O.K. then, this is a brave one to ask.
It's that time of year when I sit and go through each of our kilns and see if modifications etc are needed.
So, now we are 18 months or so into the life of the MAXI/MAXIne I would be really interested to hear how people have been getting on with them. What, if any, issues they have had. Anything they would change about them? Are they still the best etc? Thoughts on the KCR1 controller. Useful suggestions.
The only way to stay at the top is to listen to the most important people, the folk that use the darn things.
Hiya Lee, only modificatiion I would add is some kind of heat insulation on the door handles, if the kiln has been garaging a while they get VERY hot to lift and add more beads, ask Jolene she got a blister from mine.
Yes - that would be my only comment too - otherwise great :)
Odd - my door handles NEVER get hot?!?
My bead "fringe" is starting to get a bit threadbare but it's not a big problem.
The controller is fine - I've learned not to switch to a different part of the program while the time is displayed as the temperature seems to go a little mental for a few minutes if you do this.
It would be nice to have an option to have the controller on the left and not the right but I can't see how easy it would be to change this and it's not a big problem.
The temperature inside the kiln is probably higher than the controller says it is and yes, we know that there is a temperature variation across the kiln, but I can work with that.
I love the kiln - does everything I want it to do, can get loads of bead in it and people still gasp it the awesome pickness of it! ;D
.....Actually, thinking about it.....shame you couldn't wrap a copper pipe into the insulation and plumb it up. A built-in tea-making facility would make the kiln perfect in every way! ;D ;D ;D ;D
You might be able to fit these over the handles to insulate them:
http://www.kck.com/bbq_pit_spring_handle_barbecue_grill_smoker_wood_stove.html
Couldn't seem to find a UK supplier.
What a great find Sal, mine are really super hot, I have a bit of cloth I use to lift when I put a bead in. I agree and the pinkness of it, I have had more comments about my kiln than anything else in my studio.
I think these would be pretty similar - http://www.agafixspares.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=904
I don't have one, but I do want one in future. (a year or three) Do you think we could have a green coloured one? I was thinking of a forest green as a posed to an emerald... (I'll be a bit board of blue and I'm not really a pink person)
or red? ;D ;D
I am getting one very soon (weeks).
I love mine. I also love the temperature variation across the kiln as I can position beads depending on what I effect I want eg. I put things I want to keep cool on the right hand side. If I want to strike something more I'll put it in the middle and if I want a medium temp I'll use the left hand side.
I think the most important part of using a kiln is understanding it's temperature zones and how your own kiln works. I always spend a few geeky hours familiarising myself using a meter and temperature sensor before I risk putting any beads in a new kiln.
My handles don't get hot. (ooer missus) :P
Maybe if there was anything I'd change it would be how the holes in the rack at the back are spaced.
Kay's right about the colour...she bought hers after seeing mine ;D ;)
I am still in love with my MAXine! The handles don't get hot at all on mine, but it could be that I don't garage usually for more than about 4 to 5 hours or so. If I ever get problems I'll just get old of some cork or something.
The controller is great - ideal really. I'm trying really hard to think of anything that needs changing.....errrrrr.........No - can't think of anything.
The temp variation does take some getting used to, but it's not an issue for me. I just had to adjust the programme on the controller. Would be good if new models come with a note about that...they probably already do actually.
xx
I've not had any problems with my handles getting hot and have been known to garage for the full 12.5 hours!!! I had a really horrible relationship with my Paragon but I love, love, love my Maxine - especially the very pinkness of it. I tend to put all beads in the middle bit and then move them over towards the right when they have been in a while. I rarely make so many that I have to use the left hand side.
My only problem was with the controller and I think that was an exceptional problem.
My guess is that the market would stand a model that is sized between the Maxi and the bead cube. Maxine takes up a lot of space in my shedio but the bead cube is just a bit small and better really for shorter sessions.
All in all a great British product, designed for and with customers, that does its job very effectively.
Like Sal, my curtain is looking a bit raggedy and my fibre blanket base too - so the opportunity to buy spares direct from the website would be helpful!
Kazx
Weird that some handles get hot and some dont.
I love my Maxine..... have figured out the temp variances, after a little chat with Sarah "thanks Sarah" very useful, and I just "LOVE" the colour too.
My handles don't get hot either, her curtains are looking good too, but at the time when they start to wear out spares would be a very nice idea ;-)
It really is a very well made piece of equipment and worth every penny.
Wot Kay said - I wonder why some handles get hot and others don't? ???
What I particularly like the most about the Maxi kiln is that the manufacturer actually gives a damn and asks his customers for feedback and then acts on it. Have'nt seen any other manufacturers do that and that's why I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Kilncare again. :D
Quote from: hollergrafik on January 30, 2010, 09:58:21 AM
Hiya Lee, only modificatiion I would add is some kind of heat insulation on the door handles, if the kiln has been garaging a while they get VERY hot to lift and add more beads, ask Jolene she got a blister from mine.
That's the kind of thing I am after thanks.
Quote from: mizgeorge on January 30, 2010, 11:33:42 AM
I think these would be pretty similar - http://www.agafixspares.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=904
Sal and MG, this is also the type of answer, not just problems, but sollutions ;D
I shall be taking a good loook at sorting the handle issue this week.
Quote from: silverlemon on January 30, 2010, 12:52:26 PM
I love mine. I also love the temperature variation across the kiln as I can position beads depending on what I effect I want eg. I put things I want to keep cool on the right hand side. If I want to strike something more I'll put it in the middle and if I want a medium temp I'll use the left hand side.
This one needs a little more discussion.
It may be possible to even the temperature further with insulation techniques etc...but...is it worth it, or is it better as it is, as is mentioned above??
Quote from: Sulis on January 30, 2010, 01:39:34 PM
Would be good if new models come with a note about that...they probably already do actually.
xx
They certainly will, if it is decided that variation is good.
Quote from: kerensky on January 30, 2010, 04:14:02 PM
her curtains are looking good too, but at the time when they start to wear out spares would be a very nice idea ;-)
The intention was always to offer spare curtains etc.
I just never got around to it and the last 18 months has flown by so fast.
Lee adds the above to his - to do list. ;)
Quote from: Redhotsal on January 30, 2010, 10:15:05 AM
It would be nice to have an option to have the controller on the left and not the right but I can't see how easy it would be to change this and it's not a big problem.
.....Actually, thinking about it.....shame you couldn't wrap a copper pipe into the insulation and plumb it up. A built-in tea-making facility would make the kiln perfect in every way! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Sal, we learnt pretty quickly that the controller should reach the other side too and they all do nowadays
I'll get something sorted for you on that count mate.
Tea makin facility eh....mmmmm..... ??? ::)
Quote from: Redhotsal on January 30, 2010, 04:58:39 PM
What I particularly like the most about the Maxi kiln is that the manufacturer actually gives a damn and asks his customers for feedback and then acts on it. Haven't seen any other manufacturers do that and that's why I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Kilncare again. :D
and thereby is the point to this entire thread.
Nice words Sal :-*, thanks, but you know they are true.
You should have added - made by a sad ass who has nothing better to do on a Saturday night than work on his kilns 8)
Seriously folks, this thread has so far been perfect, so do keep your opinions on the MAXI coming. Every single one is listened too and considered...even the green idea >:( ;D
Quote from: Lee - Kilncare on January 30, 2010, 07:36:20 PM
You should have added - made by a sad ass who has nothing better to do on a Saturday night than work on his kilns 8)
Yeah - and read by other sad asses who have nothing better to do on a Saturday night than read about glass, kilns and beads! hehe - don't sweat the controller on the other side thingy Lee, it's fine as it is! ;)
Quote from: Lee - Kilncare on January 30, 2010, 07:36:20 PM
Seriously folks, this thread has so far been perfect, so do keep your opinions on the MAXI coming. Every single one is listened too and considered...even the green idea >:( ;D
Thank you :-*
I don't have any more comments but I'd like to add my name to the list of folk wanting the option to site the controller on the left, and just wondering if it really matters if the curtain has got quite bare?
Quote from: Lee - Kilncare on January 30, 2010, 07:28:07 PM
Quote from: silverlemon on January 30, 2010, 12:52:26 PM
I love mine. I also love the temperature variation across the kiln as I can position beads depending on what I effect I want eg. I put things I want to keep cool on the right hand side. If I want to strike something more I'll put it in the middle and if I want a medium temp I'll use the left hand side.
This one needs a little more discussion.
It may be possible to even the temperature further with insulation techniques etc...but...is it worth it, or is it better as it is, as is mentioned above??
I like the variation for the same reasons as Sarah and choose where I place my strikers. But it was a pain before I knew about it so I think an info sheet would be a good idea.
My handles don't get hot.
Sarah
xxx
OK some of these thoughts will take a little while to run through and some not so long.
Such as the option to buy replacement seals from the web site. It is done and on-line here.
http://www.kilncare.co.uk/services_kilncarespares.html
Told yer I listened. ;D
Quote from: Lush! on January 31, 2010, 08:57:01 PM
I don't have any more comments but I'd like to add my name to the list of folk wanting the option to site the controller on the left, and just wondering if it really matters if the curtain has got quite bare?
It doesn't matter too much if your seal is getting a little worn. Really, it is there to assist in keeping the kiln efficient but, providing the seal hasn't fell off all together, it should run just as well, just cost a couple of pence more to run probably.
Now as for controllers on the left.
As I have said, all MAXIs now come with enough length on the cables to allow the controllers to be sited on the left hand side.
It will be the green thermocouple cable that is going to stop it reaching, the mains plug cable to the MAXI should be O.K.
How's this sound, if anyone wants to have their controller on the left then I will sell them and extension piece for the thermocouple cable at cost. It will plug onto the end of your existing cable so you will have no screw driver work to do.The cost including V.A.T. and delivery will be £20.
If you like, either call us or send it into paypal to sales@kilncare.co.uk and call it a MAXI tc extension.
Quote from: Redhotsal on January 30, 2010, 04:58:39 PM
What I particularly like the most about the Maxi kiln is that the manufacturer actually gives a damn and asks his customers for feedback and then acts on it. Have'nt seen any other manufacturers do that and that's why I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Kilncare again. :D
Ditto to that!!!!!
I keep offering to be the tester for France, but Lee thinks I'm joking ::) :D
Quote from: *rowanberry* on February 01, 2010, 03:51:04 PM
Quote from: Redhotsal on January 30, 2010, 04:58:39 PM
What I particularly like the most about the Maxi kiln is that the manufacturer actually gives a damn and asks his customers for feedback and then acts on it. Have'nt seen any other manufacturers do that and that's why I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Kilncare again. :D
Ditto to that!!!!!
I haven't got a Kilncare kiln, but I would not hesitate to buy one, now I know how you work with your customers and the service you give - had Beadcube existed when I first looked, I would have definitely bought that, and its likely to be an addition to the family in future (not that I am trying to match Rachel in how many kilns can one person own!).
In fact, I was recommending KC only last night to someone who didn't know you exist, but does now ;D ;D
Quote from: silverlemon on January 30, 2010, 12:52:26 PM
...
I always spend a few geeky hours familiarising myself using a meter and temperature sensor before I risk putting any beads in a new kiln.
Oh you did did you?? !! I was sure it was
ME sat there for hours doing that.
The only thing I would add is the inaccuracy of the temperature detection.
Yes as others have pointed out there is gradients accross the kiln (which is useful and maybe shouldn't be changed) but almost nowhere in the kiln is the temperature the same as the reading from the controller.
Sarah sets her annealing temp at about 485 Deg C which actually equates to most of the kiln anneal being at the correct temp of 520 deg C (I may have remembered the figures incorrectly)
Most people who use the kiln will set the anneal temp at 520 which will actually bring their beads close to the slumping point at the middle of the kiln. I can't remember the exact value but the middle of the kiln was at about 560-600 deg C at that setting !!!!
As far as I can see the reason is that the thermocouple is actually sited in one of the coldest positions in the kiln, thereby not getting an accurate average reading accross the kiln.
At home we have an old envelope with all the temperature readings on it for reference.
Just to be clear, the variation across the kiln is good, but we should at least be able to set the temperature to a value that is correct for the majority of the kiln.
Otherwise Lee, cool kiln, and thanks for the questions.
Quote from: Dickie on February 02, 2010, 06:14:35 PM
Quote from: silverlemon on January 30, 2010, 12:52:26 PM
...
I always spend a few geeky hours familiarising myself using a meter and temperature sensor before I risk putting any beads in a new kiln.
Oh you did did you?? !! I was sure it was ME sat there for hours doing that.
The only thing I would add is the inaccuracy of the temperature detection.
Yes as others have pointed out there is gradients accross the kiln (which is useful and maybe shouldn't be changed) but almost nowhere in the kiln is the temperature the same as the reading from the controller.
Sarah sets her annealing temp at about 485 Deg C which actually equates to most of the kiln anneal being at the correct temp of 520 deg C (I may have remembered the figures incorrectly)
Most people who use the kiln will set the anneal temp at 520 which will actually bring their beads close to the slumping point at the middle of the kiln. I can't remember the exact value but the middle of the kiln was at about 560-600 deg C at that setting !!!!
As far as I can see the reason is that the thermocouple is actually sited in one of the coldest positions in the kiln, thereby not getting an accurate average reading accross the kiln.
At home we have an old envelope with all the temperature readings on it for reference.
Just to be cleat the variation is good, but we should at least be able to set the temperature to a value that is correct for the majority of the kiln.
Otherwise Lee, cool kiln, and thanks for the questions.
After reducing my temperature to roughly the same I found the beads werent tacky if the new one going in accidently touched the others.
Now, funny you should mention this. We are presently running some tests with a customer with this very issue in mind.
We have, for the test, positioned the kiln through the back wall in the dead centre of the kiln, the hottest spot.
So far the results have been very favourable.
It does bring in other issues such as packing and fitting issues for the customer but these are not impossible to get round.
I will keep you posted on his one.
Quote from: Zeldazog on February 01, 2010, 04:51:19 PM
(not that I am trying to match Rachel in how many kilns can one person own!)
Hey! I have 3 kilns but only 2 controllers, does that count! It's not like I ever have all 3 running, while i stand over them in my world domination cape singing burn baby burn! Well, not recently anyway....
Quote from: Dickie on February 02, 2010, 06:14:35 PM
Quote from: silverlemon on January 30, 2010, 12:52:26 PM
...
I always spend a few geeky hours familiarising myself using a meter and temperature sensor before I risk putting any beads in a new kiln.
Oh you did did you?? !! I was sure it was ME sat there for hours doing that.
Cheeky!
Actually you only did Maxine, and that was only cos I was reeally busy and forced you to do it.
I did my other 2 kilns :P ;D
World domination and another cape here we come ;)
ooo....I'd like a world domination cape. Where do you get one of those from?
Actually - I thought capes had been ruled out on the grounds that they were too easy to get caught in the kiln door.........?
That's why you only don it AFTER the kiln is running, also so that the fan you use to make it flap and fill doesn't cause any thermoshock or firing issues with said kilns!