I am quite happy with the older KL-50D I have when working on larger flat fusing and shallower slumping projects. However for a while now, I have wanted to pursue taller slumping/drop out work, manipulating molds at slumping temperatures, as well as some casting/combing/high fire projects that my older KL-50D was never really designed to handle for various reasons (not deep enough, not insulated enough, top only elements) and many times it is actually larger than I needed for the one-off projects I typically work on.
My first thoughts was a GL-24 ATSD. But the weight, dimensions, and inability to break the kiln down into sections so that I could move it through a narrow door at the top of the stairs going down into my basement studio ruled it out as a possibility.
I very much desired a front loading door so I could approach the manipulation of molds at 1200 degrees more easily/safely than reaching down into deep top loader or into a clamshell and worrying about the possibility of the them accidentally coming down on me (I work alone and don't get many volunteers for spotting me while working in a hot kiln ;-(
I also liked the a top loading door because I found the typical front loading door configuration to be limiting when one needs a clear "god's eye"/top down view of how things are laid out on the shelf or how projects centered on molds (kind of like working in a tunnel). From my experience and observations top opening doors are also more accommodating when peeking down into deep slumping molds to see how things are progressing or in the case of tall castings, monitoring/charging the reservoir.
Not to many offerings out there for both top and front opening doors and constructed in a way I could get it moved into place and positioned in the space I had to work with.
Since I was at it, I desired a custom height to so that it put the floor of the kiln chamber up at comfortable standing working height with little bending over and the controller/infinity dials up at my normal standing viewing level.
Other features include:
- Chamber Size is 24" x 24" x 21.5" tall (Leaving a true 18" of height with 2 inches of clearance from the lowest part of the top element rack).
- 3" Fiber lining (1" Fiber blanket cold face, 2" HD fiber board hot face on walls, 3" HD fiberboard on roof), Firebrick Floor
- Elements in top, sides, and door. Each with their own infinite dial/switch to be able to set and change the percentage of power/heat coming from them ... on the fly if need be as the kiln is firing a schedule.
- Auto power cut-off switches when kiln doors are opened.
- Double pole mercury relays for durability as well as an additional safety measure against a run-away kiln situation (both would have to fail at the same time in the closed/on position).
- Kiln venting system that automatically turns on/off during a segment in the firing schedule to removed moisture from molds/wet powders, fiber product burnout, or any other fumes.
- Power: 42 amps, 9250 Watts
All in all, I am impressed with how solidly the construction of this new kiln feels and I think Denver's casting line of kilns are beefed up construction wise because of the higher temps and long holds at those temps they have to accommodate.
The experience of working with Holley and Curtis at Denver Glass was a very smooth one with them listening to the things I need/desired and translating them into something I am confident will work for my intended use.
Not the cheapest avenue to pursue, but a heck of a lot cheaper than having to build a ground level studio onto the house and I was able to end up with something where I didn't feel I was having to make any significant sacrifices on from my want list.
When I think about it, all things considered (fiber roof, kiln stand, vent system/AOP control, etc.) it really only amounted to about a 25% up charge over a similarly equipped GL-24-ATSD and I ended up with some extra height to the chamber as well as the dual door design.
So if you find yourself in a situation where you need something a little different from the standard kiln designs, I would put Denver on the list of people to check with.
- Al
Side Note: The customizations I had done were around their base KL-TFC kiln they had built previously for Milon Towsend. I wanted a single front opening door with elements along with the other things outlined above.
