Kilns for beginners

[waznyf]

Hey everyone,

I am looking into glass blowing and like many of you I would like to make pipes one day. My question is what kind of kilns are offered and what would be good for a beginner. I've heard front loading is good. Also what other alternatives are there? Is a kiln really neccessary for small things like spoons and one hitters?
Thanks guys! I'm new to the community but hopefully with your help I'll be on the right track to getting started.

[Aymie]

The reason that nine people have viewed this but none have responded is because the information is already here. And if you had really looked in to glassblowing, as you say, you would already know that a front loader is more than just good, it's what you need.

[Julian]

I'd suggest looking through the kilns for sale on a typical lampworking supplier's site, like Mountain Glass:

http://www.mountainglass.com/Products/PARAGON-KILNS/

Front loading is great for lampworking because these kilns are used to preheat pieces and keep parts you're working on hot while you do something else... so easy access from the front, and a way to leave handles sticking out, is convenient.

As far as whether a kiln is necessary, like Aymie noted this question has been asked a ton in the past, as one mght imagine. Basically, if you are selling your work, yes.