mr.nelson Posted January 31, 2011 Report Share Posted January 31, 2011 Hello All, I am seeking advice on front loading kilns. I would like to purchase one for my middle school art program. Have you used one? What is the durability like? Which designs features are better than others? I have single phase and a budget that allows for increasing the electrical amperage as well as a kiln. I fire around 50 times a year. This is a once in a career purchase and I want to get a legacy kiln for the next instructor's time here as well. Thank you in advance for your time and effort. Sincerely, mr.nelson marshfield, wisconsin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Robison Posted January 31, 2011 Report Share Posted January 31, 2011 I have used several. I think every company that makes them does a fine job. I loved using one. But for the money, man they are high dollar compared to a top loader. If yoiu have room I would say buy two top loaders for the price of one front. The durability and the ease of loading sure is nice though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 One of the best is the Fredrickson. Worth every penny. Beats the crap out of the typically under-powered and under-insulated hexagonals. If you have to fire electric, these are a good choice as far as environmental concerns and energy usage go. Also have natural cooling profiles that are closer to larger mass gas kilns.... which eliminates the wasteful procedure of firing down to get good glaze development. Built like a Mac truck. http://www.sheffield...-KILNS-s/63.htm best, .............john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.nelson Posted February 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 Stephen and John, Thank you for your prompt reply. The ease of loading and the economy of space will be cherished. I do not have my students make standardized pottery/ceramics. So the front loader will help preserve the kiln walls and allow for fine tuning the loading step. I cringe each time the heavy selves dent the toploader. I am in my middle career teaching and am trying to purchase tools that will help my body last until retirement. I am lucky to have support here for the students and our shared artworks. Thank you both for your thoughts and advice. It seems like they are excellent kilns. By the end of Feb I will need to submit my bids to the business office. Any vendors to consider? Again thank you in advance for your time and efforts. mr.nelson marshfield, wisconsin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.nelson Posted February 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 John, I explored the sheffield site. Thank you for the link. The kilns look rugged and well built. The 7 inch refractory bricks amazing! I will contact this company and ask about the ultimate height of the kiln. My janitor would like one on wheels so I will inquire about that as well. There is talk about a building referendum and I would like to take the new kiln along if we are moved. mr.nelson marshfield, wisconsin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Campbell Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 OK ... I am suffering great kiln envy!! I would gladly ...no, gleefully, trade my two top loaders for a front loader. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 OK ... I am suffering great kiln envy!! I would gladly ...no, gleefully, trade my two top loaders for a front loader. All you need Chris is the appropriate sized stack of $1000 bills. best, ....................john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Campbell Posted February 2, 2011 Report Share Posted February 2, 2011 .... Ain't that the truth! NCECA is coming up and I will have to walk past all those kiln dealers .... So near and yet so far $$$$$$$$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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