jammy43 Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I'm looking for advise on buying a used kiln. First off I don't live anywhere near a pottery supplier nor is there any used market here. But I have found a down-sizing potter a few hours away who has a 30yr old kiln that he is willing to part with. Electric, cone sitter controlled, i would estimate about 6cu.ft.. The inside is not in great condition and will need kiln cement to patch up some inside brick pitting. This guy has used it continuously in rotation with anther kiln. First of all, would you even bother to purchase such a kiln? and if so what would you pay for it? The closest supplier to me could give me the same kiln for about $3000 (with furniture, taxes & delivery) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrgpots Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 $300 is a good starting point. Ask him when he last changed the elements and to what cone he fired the kiln. This will give you an idea of how long your used kiln elements will last. If they have been replaced in the last 3-4 years, it should be fine, especially he fired to 05-6 cones. If the kiln is an L&L, buy it. Jed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 Patching bricks in an electric kiln doesn't really work. You'll need to replace those bricks that are too broken to hold the elements. My concern in a 30 year old kiln would be that the bricks are starting to degrade, and they'll all be shot soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bciskepottery Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 My guess is you are getting the oldest, most worn, etc. of the two kilns. You can replace elements and relays, but potentially having to replace brick on a used kiln seems to be a deal breaker. And after 30 years in continuous use, you might have to put more into it than it is worth. You might be better off waiting until something better comes along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I can't figure out why people don't list their location, someone who lives in that area may be able to help locate a kiln. Another avenue you might try is potterbarter online. Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 You might check with Seattle Pottery Supply. They have been making kilns for decades and they also sell used kilns and seem to always have a number of them. Since they are experienced in shipping kilns all over the country they may well be able to hook you up with a less expensive option on a kiln that is not worn out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arnold Howard Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 The kiln might be good for a few more years of firings in spite of its age. The bricks may not be as bad as they appear. If you can buy the kiln for a song, and you have the circuit already installed, maybe you should consider it. Make sure the elements all fire. Check the amperage. Look for rust. Make sure the Kiln Sitter works. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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