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tollykit
23-02-2009, 01:16 PM
Hi,

Any suggestions as to the best kiln to get for metal clay and enamelling?

Elaine
Atelier Ava
24-02-2009, 10:16 AM
I dont use metal clay but silver so I am not aquainted with the firing. I have been enamelling for 10 years and when I started the best tip I got was to buy a kiln with the biggest interior you can afford with a pyrometer (temperature controller). That is exactly what I did and I still have it but I paid a lot of money for it and then two months later I went to a auction of implements and found two for £22, gutted! I went to a car boot sale and bought a hot plate kiln for a fiver. I must admit I use the expensive one all the time and not the others and if treated well you get your money back in the end.
Regards
Paula
Madly Creating
24-02-2009, 10:29 AM
What sort of auction was that (where you found the cheap ones)? A friend of mine is a die-hard auction attendee, so I'll have to get her to watch out for me :D
Atelier Ava
24-02-2009, 10:43 AM
An implement sale is a general tool sale, people sell the contents of their garage that sort of thing. From big stuff down to little. Auction rooms, farm sales you just have to keep your eyes and ears open to what is happening around you. If you have a friday add in your area that can be useful and ebay sometimes has bargains.
Regards
Paula
MuranoSilver
24-02-2009, 04:44 PM
I just wrote a review of three popular PMC/enamel kilns
http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
Nic xx
Madly Creating
24-02-2009, 05:29 PM
Really helpful, thanks! :D
tollykit
25-02-2009, 08:03 AM
Thank you Nic, the information on your blog is really helpful. I think I will try and save up for the Paragon or try and find one second hand.

elaine
tollykit
25-02-2009, 01:02 PM
Just thought I would get some more advice:

In addition to a kiln what else do I need as a sort of starter kit in PMC?

Elaine
MuranoSilver
25-02-2009, 04:16 PM
It depends what you mainly want to make :)
But the list in PMC tips would be a good start
http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20016

Nic xx
silverjewelleryworkshop
25-02-2009, 05:40 PM
I just wrote a review of three popular PMC/enamel kilns
Nic xx

Nice review. Of the three in the review I prefer the kitiki mini kiln. For me its the easiest to use with good results.