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EXPANDED WEB COVERAGE
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One way of dealing with the mind-numbing amount of information on kilns is by categorizing them by discipline. ANNEALING METAL & NIELLO | FIRING ENAMELS | FUSED & DICHROIC GLASS | GRANULATION | LAMPWORKING | BURNOUT KILNS | PMC | MULTIPLE USE KILNS | BEGINNER/SECONDARY KILNS | PORTABLE & MINI KILNS | GAS KILNS | CONTROLLERS | WEB RESOURCES |
ANNEALING METAL AND NIELLO Two jewelry techniques that can be done either in a kiln or by torch are annealing and Niello.
Annealing is the process of softening work-hardened metal using heat and, although jewelers usually anneal with a torch, large pieces of metal or small gauge fine wire are better annealed by kiln. A torch could melt small gauge fine wire, so it is better off placed inside a can in a preheated kiln for a few minutes.
Annealing Temperature Silver Sterling 1110° F-1200°F Pure Silver 572°F Gold alloys 1200°F-1300°F Platinum 1110°F-1830°F Bronze 800°F-1250°F Niello, a soft, black alloy of sulfur with copper, gold, silver or lead is used to decorate metal objects. Designs incised on the objects are filled with the alloy (usually as a powder), which is then fused with the metal by means of a torch or a kiln at 1000°F.
Paragon makes three kilns for heat-treating metals, $1,170- $1,775.
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A top-loading, stackable kiln, particularly useful for fusing glass and annealing beads; shown immediately below is a Bead Collar firing chamber component, which can be added in as another layer. Photo courtesy Paragon.
FUSED AND DICHROIC GLASS Glass fusing, in which individual pieces of glass are melted together to make jewelry or larger, designed pieces, is done in a kiln heated to approximately 1,500°F. The entire process usually takes 24 hours. Pieces are often fired two to four times to obtain the desired results.
Dichroic glass is produced by adding thin layers of metal oxides, including titanium, magnesium, and silicon, to the glass in a vacuum furnace. The number of layers, the exact salts used, and the order in which they are deposited cause the specific colors of dichroic glass. The kiln must reach at least 1650°F and have a good temperature gauge so the glass does not overheat and burn off the salts. The easiest kiln to use is one with a computerized temperature controls that could be programmed.
Crucible™ Rectangular, 240V, front-loading kilns for glass fusing have standard infinite switches. Dimensions from 12" x 12" x 6" (120V) to 22" x 22" x 13.5" (240V). $550-$1,050; with Bartlett™ and AutoFire™ programmable digital controllers, $900-$1,400.
Crucible™ Top-loading Glass Kiln, 240V, 2230°F. Has extremely fast recovery. Sizes 12"w x 6.5"d (120V) to 30"w x 42"h x 18"d (240V). $350-$1,650; with digital controller, $745-$2,045.EUCLID Kilns are specially designed for glass workers. They will customize your kiln from the shape and size, to the materials used. $542.50-$1,834 CA$; with Bartlett™ V6-CF digital control in wall-mounted box, $934.50-$2,285.50 CA$.
Glass Glow Fusing Kiln, designed to the specifications of Northern California glass artist and company founder Philip R. Teefy to accommodate even the most complex situations with ease. GlassGlow has eight kilns ranging in price from $1,650 (4 elements on the lid, 1 element on the side) to $3,900 (8 elements on the lid, 2 on the side).
HotGlass Kilns makes 25 different kilns for fusing. Eight modular stacking kilns range from $290 to $690.
JEN-KEN KILN Mini Fuse Kiln, 120V, 1800°F (max. temp.), 6-sided with infinite switch controller $392; optional 2-1/2" glass view window ($100); with Orton 3-key digital controller, $549.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max. temp.), 6-sided (11" w x 4-1/2" h). Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $329; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $486.
JEN-KEN KILN Top Fire Bead Annealer. Element is in the lid. Same as above. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $365.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Master, 120V, 1800°F. (11"w x 6-1/2" h). With infinite switch controller, $512; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $674.L & L Colorado GS1714 Glass Kilns. Elements on top, bottom, and sides. Max. temp. 2350°F, multi-voltage from 200V-240V. Door is easily opened with one hand and turns power off when opened. Long-lasting Dyna-Glow element holders eliminate the need for pins because the elements won't fall out of the roof. Interior chamber: 17"w x 12"h x 14-1/2"d. $2,275.
Olympic makes 16 glass fusing furnaces, from the Olympic 126GF, 120V, (11 1/4"w x 6"d interior), max temp 2300°F to the Olympic 3014GF, 240V, (30"x 42"w x 13-1/2" d). Elements in lid and sides, separate switch for lid element. Manual with infinite switch, $515-$2,115; with electronic control, $915-$2,515.
Olympic GF12E Electronic Glass Kiln, 240V, 2300°F, five elements per side, four elements on the lid. 30" w x 60" x 12" d. $3,200.Paragon makes 22 fusing kilns ranging in price from $275 to $5,200. All have elements in the lid. Fusion-8 and -10 include heating element on the side. Digital Sentry Xpress controller fires up to four segments in ramp-hold. Simple 3-key operation controls both heating and cooling.
Paragon Fusion-6, (6-sided), 120V, 1700°F, 11"w x 6-1/2" h, 3-key digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass and fire PMC. $627.
Paragon Fusion-7, (7-sided), 120V, 1700°F, 14-1/2"w x 6 1/2" h, 3-key digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $721.
Paragon Fusion-8, (8-sided), 240V, top fire, 1700°F, with Digital Sentry Xpress controller, $713.
Paragon Fusion-10, (10-sided), 240V, 11" deep, $1,100.PMC® Kiln, endorsed by the PMC® Guild. New style controller, door sight port, and preset cycles for PMC. For firing gold and silver PMC. Fuses glass.120V, 2000°F. $535.
SKUTT Although these two kilns do not come with automatic controls, Skutt recommends them for serious glass workers. They attain a better precision and the results are repeatable. The controller allows programming up to eight segments, each with a heating or cooling rate, a temperature to reach, and a temperature hold time.
SKUTT GP706 beginner fusing kiln, designed for simplicity and efficiency. 6" deep and 14.375" opening, with lid element for even heating and faster firing and superior control for single layers. 120V, 1650°F. $520.
Octagon Fuser, 240V, side-fired, 9"d x 17.5" opening (400 square inches of usable area) Top-loading, manual control, infinite switch, stand. $635.
SKUTT GM10F, 115V, 1800°F. $755.
SKUTT GM22CS, clamshell design is the premier shape for fusing. Easily fits 20" shelf. Can also be used for shallow slumping 240V, 1800°F. $2195
SKUTT GM1227-3, for fusing on multiple levels. 240V, 1800°F. $2,285
Dichroic glass bead and PMC pendant by Linda Bernstein.
Jen-Ken Bead Annealer. Photo courtesy AA Products.
L&L Kilns' GS1714. Photo courtesy L&L Kilns.
LAMPWORKING Glass beads and marbles must be cooled slowly in a kiln (annealed) to avoid thermal shock and cracking. Beads are put into a hot kiln (1000°F) while they are still on the mandrel. If the exposed element wires are touched, you can be electrocuted. Also when the door is open, the hot air hits your body. Kilns designed especially for glass bead making have many safety features such as side door openings. Annealing temperatures vary with the type of glass, and the length of time depends on the thickest part of the bead -- the larger the bead the longer the annealing time.
• Using Moretti or Effetre glass: Annealing is ramped down from the 968°F to about 750°F.
• Bullseye™ glass is annealed at 960°F down to 750°F.
• Wasser™ hand-cast glass is annealed at 940°F.The old formula is annealed from 1150°F-650°F. The following kilns were specifically designed for bead making, incorporating the latest in high-tech kiln design:
Big Blue Kiln (EK Miller Company), 120V, 1650°F. Top-fired for even heating, extra large capacity interior: 14"w x 9.5"d x 5.5"h. Two hinged and insulated doors cause very little temperature drop inside the kiln, help prevent thermal shock while minimizing exposure to IR and UV. Vinyl grip handles. High-tech, lightweight, silica-alumina ceramic fiber insulation outperforms ordinary brick insulation. Rigidized board sides and doors reduce dusting. Chromel Heating Element designed with a low-watt density for longer element life. Semiconductor-grade quartz tubing element support insulators protect you from electrical shock hazard and your work from falling debris. $625; setpoint controller $325; ramping controller $425.
FuseBox Kiln has many of the same features as the larger Big Blue Kiln. 120V, 1650°F, one insulated door. $500. Requires a controller: setpoint controller, $325; ramping controller, $425.
Aim 99LS Borosilica Lampworking Kilns, 110V. Inside dimensions are 10"d x 9"w x 9"h. Equipped with a combination infinite switch/pyrometer. Features a guillotine door with a special stepped front, and flip-up doors to provide easy access with minimal heat loss. $560.
Aim 99LS/D Borosilica Lampworking Kiln, 110V, 10"d x 9"w x 9"h. Equipped with a digital temperature controller. $800.
Aim 9169GS/D Borosilica Lampworking Kilns, 240V. Created for high production. Options are a shelf with supports to allow pieces to be stored out of the way of the flip-up doors. Equipped with a digital controller. $1,130.
HotGlass makes 25 different lampworking kilns, many with features not found in other bead kilns.
• Fiber cloth door which keeps the heat in and wraps around any glass rods or mandrels sticking out of the kiln
• Optional built-in bead rack, which makes the kiln three to four times larger than other kilns of the same size by stacking across and upward
• Protection from shock of touching exposed element wires
• Side door for heat comfort
• Wooden handles
• Fiber Free for those who do not like to have ceramic fiber in their studioHotGlass has eight modular stacking kilns ranging from $290 to $690. A full-featured bead and fusing kiln with pyrometer for reading temperature and a dial control switch for adjusting the temperature, $350.
HotGlass created the Quartz Original® Kilns to prevent accidental shock from touching exposed electrical elements when inserting mandrels with beads into the kiln. This kiln has the electrical heating coil wire inside a high temperature quartz tube.
HotGlass TableTop Quartz Original®, 120V. The cost of electricity to run this kiln at half power is approximately 9 cents per hour. Made with insulated fire brick and stainless steel. $630. HotGlass make a portable, compact gas kiln which uses a common propane torch inserted through the hole in the side of the kiln. Good for travelers or for use at shows and demonstrations where there is no electricity. A pyrometer, purchased separately, is necessary to measure temperature. Made with insulated fire brick. $164.Paragon Quick Fire 6, 120V, 2000°F, 6" x 6"x 6". Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $268 with analog pyrometer; $265 with infinite control switch and analog pyrometer.
Paragon Caldera, 120V, 2000°F, 8"w x 8"d x 6-3/4"h, 3-key digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $514.
Paragon Fusion-6, 120V, 1700°F, 6-sided, 11"w x 6-1/2" h, 3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $627.
Paragon Fusion-7, 120V, 1700°F, 7-sided, 14-1/2"w x 6 1/2" h, 3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $721
Paragon SC-2, 120V, 2000°F, 8"w x 7-3/4"d x 5 3/4"h, 3-key digital controller. $545.
SC-2 Vista, Same as SC-2, except has 2" glass view window in door. $607.
Paragon SC-3, 120V, 2000°F, 7-3/4"w x 7-1/2"d x 7-3/4"h, 3-key digital controller. $645.
Paragon F-120, 120V, 1800°F, 11"w x 11"d x 6-1/2"h, 3-key digital controller. $875.
Paragon also makes 10 240V kilns, from the Fusion-8 (8-sided), top fire, 1700°F for $713 (with Digital Sentry Xpress Controller) to the GL-64AD for $4,414.SKUTT GP706, 110V, 1650°F, 15"w x 6-1/2"h, infinite switch with analog pyrometer. $499.
SKUTT GM10F, 110V, 1800°F, 10-1/2"w x 9"d x 9" h, GlassMaster digital controller. $680 with solid door; $720 with bead door.
Timework Kilns were developed for the lampworker. They are excellent for single pieces or large-scale production work. Cantilever door lifts upwards and automatically reseats every time it is closed for a tight fit to minimize heat loss. The automatic control will maintain a set temperature. Temperature advances from 0°F to 500°F within six minutes, and from 500°F to 1050°F within 29 minutes. Maximum operating temperature is 2000°F. Kilns operate on 115V, 14 amps, 1680 watts and the 220V 8 amps, at 840 watts. $413-$945.
Bead Annealers Aim Bead Annealer, 120 V, 1800°F (max temp). Portable, refractory-brick construction. Can also be used for slumping, fusing, and preheating. This economy bead annealer comes in three different configurations, which all feature a tall inside surface area (8" x 8" x 9"), a slot (8" x 2") for putting hot beads into the kiln, and a removable plug for cooling and quicker heating. With flip-up door, $350. With flip-up door and controller, $550.
Crucible™ Rectangular, Front-loading Kiln has standard infinite switches. Dimensions from 12" x 12" x 6" (120V) to 22" x 22" x 13.5" (240V). $550-$1,050; with Bartlett™ and AutoFire™ programmable digital controllers, $900-$1,400.
Crucible™ Top-loading Glass Kiln, 240V, 2230°F. Has extremely fast recovery. Sizes 12"w x 6.5"d (120V) to 30"w x 42"h x 18"d (240V). $350-$1,650; with digital controller, $745-$2,045.EUCLID Kilns (Canadian) Annealers and Square Top-Loader for Glass. These are large: 32"w x 24"d x 17.5"h (120V) to 40"w x 30"d x 9"h (240V). Base prices: $2,684.50 to $3,860.50 CA$. With the Bartlett™ V6-CF digital controller, $3,300-$4,518.50 CA$.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max), 6-sided, 11"w x 4 1/2"h. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $329; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $486.
JEN-KEN KILN Top Fire Bead Annealer. Same as above except the single element is in the lid. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $365; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $522.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Master, 120V, 1800°F, 11"w x 6-1/2"h. May be used as a single-chamber fusing/slumping kiln with a height of 6-1/2" or made into a two-chamber kiln for bead making. With infinite switch controller, $512; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $674.
JEN-KEN KILN Chili Pepper Bead Annealer, 120V, 1100°F, interior dimensions: 16"w x 4-1/2"d x 6"h. With infinite switch controller, $475; with Bartlett™ 3-key digital controller, $575.
JEN-KEN KILN makes two other 120V Bead Annealers from $535-$998 and nine 240V kilns ranging from $600 to $1,700.
Beads by Michelle Waldren (far left, photo by Roger Schreiber) and Michael Barley (left, photo: Doug Yaple)
AIM 99LS/D. Photo courtesy of AIM Manufacturing.
AIM 9169GS/D. Photo courtesy of AIM Manufacturing.
Automatic kilns, such as this one, use digital controllers that are preprogrammed. Photo courtesy Paragon.
PMC It is only natural that this 21st century clay should have inspired its own kiln. The PMC® Kiln, endorsed by the PMC® Guild was designed expressly for firing gold and silver PMC. However, PMC can be fired in any kiln that can sustain the required temperature and almost any kiln with a pyrometer, like those used for burnout or enameling will work.
• Standard Silver PMC, PMC+, PMC+ Clay, PMC+ Paste, PMC+ Sheet, PMC+ Syringe are fired at 1470°F for 30 minutes or 1650°F for 10 minutes.
• PMC3 is fired at 1110°F for 30 minutes or 1290°F for 10 minutes
• PMC Gold is fired at 1830°F for two hours.PMC® Kiln (Rio Grande), endorsed by the PMC® Guild. New style controller, a door sight port, and preset cycles for PMC. Plugs into a household outlet. Automatic shutoff. For firing gold and silver PMC. 120V 2000°F. $535.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max), 6-sided, 11"w x 4-1/2"h. Will fire PMC. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $329; with Orton 3-key digital controller $486.
JEN-KEN KILN Top Fire Bead Annealer. Same as above except the single element is in the lid. Will fire PMC. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $365.
Paragon SC2-1, 120V, 2000°F. $545.
Paragon SC3- 4, 120V, 2000°F. $645.
Paragon Caldera, 120V, 2350°F. $550 digital; $360 manual.Neycraft Burnout Oven, 120V, 9" x 6.5" x 9" chamber, variable speed controller. 0°F to 1000°F in 15 minutes. 2012°F (max temp). Comes with a pyrometer and an infinite range dial. $515.
PMC® can be fired in many different kilns, but this specially designated PMC® kiln has been sanctioned by the PMC® Guild. Photo courtesy Rio Grande.
MULTIPLE USE KILNS Buying a multi-purpose kiln gives you the freedom to explore other techniques when inspiration strikes. Since you will be spending between $300 and $2,000, it makes sense to get a kiln that can be used for multiple applications. There are many kilns that will fuse, slump, anneal glass and fire PMC.
Time Work Kilns were developed for lampworkers, but can be used for lost wax casting, copper enameling, plastics, and heat-treating. Five models range from $413.50 to $945. All are 115V, 2000°F (max temp).
Crucible™ Rectangular Front-Loading Kilns, 240V, 2230°F (max temp), can be used for enameling, metalworking, heat-treating, glass fusing, and annealing. $550-$1,050; with digital controller, $900-$1,400.
Crucible™ Top-Loading Glass Kiln, 240V, 2230°F (max temp), can be used for enameling, fusing, and slumping. Has extremely fast recovery. 12"w x 6.5"d. (120V), or 30"w x 42"h x 18"d (240V). $350-$1,650; with digital controller, $745-$2,045.HotGlass Kilns carries 25 different kilns for flameworking, lampworking, and glass beadmaking, which can also be used for fusing and enameling. HotGlass TableTop Quartz Original®, 120V. The cost of electricity to run this kiln for one hour at half power is approximately 9 cents per hour. This bead kiln, made with insulated fire brick and stainless steel, can also be used for fusing glass, ceramics, or copper enameling. $630.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Annealer, 120V, 2000°F (max temp), 6-sided, 11"w x 4-1/2"h. Infinite switch with analog pyrometer, $329. With Orton 3-key digital controller, $486. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC.
JEN-KEN KILN Bead Master, 120V, 1800°F, 11"w x 6-1/2" h. May be used as a single-chamber fusing/slumping kiln with a height of 6 1/2" or made into a two-chamber kiln for bead making. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. With infinite switch controller, $512; with Orton 3-key digital controller, $674.Neycraft Burnout Oven, 120V, 9"w x 6.5"h x 9"d chamber, variable speed controller. 0°F to 1000°F in 15 minutes. 2012°F (max temp). Comes with a pyrometer and an infinite range dial. Used for burnout and firing PMC. $515.
Olympic makes six front-loading kilns ideal for jewelry, enameling, burnout, and ceramics, ranging from the Olympic 129Fl, 120V, 2250°F (max temp), to the Olympic S1823FL, 240V, 2300°F (max temp.). All have peepholes and infinite switches. The interior firing chamber of the 129FL measures 11-1/4"w and 9"d. $445-$910; with electronic control, $845-$1,310.
Olympic HotBox, 120V, 6-1/2 "w x 6-1/2 "d. Designed for firing jewelry, enameling, and ceramics. $350; with electronic control, $650.Paragon SC2-1 and SC3-1 fires PMC, fuses glass (peephole optional), 120V, 2000°F, $545-$645.
Paragon Portable Caldera, 120V, 2350°F, 8"w x 8"d x 6 3/4"h, 3-key digital controller. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $514.
Paragon Quick Fire 6, 120V, 2000°F, 6" x 6" x 6". Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. With infinite control switch and analog pyrometer. $265.
Paragon Fusion-6, 120V, 1700°F, 6-sided, 11"w x 6"d 1/2"h, 3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $627.
Paragon Fusion-7, 120V, 1700°F, 7-sided, 14-1/2"w x 6 1/2"h, 3-key digital controller. Top elements. Will fuse, slump, anneal glass, and fire PMC. $721.PMC® Kiln, endorsed by the PMC® Guild. New style controller, a door sight port, and preset cycles for PMC. For firing gold and silver PMC. Fires hard enamel on metal and fuses glass. $535.
Rio Grande Small Ultralite Kiln, specifically developed for granulation and firing hard enamel on metal.110V, 1500°F. $137.
SKUTT GM10F anneals lampwork beads and fuses. Front-Loader Design. $755.
Big Blue Kiln (EK Miller Company), 120V, 1650°F. Top-fired for even heating. Anneals beads and fuses. $625. Setpoint controller, $325; ramping controller, $425.
Jen-Ken Bead Master. Photo courtesy AA Products.
BEGINNER'S OR SECONDARY KILNS BEGINNER'S OR SECONDARY KILNS
If you are a professional firing many times every day you will need a workhorse that is trouble free and dependable. A hobbyist or someone looking for a second kiln for their studio might consider a portable, tabletop or mini-kiln that is easily moved and thus repaired.Evenheat Hot Box Kiln, a small yet sturdy and reliable kiln for the beginner or as a secondary kiln for the artisan. Will perform all glass-related firing up to 2000°F. Built-in temperature regulator and pyrometer control the entire firing process. Infinite switch is a manually controlled temperature regulator. 120V, firing chamber 6" x 6" x 4-1/2" deep. Top-loading. $290.
Paragon QuickFire 6 for fusing jewelry and small pieces. 120V, 2000°F. Compact, built-in pyrometer. $275.
Thompson Hotplate Furnace, a small furnace for beginners, students, and hobbyists. 4-7/8"d. $105.
Skutt GP706, a perfect beginner fusing kiln. 120V, 1650°F. $520.
PORTABLE AND MINI KILNS Small portable kilns have the advantage of being easy to move and repair.
Paragon Portable and Stackable Caldera, 120V, 2350°F, 8"w x 8"d x 6-3/4"h, 3-key digital controller. Fuses, slumps, anneals glass, and fires PMC. $514.
Rapid Fire 6, for jewelry, all glass-related firing up to 1800°F, fusing, slumping, pate de verre. 120V, 2000°F (max temp), fires to 1000°F in five minutes and 2000°F in 15 minutes. Built-in pyrometer. Firing chamber dimensions are 6" x 6" x 6". Draws only 14A (1500watts), about the same as a toaster oven. $274.
HotBox Mini Kiln, a top-loading mini kiln, equipped with a manually controlled infinite switch and pyrometer. 120V, firing chamber dimensions are: 6"w x 6"h x 4.5"d, 2000°F (max temp). Reaches full fusing temperature in just 12 minutes. $317.
Jewel Box Kiln, a two-story version of the HotBox mini kiln. Perfect for bead makers. Top chamber anneals beads (set the temperature to 800°F) while the lower chamber hovers around 400°F. The lower pre-heating chamber temperature will preheat glass rods and mandrels, so that the glass softens quicker in the flame and will be less susceptible to thermal shock. 120V, built-in pyrometer, manual infinite switch. Standard firing chamber dimensions: 6"w x 6"h x 4.5"d, 2000°F (max temp). Reaches full fusing temperature in just 12 minutes. $394.
GAS KILNS A gas-fired kiln, which has a regulator or a pyrometer, runs on either natural gas or propane/butane. It reaches the required temperature quicker than an electric kiln. Small portable gas kilns are handy for demonstrating at shows where there is no electricity.
HotGlass makes a portable, compact gas kiln which uses a common propane torch inserted through the hole in the side of the kiln. Perfect for travelers or for use at shows and demonstrations where there is no electricity. A pyrometer, purchased separately, is necessary to measure temperature. Made with insulated fire brick. $164.
Rio Grande's gas kilns run on natural gas but can be adjusted to use propane/butane. Ideal for production casting shops and are more like ovens. Prices range from $2,100 for the Rio Natural Gas Kiln to $8,500 for the Large-Capacity Natural Gas Oven, which Rio Grande will custom make to fit the customer's needs.
CONTROLLERS Temperature Controllers are an important part of any electric kiln. They automatically fire a kiln by using a signal from a thermocouple (sensor) located in the kiln. They convert this signal into a temperature and compare it with what was programmed. They can be basic and simple-to-use or hooked up to your PC. Some controllers come with Fuzzy Logic intelligence that mimics human reasoning, kicking in when it detects an overshoot or disturbance, both of which produce a variance from the setpoint. For example, if someone opens the kiln door, causing the temperature to drop, the controller will bring the temperature back to the setpoint in the shortest time possible with a minimum of overshoot and undershoot. Then there are the micro processors, fully programmable controllers, so advanced they can be configured to telephone you if something goes wrong with the firing.
All controllers work in essentially the same way. The major difference is in a controller's reliability and how well its software allows you to precisely control the firing. Controllers can't make the kiln heat up or cool down faster than it is capable. Prices range from $99 to $1,295. If you are the adventurous type, you can make an automatic temperature controller for a basic glass-annealing kiln (see the "Kiln Temperature Controller Project" on www.toblerglasscreations.com).
Controllers for Lampworking and Glass Kilns Furnace Engineering Auto Controller.
Also for gas kilns. A microprocessor, multi-ramp, multi-dwell, fully programmable program controller. Can be configured to telephone you if something is wrong with the firing. Shows the actual kiln temperature as well as what the temperature should be at that moment. Programmable delayed start time, eight ramps, temperatures, and hold or soak times. There is a variety of 24 pre-programmed firing cycles in its memory and 10 firing cycles could be made by the user and stored into the memory. $440.Bartlett™ makes six 120V and nine 240V digital controllers. 3-key, 12-key and 24-key digital controllers for glass and casting silver. $99-$515.
Orton AutoFire® Electronic Controllers, specifically designed for firing glass in electric kilns. They can be programmed and the firing monitored from a personal computer, using ControlMaster™ software from Orton. This software employs sophisticated fuzzy logic algorithms to manage the kiln's firings. The software constantly adapts to the way the kiln is firing and compensates for the different ways you load the kiln. Based on temperature responses from the thermocouples, it adjusts its control of the heating elements accordingly.
Orton's UniTemp™ maintains uniform temperatures in the kiln using two thermocouples and special software that regulate the power to individual heating elements, adding heat where it is needed. Orton's software maintains temperatures at the thermocouples to within a few degrees of each other (typically less than 3°C). Temperature differences in other zone controllers will vary by 10°C or more, which can be important when firing some products. Orton has three120V controllers from $125 to $225 and three 240V controllers from $620 to $655. 3-key and 12-key.
DTC-1 Setpoint Desktop Controller. Perfect for beginners, this state-of-the-art digital setpoint controller is easier than setting a digital alarm clock and allows precise, worry-free control of the kiln temperature. It automatically brings the kiln to the set temperature and holds it there. Setpoints are programmed by "down" or "up" arrows. Ramping down can be done manually by lowering the setpoint at regular intervals. $325.
DTC-2 Ramping Desktop Controller, for professionals who require precise, automatic timed ramping and sophisticated ramp and soak options. Stores up to four programs with up to 16 segments each. Each segment is a ramp and soak. Programs can be combined to create a single program of up to 64 segments. Segments can be configured as either time to temp (i.e. two hours to 1000°F) or rate to temp (i.e., 500°F per hour to 1000°F). Always provides a guaranteed soak. $425.
Digitry GBl Controller allows a virtually limitless number of temperature profiles. Ramps and soaks can occur in any combination. Each profile can last up to 99 hours and contain up to 15 set points. Stores 10 distinct profiles. Capable of linking profiles for more complex annealing. $550. The GB4 Programmable Temperature Controller controls up to five annealing ovens. $1,560.
Paragon PCB1 Controller. Plug any kiln into this controller, then plug the controller into a standard wall socket. The type of controller is an ICS, infinite control switch (not a reostat type device). This means when it is set at 50%, the power will be on half the time and off the other half of the time. When the power is flowing it is flowing at full power. $60.
Other Controllers Kilntrol Digital/PC, for gas and electric kilns. Can be hooked up to the PC for easy setup and control but also operates independently of the PC. Unlimited profiles on PC's disk. 120V or 240V. Set point temperature range up to 3000°F. Basic unit $1,295.
Kilntrol Digital (30 and 50 amp), setpoint temperature range of 0°F to 2400°F. $595-$695.
Love Controls makes 23 controllers for jewelry and glass applications. Prices begin at $65.00 for a 60 Series analog control and go as high as $1,069 for an 8-Zone 900 Series Multi-Zone control. A favorite is the 2500 Series at $200. For ramp and soak capability the 16A, 2600, or 8600 will do the trick. $200-$300.
Olympic Electronic Controller, $360
Paragon makes six controllers ranging from $395 to $775 and three controller boards ranging from $200 to $345. Paragon's new DTC 1000 has a fourth generation control system. Includes six different users with eight different ramp settings apiece.
RampMaster 11 Controller gives fusers and annealers the freedom to develop their own personal firing program and repeat it. 120V and four 240V controllers. $518-$676.
SKUTT's Glassmaster Controller was designed using the input of glass artists. Programming is easy enough for beginners and sophisticated enough for the needs of glass professionals. It is standard on the GM10F annealing and fusing kiln and the GM22CS fusing and slumping kilns. Holds up to six firing programs. (Can be used with other Brand kilns).
TTI is the North American distributor of Fuji Electric products. Controllers come in sizes from 2"w x 1"h to 4"w x 4"h. $129-$699. The standard ramp & soak feature, which is used to create a temperature profile during heating, is included at no extra cost in the Fuji Electric PX Series Controllers. They all have PID control with auto-tuning and fuzzy logic for excellent control. The new PXR series controller has up to16 segments and two patterns. The PVX controller has up to nine patterns and a total of 180 segments. Fuji Electric PX Series is rugged and economical with 16-segment ramp/soak and self-tuning.$129. The PXR3 and PXR4 have the additional option of monitoring up to 31 controllers from a computer for an additional $40.
Infinite Switches are used with a pyrometer to control the speed at which the temperature rises. A separate switch for the lid element gives the user several firing combinations using the lid and wall elements. About $125
Pyrometer
Whether Digital or Analog, it works like a speedometer, and reads the temperature as it rises or lowers inside the kiln. It is a useful way of monitoring the progress of a switch-operated kiln. The kiln must always be watched to ensure that the proper temperature is maintained. A pyrometer will not hold the kiln at a desired temperature. $69-$300.Paragon makes three pyrometers ranging from $90 to $300. Digital Pyrometer (max. temp 2000°F) and thermocouple, $210.00. Analog Pyrometer (max. temp 2400°F) and thermocouple, $110.00. Paragon Portable Pyrometer set for Paragon enameling furnace, $110.
SKUTT Pyrometer, $97.
HotGlass makes two pyrometers, $69-$115 (digital).
Thermocouple
This precision instrument senses temperatures inside the kiln. It will eventually wear when used above 2000°F, resulting in a gradual shift in temperature readout.
Kiln Furniture
The shelves, stands, and posts used to support work inside the kiln. They allow you to double and triple the space inside the chamber; without it, you would only be able to fire the ware that could fit on the kiln bottom.
Jen-Ken Infi Controller. Photo courtesy AA Products.
Kiln Resources Online
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