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Looking for a kiln

Hi folks,

My planned purchase of a used kiln fell through, so I am thinking about buying a new one. If no one minds, I would like to pick some brains here before I commit.

I have seen the various manufacturers, but of course have no knowledge with which to differentiate between them. All I know is what I want to make, and the facilities I have available. Maybe someone can recommend a unit for me?

I have access to 120 and 240 on a big breaker, and I have propane tanks on the premises. I have a shed with a chimney, a bricked-in metal clad firewall and a wood stove I could remove. What I want to make is mostly small stuff, so I can use probably the smallest kilns available. So far my biggest piece is under 2". I do want to do high temperature firings, gold glazes and such. Plus, I am on a -very- tight budget, so it would be great if I could pick it up locally in Vermont or New Hampshire. Maybe a common brand that my local supplier can ship in for me?

I had been looking at "table-top" units meant for "dolls"(?) and a couple which seem to be for making ceramics and glass beads.

My attempts to make my own kiln, BTW, worked fairly well, within limits. I was able to get very high temps but probably used an inordinate amount of propane to do so. If I do fairly regular work I am sure I could save my investment back in energy conservation by buying a well made kiln.

Thanks in advance for any discussion or recommendations.

Reply to
Bill DeWitt
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You should have lots of pottery studios or schools near you that might have electric kilns which have died and are not worth repairing but would still work as gas kilns. They might consider selling or giving them away. May I ask why you are wedded to high-fire? You can get some truly wonderful work from pit fire or raku.

Right now EBay doesn't have anything but if you keep an eye out, if the kiln is local to your area and you are the only one interested at the moment you might get a steal because these are usually sold as "pick it up yourself" items only.

Reply to
DKat

Bill, I recommend building it:

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a smaller kiln, the hardest part - the slabs, would be mucheasier.

Mark.

Reply to
m

I would have thought that too, but it appears not to be the case.

That's what I was going to be doing, the only nearby potter with an extra kiln I could find decided to keep hers.

Gold glaze, ceramic jewelry.

Yow! More than $1000 over what I could possibly justify for my hobby. I'm thinking more in the $2-500 range.

Thanks Donna, I've been out playing with bricks and my saw, and I feel a little more comfortable with cutting and shaping premade bricks. If I can make a kiln that will fire brick clay, then make my bricks, I might have some fun things to show.

Reply to
Bill DeWitt

I would love to, and probably will at some point. I guess it's a question of trusting my skill. I've made some remarkably successful projects but I've made some astounding failures too 8-)

Reply to
Bill DeWitt

I have 3 electric kilns for sale...two larger, one with a collar, and one medioum size. If you are interested in discussing this further, please email me with your telephone number. We are in Ks.

Bill DeWitt wrote:

Reply to
jperi252002

I'm pretty sure that from Kansas the shipping would be equal to or greater than the price. But thanks for responding.

Reply to
Bill DeWitt

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