MAXI and MAXIne users.

[Lee - Kilncare]

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.

[hollergrafik]

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.

[Diane]

Yes - that would be my only comment too - otherwise great

[Redhotsal]

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!  


.....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! 

[Redhotsal]

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.

[hollergrafik]

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.

[mizgeorge]

I think these would be pretty similar - http://www.agafixspares.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=904

[Krysia@No98]

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)

[Annelyse]

or red?
I am getting one very soon (weeks).

[silverlemon]

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) 

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 

[Sulis (Hazel)]

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

[Kaz]

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

[hollergrafik]

Weird that some handles get hot and some dont.

[kerensky]

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.

[Redhotsal]

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.