This week I received a phone call from someone who wanted to donate their old kiln. This was excitting news, because my school really needed one. Well, today the kiln came, and at first glance it seemed great. However, now that I have looked at it closer, there seems to be some problems. First, it has a bunch of wires sticking out of the front. I believe this is where the Sitter Controls are supposed to be. Second, there is no power cord. I talked to the lady who donated this to me, and she said she had no idea where these parts were. Most likely I would have to buy these parts.
At this point I am a little worried about purchasing the parts for this kiln. It looks like it could be quite expensive, and I am not 100% sure if it will work once I have the parts. Also, I am not an electrician, and have no idea how to put it together once I received the parts. I would love everyone's thoughts on this. Is it worth trying to fix this kiln?
What is your budget? How much would the parts cost? Is there a huge savings between restoring this one and just buying an new one? If there aren't a lot of savings, I wouldn't bother. If you would save a lot, go for it (even though it's a headache)!
ReplyDeleteI don't really have a budget. I can hardly afford regular art supplies. To get this thing fixed, I would probably have to beg for money from the PTA. I have been looking at the cost of parts, and it looks like it would be at least a couple hundred dollars.
DeleteThat doesn't sound too bad, as long as labor isn't horrible. I say go for it!
DeleteIf you can figure out who the manufacturer is- contact the company and speak with a rep. See if they have someone in your area who could come out and take a look at it. Maybe you could get an estimate on the repairs/parts needed to get it up and running- then you would be better able to make a decision about investing any money into it. Good luck! I hope you can get it up and running!
ReplyDeleteHi, a kiln this size is about $2500 new. It might be easier to have a fundraiser to buy a new kiln than to repair this one. At least check with the manufacturer to see what the parts would cost, but then a kiln rep will have to come and install the parts and check and clean the kiln too. Sorry, but it sounds like the "donator" just wanted to get rid of the poor ol' thing. I wish you well in your endeavor. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThis school has never had a kiln because they are so expensive. I definitely can't afford to buy a brand new one. I am beginning to doubt that I can afford to even fix this one.
DeleteYou've got to become best friends with the PTO so they can help you raise the money! We are having a spring art show and I (we) the PTO and I are selling each kids art for a 1.00 all sold it would be 600-700 dollars could you do the same? (our money goes to the art dept) Just an idea!
ReplyDeleteOk the bricks on the inside look to be in good condition and so do the heating elements...did she donate any kiln shelves or stilts? Can you contact the ceramics department at the local collage and see if someone there can come over and help you assess if you can fix the kiln or if someone brought you a lemon...
ReplyDeleteI can probably get the kiln shelves and stilts fairly easily. The bricks do look good. I will have call around and see if I can find someone to look at it.
DeleteI say get it fixed! Everything inside looks good and it is far less expensive to repair than buy a new one. I agree with the person who advised you to 1st, contact the manufacturer and 2nd, find a college or commercial potter to advise/take a look at it. Also, it wouldn't hurt to contact a reputable Electrician and ask them if they could order the parts and install them for you. Beware of "gifts" in the future unless you can see them first!LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm in Virginia and had a kiln similar to this one come my way at one point. There is a guy they call "the Kiln doctor" in Front Royal who does repairs of kilns in Virginia, probably does Maryland too -- might want to try him.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thekilndoctor.com/
I would try to fix it and the idea of doing an art night or show/auction as a fundraiser might be the best bet to raise money for it. If you call him I bet you could get an estimate for what kind of cost you're looking at.
Fondly,
Pink and Green Mama
MaryLea
I don't have a kiln, but I love MaryLea's advice. I also think the company would love to be contacted and might try to help, especially if you tell them you will blog about it! (my recent experience with Liquitex and gesso convinced me that they are interested in what we are saying and care about our satisfaction). And let your PTSA know - you will find a benefactor for sure, and maybe it will even be a parent who is a potter or has some local connection. My coworker in the high school has a slab roller that was broken and a local potter really helped out with getting it repaired.
ReplyDeletevery nice picture
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I just got a new kiln, donated money. My old kiln was on it's last legs and the coils inside were going to have to be replaced. If that is the case with yours, it is probably not worth repairing. Also keep in mind that you need the correct electrical work for a kiln. It isn't just a normal plug and if you use the incorrect electrical it could be a fire hazard.
ReplyDelete