djdascool
05-19-2011, 11:35 PM
I have an oldskool Aim 84bd kiln that has a floor space of 12" deep x 9" wide. It was the taller model with the 4" door opening in the front. It still has fiberglass flaps that allow for that extra deep floor space. The kiln is 12" high and has a removable lid. I've been blowing glass for 10 years and this thing has treated me well but I'm ready to upgrade to a digital with a better door system. In 10 years I've only had 1 overheat and lost a pile of slide bowls. I love the height of it but without the canti door it loses a ton of heat out of the top when you open it. I've worked on many other friends kilns, paragons, skutts, aims etc.. so I've experimented/used a bunch.
After years of production I'm realizing I need to design my own kilns...maybe not a mass produced kiln but one that fits my needs as an artist, not use a ton of electric, & help increase my production. My ideal kilns would be 14high x 14wide x 14" deep with a cantilevered door(not too big and not too small). ...and a kiln that is 24"wide x 6" tall x 14" Deep for adequite floor space & a little head room.
My reason for the thread is to see if anyone knows where to buy the supplies needed to build some kilns. It would be amazing to have a glass Master 33 programmer on every model I build. But with a limited budget I'd like to figure out the cheapest way possible to build 2 of these to start.
Q's:
Where's a good place to buy refractory bricks & mortar for cheap...online works.
Is there a good distributor for digi controllers & elements etc...
Where can I aquire that thick ceramic fiber that is used in kiln doors?
What are some safety precautions I should take when building(Ammount of element needed for kiln size/dimensions etc.)
..........
I have access to welders, painters & electricians who can assist with my build as soon as I can gather up all the parts.
Thanks! Eric Duyette
After years of production I'm realizing I need to design my own kilns...maybe not a mass produced kiln but one that fits my needs as an artist, not use a ton of electric, & help increase my production. My ideal kilns would be 14high x 14wide x 14" deep with a cantilevered door(not too big and not too small). ...and a kiln that is 24"wide x 6" tall x 14" Deep for adequite floor space & a little head room.
My reason for the thread is to see if anyone knows where to buy the supplies needed to build some kilns. It would be amazing to have a glass Master 33 programmer on every model I build. But with a limited budget I'd like to figure out the cheapest way possible to build 2 of these to start.
Q's:
Where's a good place to buy refractory bricks & mortar for cheap...online works.
Is there a good distributor for digi controllers & elements etc...
Where can I aquire that thick ceramic fiber that is used in kiln doors?
What are some safety precautions I should take when building(Ammount of element needed for kiln size/dimensions etc.)
..........
I have access to welders, painters & electricians who can assist with my build as soon as I can gather up all the parts.
Thanks! Eric Duyette