Ceramics kiln for knives?

[i4Marc]

I have read through some old threads about ceramic kilns. But information changes over time and nobody likes a necro-poster so I'm asking again now.

I recently had a friend ask me if I wanted a ceramics kiln that belonged to his girlfriend's late father. I kinda feel a little weird going through people's things and don't want to seem like a greedy opportunist, plus, I didn't see the application for knifemaking in that moment. But I started to think about it. Without making modifications to the unit (which I don't even know if it works, brand, dimensions, etc.) would it be advisable or worth the space it would take up to simply use it as a tempering oven? I have an Evenheat unit in my shop now.

 

[Busto]

They are designed to run HOT for firing clay so you will have to make the modification with a controller if you intend to use either for blade Heat treating or tempering. There was another thread here on the first page where one was purchased for Cheap and will be adding an Evenheat controller and was going to cut a hole in the top with a cover to hang blades without opening the top.

 

[scott.livesey]

my first kiln was a front load Paragon, it takes a while to get to 1500*F but is stable when it gets there. main thing is to have a good thermocouple and display so you can monitor temperature. as said, top load kiln may have to be modified for doing blades easily.

 

[i4Marc]

Just checked with her. She has it sold. That's fine. I'm still interested in the information you guys have about whether or not a conversion is worthwhile.