|
The Bead Annealing Kiln
This is one of a continuing series on choosing a glass kiln for fusing and slumping.
Click here to go to the first part of the series.
As the name implies, these are made for bead makers to use to
anneal beads. They tend to have a larger front opening to
allow easy access for adding beads for annealing, and some models
also have a controller included. These kilns are usually quite
small and almost all run on 120v current.
If you're interested in using a bead annealer for fusing and
slumping, then the first thing you should do is determine if the
kiln is capable of reaching fusing and slumping temperatures.
Some bead kilns, such as Jen-Ken's "Chili Pepper Bead Annealer," are
not capable of heating beyond 1100F, so can only be used for bead
annealing. For fusing and slumping, make certain the kiln is
rated to reach temperatures of 1500F or greater.
Bead annealers that can reach temperatures of 1700F or higher do
exist, and are marketed by most of the major kiln manufacturers.
Despite the small size of these kilns -- they do make good starter
kilns and should be considered by those who are looking for a small
kiln with a controller.
Click here for information about the segmented
kiln, another popular kind of small kiln.
-------------------
Copyright 2005 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
Thanks to posters on the Warm
Glass board for their suggestions. |
