K is for Kiln (AtoZ 2016)

No, that’s not a kiln in the picture. But, it would be nice to have one!

To turn metal clay into metal, you need high, even heat to burn off the binder and sinter the metal. Currently I use a butane torch (above), but you can also use a kiln or even a gas stove (or so I’ve read). While I don’t think I’ll ever have to try firing a bead on a gas stove, I wouldn’t be opposed to having a kiln one day.

To be honest, most days I don’t mind torching my beads. It’s fast, which a kiln is not, and cheap, which a kiln is also not! But, there are certain things that I can’t do with a torch that I could do with a kiln. For example, because a kiln is larger, I could fire multiple beads at once. Most of the time I only have one bead ready, so that alone wouldn’t be enough to push me to buy a kiln. What is enticing about having a kiln is that it gives you a more precise temperature. It would allow me to work with different metals (like sterling silver) and even try enameling on my beads in a kiln. And that is exciting!

Too bad about that pesky price tag. I periodically check for kilns on sale, but so far have come up empty. And, without a sale, a kiln would run me several hundred dollars. So, with other things getting in the way, it doesn’t look like I’ll get a kiln anytime in the near future.

What about you? Is there something that would allow you to take an interest to the next level but something that stops you or gets in your way?

6 Comments

    1. Ah, a boat would be lovely :)

      We have a camping trailer that allows us to explore a bit more (or at least explore more comfortably) that we could before. But still only on land. A boat would be neat.

  1. I know that feeling oh so well, I was saving up for mine (couldn’t take the step to selling without one) when one came up on sale. Since then I’ve seen more now I know where to look! (Try lampworking forums)

    At the moment the next piece of kit I’m considering is a tumbler, about £120 worth of investment so not my worst purchase, but as I’m at the start everything is the “next bit of kit I need” and it ALL adds up. I should break even about 2020!

    Mars xx
    @TrollbeadBlog from
    Curling Stones for Lego People

    1. I know what you mean about everything feels like it’s “the next thing that you need” when you’re just starting out.

      I’d also love a polishing machine, but I haven’t even looked at the prices for those! And, I think a kiln would have to come first. Unless a polishing machine is cheaper than I think it would be. :D

    1. Thanks :) Right now the kiln is really just a dream. The torch isn’t that inconvenient (yet). But it’s always good to have a dream, right? :)

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