A Bit of Advice

[FireBling]

Hello, All!

I am a bit of a lurker here, haven't posted more than once or twice, months ago. I appreciate everything that has been shared here, as it is very helpful to the relatively new flameworder (couple of years). Thanks for all the information. Some of the names and faces I know as I have met you at the past couple of Gatherings.

I am setting up a mobile studio in my 5th wheel travel trailer (henceforth to be known as the "BlingMobile", for my bead name, "FireBling." I'm asking for opinions/recommendations on an annealer. At my home studio, I use a Skutt GMF-10 and I love it. But it is fairly large, heavy and draws quite a bit of power. I don't need to fuse on the road - I just plan to make beads. Yes, I know, the cheap solution would be a fiber blanket and batch anneal at home, but I want the ability to stay out for a few months at a time (NEXT YEAR, I am not doing this Colorado winter! At least not December, January and perhaps February.)

I am considering the Chili Pepper because it has a low amp draw ( and a small footprint. Any other options for me?

Any general ideas/suggestions? Does anyone have any experience setting up a mobile studio?

SuZie Cox
www.FireBling.com

[swanseafarm]

Hi Suzie!

Bluebird kilns get rave reviews.

I have a small 8" x 8" (interior) Aim kiln that I love.

[Emily]

If you want a low power draw, you should look at the toolbox-type kiln that Don McKinney makes. It draws 5.7 amps, which is half of what most small kilns draw. I have a couple of friends with Don's kilns, and they rave about them, and about his customer service. Here's his website:

http://www.glasspalette.com/Equipment.html

Somebody told me that when the ISGB decided to buy some kilns for workshops/demos, they bought Don's.

[FireBling]

Bonnie & Emily, Thanks for the recommendations. I will look into those kilns.

SuZie

[meadowesky]

I LOVE my bluebird!! you can get one at www.kilndr.com for 493$. 20" bead doors and doesnt use a ton of power.