Small, inexpensive heat-treating oven?

J

JoshEarl

Joined
Sep 30, 2007
Messages
197
I make small blades (razors, actually) that are about 7" long and 1" wide on average. I'd really like to get a heat-treating oven so I can get more consistent results than I can achieve with my forge. My funds and shop space are limited, though.

So far the best options I've seen are the small Evenheat ovens, which run about $700-$900. The 6x8x8" model would work, but if I'm going to spend $700 then I might as well just get the bigger 13" deep KH 414 model for $875.

Are there any other decent, small ovens I should consider? It would be worthwhile getting something just for the razors if it was in the $400 range. Otherwise I think the Evenheat KH 414 might be the way to go, since it would be more versatile.

Anyone selling their Evenheat? :)

Thanks,
Josh
 
Here is a suggestion. Try to find a used ceramic kiln. They will get to the heat you need and you can sometimes find them in the 100.00 to 250.00 range used. I have been using one for 15 yrs.
 
The ceramic kilns I've seen looked like they were round and you had to load them from the top. Is that how yours works?

Thanks,
Josh
 
I have a friend that does glass and her kiln is a front open with a 12" chamber. I think she gave less than $600 for it.
 
Ceramic top loading kilns are great. Slit a cut out on the top lid and hang your blades from wire and place Kao wool over the slit to prevent heat loss.
 
Sugar Creek Industries has a small over for about 400 bucks, doesn,t have a controller, just a variable dial. You could add a controller for not a whole lot of bucks.
 
Nice looking kilns. Looks like the extra 85 bucks would be well spent to get the larger one powered by 220V. Wouldn't that mean faster ramp times than the 110V? Also, they look like their doors hing from the top. I wonder if that could be changed as it seems that would be awkward?
 
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Used jewelry casting burnout ovens are commonly available for very cheap prices. They would do what you want. Check ebay and Craig's list.
 
Josh, I think I've offered this before... you're close enough to me that you could use my kiln until you can save up enough to get the one you want. Hammer out several razors and we'll take care of them in a day!
I spoke with you briefly at Ashokan, and I kind of remember thinking you were close by... pardon me if I'm mistaken.
 
I found a few ceramic kilns locally for cheap but was wondering what type of controller would work. After a little research I found something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PID-Temperature-Controller-SSR-Kiln-Furnace-Fah-Celsius_W0QQitemZ200450546367QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2eabc89abf

Also, a few of the ones I found locally were smaller. 11inches deep 9 inches wide. Too small for knife making? seems like I would want just a little bigger. I only really want to make no bigger than around 10 1/2 OAL knives. I really like the look of the sugar creek one but it only has an infinite switch and pyrometer which isn't as accurate as the PID electronic controller.
 
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