Hello!
I'm new at glass fusing, and have the creativity bug! Looking for a good, probably used kiln to get started with, but also something with enough versatility to grow into. I really love the large, clamshell type kilns (like Paragon Pearl-22), but can't afford one at this time. (+/- $2000) :-(
I feel like the fusing intro. class I took a while back gave me a good "basics", and now I'd like to jump feet first into experimenting and growing those basics...
Initially, I'm mainly focusing on smaller jewelry, but before long I know I'll want to increase my skills with larger projects. I may want to play with metals too. I guess I just don't want to limit myself too much, even in the beginning, if I can help it.
Features I'm looking for / questions I have:
* Kiln for glass fusing/slumping, but possibly also metals; any special brand/model suggestions?
* Digital timer/ programmer/need-to-sleep-aid (I won't last long if I have to baby-sit the kiln) & range of programmable options?
* Ample cubic feet space for small, but also larger projects? (I have a large, basement hobby room, so kiln size can be fairly flexible)
* Clay & Glass kiln, vs. Glass only kiln?
*USED vs. NEW: To buy or not to buy? What to watch out for? What's a good deal? (that money thing... )
* Do you know anyone who's selling a used kiln that would work for me?
* Anyone have a good glass workshop start-up layout/plan to share?
* Which questions SHOULD I have asked, but didn't yet ????????????????????????????????????
Any advise is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
eyefleye / Lisa
I'm new at glass fusing, and have the creativity bug! Looking for a good, probably used kiln to get started with, but also something with enough versatility to grow into. I really love the large, clamshell type kilns (like Paragon Pearl-22), but can't afford one at this time. (+/- $2000) :-(
I feel like the fusing intro. class I took a while back gave me a good "basics", and now I'd like to jump feet first into experimenting and growing those basics...
Initially, I'm mainly focusing on smaller jewelry, but before long I know I'll want to increase my skills with larger projects. I may want to play with metals too. I guess I just don't want to limit myself too much, even in the beginning, if I can help it.
Features I'm looking for / questions I have:
* Kiln for glass fusing/slumping, but possibly also metals; any special brand/model suggestions?
* Digital timer/ programmer/need-to-sleep-aid (I won't last long if I have to baby-sit the kiln) & range of programmable options?
* Ample cubic feet space for small, but also larger projects? (I have a large, basement hobby room, so kiln size can be fairly flexible)
* Clay & Glass kiln, vs. Glass only kiln?
*USED vs. NEW: To buy or not to buy? What to watch out for? What's a good deal? (that money thing... )
* Do you know anyone who's selling a used kiln that would work for me?
* Anyone have a good glass workshop start-up layout/plan to share?
* Which questions SHOULD I have asked, but didn't yet ????????????????????????????????????
Any advise is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
eyefleye / Lisa
posted by:
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Portland
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Re: Need KILN advise for NOVICE glass artist
Fri, August 4, 2006 - 12:31 PMIf you buy a used clay kiln vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
Most potters seem to go by cones--they don't need to anneal so you may not have a controller, but if you concentrate on smaller pieces then the slow cool down may be enough.
I'm only saying this because if you settle (temporarily, until you can afford something better) you might be able to find something cheap on craigslist or the like and there are a lot more old clay kilns than glass kilns.
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Re: Need KILN advise for NOVICE glass artist
Thu, October 5, 2006 - 12:16 PMHi Lisa,
A few years ago, I was in similar situation as you are now. I had just finished a basic fusing class and *fired up*, literally. So, I hope this helps..
* Forget about a "Clay & Glass Kiln". Kilns for glass need to be very clean- otherwise you end up with dust fused in your glass.
* Go Digital! Fooey on Kiln sitting. Especially with the glass' special needs with slow ramp rates and quick drop to the annealling temp. With the Digitally controlled kiln, it is Fire and Forget- most can program at 6 different rates and temps. Just set it to fire at night and it will ready when you wake up in the morning.
* Most fusers that I know that do both Jewelry and vessels (plates/bowls) have two kilns. One bread box (small little kiln) and on medium size. You could get a medium size kiln and do jewelry in it, but there would be a lot of wasted space (& needless expense). - a medium sized kiln could fire literally fire close to a hundred pieces of jewelry in one firing. several hundred on multiple shelves.
* I bought a Skutt GM-814, after saving up. It was about $1,000. It is considered medium sized. It fits a 16" diameter shelf with a depth of 13.5". But, I don't do jewelry.
* If money is real tight, you could go used, but I have rarely heard of glass kilns for sale. The best way to find a used one, though, is to call your local stained glass/fusing store and ask if the know anyone selling one.
I suppose I would not mind sharing my kiln, but I live in Tucson. For my next kiln, I want to bypass the 'clamshell' and go for a coffin sized kiln! - I have a privacy screen design in mind....
Hope that helps, Matt
