Crucible kiln comparison or experience

[quix]

I am in the market for a smaller crucible kiln that can run on a 30a 220 dedicated circuit. I have read mixed reviews on just about all of the crucible kilns available and there still is little information. I am looking at the aim 1411c as it appears to have a much thicker insulation than other crucible kilns and I just like aim. Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with this or other aim models. Would you choose a different model/brand and if so what reason. Thank you all very much for your time.

[2wheeler]

I'm curious to hear what you decide on.

[quix]

still looking at the AIM, just gotta get them to answer their phone and take my order.

[Bugzy1972]

I purchased one of the Skutt Crucible kilns through northstar about a year and a half ago. I really enjoy how great the Skutt customer service, I have had trouble (user error) with programming it and they were right on the phone and ready to walk me through anything. I don't have any experience with AIM or any of the other manufacturers but would rate skutt very highly.

I use mine in my small hot shop to run clear batches of recycled glass and regularly fire it up to 2150 for about a week at a time. Its still a champ and seems to be giving me a good ROI.

I took a look at the 1411c and really I would prefer the "top hat style" for the top that accesses the glass. But that really depends on how you are going to use it.

What do you plan on using yours for?

[2wheeler]

still looking at the AIM, just gotta get them to answer their phone and take my order.

They respond to emails much quicker. Especially when you want to give them money.

[quix]

Lol, ok. So I got ahold of aim and apparently their true prices are not the ones they advertise on their website. The price on website is $1050 and the price when you go to pay is $1900. I had been calling daily for nearly a week to pay their advertised price just to be told their price nearly doubled when I finally got a hold of them. This seem like more than just price inflation due to cost of parts.

[quix]

So the hunt continues. The only other ones I see that can run on a 30a breaker is the color melter 3000 or the darby dipper. Even though we are only looking to do 20-30lb batches the darby dipper seems small, and we intend to mix colors in the pot and I am not sure how well it retains heat being so small. We are going to be pulling solid rod from the pots so I know it is a little easier than doing tubing and we can get away with smaller pots, just not sure a darby dipper will suffice.

[dustyg]

Have you considered making your own?

http://mayneislandglass.com/40poundfurnace.htm

[ahreno]

check out the glass hive. give them a call and/or email. awseome customer support.

[Bugzy1972]

Have you considered making your own?

http://mayneislandglass.com/40poundfurnace.htm

The vid Mayne Island Glass is worth taking a look at, In one of his videos he claims it runs on $3/day electricity. Although he is building these for soft glass and may not be intended to heat above 2100. But his design and layering of fiber board is spot on for efficiency

[quix]

If one where to build this kiln how would they go about finding proper elements to fit in?