looking for a Kiln Calgary or around.

[JuanH]

Hello, im looking for a Kiln, im planing to make so shell casting and i need a kiln for dewaxing and hardening of shell.

Thanks a lot fellas.

 

[JuanH]

All good, found one for 500 bucks

 

[Brent H]

@JuanH : what did you get? I have been toying with the idea of a heat treatment furnace - especially after I start sharpening tools …..

 

[JuanH]

I got a manual ceramic kiln. I know it can be converted to digital.

 

[JuanH]

 

[Tom Kitta]

That is similar to what I have. Good to know how much they go for. Do you have info on how to convert it to digital with temp control?

 

[JuanH]

Yes.I know I have to modify my breaker box, I will have to hire an electrician for that.

 

[YYCHM]

What voltage and temp range are we talking here?

 

[JuanH]

230, and i think 30-40 amp

 

[YYCHM]

230, and i think 30-40 amp

So basically the same as a dryer/stove circuit?

 

[JuanH]

Oh i wasn’t aware of that, then I can unplug my dryer and run it from there.
thanks

 

[kevin.decelles]

I have both of mine running on basic PID controllers. Nothing fancy, no 'step' level programming to do a decent treating/anealing job or anything like that. More of a digital temperature display so to speak. You really don't sustain a temp, by the time you get to 1250F, it's time to pour the aluminum etc.

I built a parts washing tub that uses a PID w/electric-water-heater element and this is much more useful in this application. You can keep your wash water at 40C. In this application it will definitely cycle on/off.

 

[YYCHM]

Oh i wasn’t aware of that, then I can unplug my dryer and run it from there.
thanks

Probably.... check if the pug ends look the same.

What temperature range would the PID need to be? I don't think you need a very expensive PID and thermocouple or an electrician to do the installation. I got a pid controller for my lead melting pot for about $25, mind you it's 110V. I'd have to find the data sheet to determine the max voltage/amps it can handle.

Found it.... 220V 40A https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071937713/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think @Johnwa did something fancy with a programable micro controller.

 

[JuanH]

Quite interesting, I was planning to put a programable PID just in case I wanted to use the kiln as a burn out oven for jewelry, but now listening to you guys it might not be cost effective cuz of the size of the kiln.

let me explain a bit of myself in order to make sense.

I do 3d design and I send pieces for jewelry casting, a month ago I ordered a huge 8K 3D printer, so I decided to look for a kiln, order some ceramic slurry from Ontario and try bronze casting for fun. I might outsource the molding part of the process cuz of time n space limitations.
So overall that’s my plan for now, what you guys think ?

I’m attaching a photo of my latest wip.

 

[Tom O]

One thing to look at is I bought one off eBay that is only is Celsius and if it is for a kiln it would be advantageous to control the ramping, soak time for tempering with a programable one although a bit more expensive.
Here is one video on these controllers they are well documented on their site

 

[JuanH]

Love it, I will check it out on my break