Shall I buy a new kiln???

[Havi]

Hello everybody.............
My kiln is giving me trouble. It ia about 12 years old... JenKen 24" squarish. Was made especially for me with almost every
element changed to suit the Israeli / European electricity.

I assume something went wrong with the elctricity,- i/e/ with the relays. Luckily I caught this in time.... otherwise the whole house would have been on fire.

The lid is a bit wraped because there was a need to change the elements.

I wonder whether I should buy a new kiln.

In Israel, or a Paragon = bell kiln? OR the one with a front door, and elements all around AND the top.

I would appreciate your comments.

[Fiona Collins]

Hi Havi, I am in Australia (220v / 50Hz) and have 2 paragons, the GL18 (front loader) is fantastic, it also comes in a 24 if you have enough amps to run it. The ovation (coffin) is v.ordinary and I would steer clear (lid doesn't float, big cracks and bricks crumbling after 2 months use)

[Havi]

Thanks Fiona,
For your response and advice!
Lately I talked to the owner of Jen Ken, and for the time being I shall stay with what I have.

However, I am grateful for you response, and keep it in mind while considering again changing the kiln. I love the 24" Bell kiln,
I do not want anything bigger than that [coffin]

Many thanks again,

Havi

[DonMcClennen]

Kilns are such a simple technology...10yrs old isn't really relevant... if the one you have is the right size for your work then I would fix/replace the parts giving you trouble with and continue firing!! Save you $$ for glass. A "bit" of a warp in the lid isn't a concern. However if you've got the $$ and you want other features or size go for it. Decisions, Decisions

[Havi]

Thanks, Don!
You are right! I'd better save $$$ for glass. or classes or similar.
The kiln is what I chose. Unfortunately at that time they did not have yet [or perhaps I was not aware of] the "Bell Kiln"

Anyway glass and other working material is preferable.

Thanks for the logic!


Havi