hotplate or kiln

little_blue · #1 2012-04-04, 3:54am

since im new to everything and learning im amazed that a kilin costs in the regieon of £400 - 1k. but i have read an alternative is a hotplate

how many of you use hotplates instead of a kiln bbecause if thats ok then thats the way i would like to go

jaci · #2 2012-04-04, 4:47am

Hot plates will not anneal your beads. Just keep them from popping apart initially. They would still have to go in the kiln after and get batch annealed to be sellable and not break.

houptdavid · #3 2012-04-04, 7:46am

And don't be suckered into a converted "rod warmer" kiln, buy a real one

Lorraine Chandler · #4 2012-04-04, 8:35am

Hi Little blue, welcome to LE.

Here is a link to help get you started. Lampworking is a very very expensive artform. You will NEED a kiln so start saving those coins.

Also you may want to visit Frit Happens because it is a UK forum.
http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/

http://lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122124

DesertDreamer · #5 2012-04-05, 3:09am

Hi and welcome, LB! Just to repeat, a hot plate (or a crock pot, etc) will NOT properly anneal your beads! Find someone with whom you can batch anneal, or save up and buy yourself at least a small kiln.

That said, I have some very small beads (less than 1/2" across) that have survived over 5 years without ever being in a kiln. I still believe that it's more luck than anything else, though. I've used unknown-aged imported beads in personal jewelry that has, after over 5 years, decided to crack and to scratch me. I'm cynical about not-annealing, believe me!