of beads, a narrow kiln just doesn't cut it. Also, if you're making a lot of beads you may find yourself reluctant to use the kiln for anything *other* than beads.

OTOH, you can usually sell a kiln for very nearly what you paid for it, and that's exactly what I did with my first bead annealer.

I have no experience with AIM kilns but the company has a good reputation.

Have you c> I'm ready to purchase my first kiln and I've only ever seen an Arrow

Reply to
Kalera

I was thinking along the same lines, I could get a squarish kiln that "did everything" with limitations. Or, I could just concentrate on getting a kiln that I could get a lot of mandrels into easily.

I've scouted around for a used one myself, but I think the prospect of shipping one has many unused kilns sitting around in people's garages.

Frantz Art Glass has got a sale on the kilns until the end of this month. They are in my price range for one more day. I was just debating whether I would ever fully utilize the 20" - it looks like it could hold a hundred spacer size beads from the picture, but perhaps my perception is off.

Thanks for your response. I know from experience that it can get a little old giving the newbies advice!

jo

Reply to
jo

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