Evenheat vs Sugarcreek Kilns??

jll346

jll346

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May 29, 2006
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I have made a decision that it is time to purchase a Heat treat oven. I am torn between an Evenheat and Sugarcreek. I see many guys here satisfied with both. A 24" sugarcreek is $200 less than an 18" Evenheat. I am not too keen on the door on the sugarcreek but?? Is the Evenheat at 6" shorter $200 better?? Are the Ramp systems on the same level? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

-Jim
 
I've got the small Sugar Creek and the door configuration has not been an issue for me. I like the fact that it swings up and acts as a "damn" for the heat. I really like it and appreciate the much more consistent results I am able to achieve now. When I get another I will probably try an Evenheat or Paragon simply to compare.
 
I am completely satisfied with my 24" SC kiln. I have heard folks question whether or not they can handle the high heats of stainless steel HT'g but have not seen sufficient evidence that they can't.
 
Anyone know the difference in time to get to temp between the two brands?
 
Mine is the small and uses 110v and comes up to 1475 FAST; above 1500 it slows. The two you are looking at I believe are both 220v; so should have similar time to heat with respect to their different chamber sizes. Probably close enough as to not be a concern.
 
I have two Evenheat ovens and they are awesome !! Plus they have amazing service if you ever need that and they are great folks . I have one that go's to 2450 . I can do just about anything with it !
 
Thanks Ken. The Evenheat was definately my first choice. However as a weekend maker is it necessary?? I would hope whichever I choose would last me a very long time.
 
I ended the insanity last night and purchased the Sugar Creek Big Knife with the Orton controller. Should be more than I will ever need. Thanks to all for your input.
 
Awesome! I love mine... in a manly/knifemaker way, of course.:p

Tracy had mine at my door in a week. I can't even ship knives that fast here in Canuckia!

One thing I did, that would be good for any kiln, was line the floor with steel plate(s). I had mild steel scrap and just pieced it all together to cover the floor. Having that thermal mass really keeps things consistant. It is very noticeable. The kiln works less to regulate temperatures and doesn't drop as much when the door opens.

I modified a tool cart for easy storage. When your shop is 8x13, it is handy to be able to move things around... ;)

IMG_0088-2.jpg
 
Rick Marchand said:
One thing I did, that would be good for any kiln, was line the floor with steel plate(s). I had mild steel scrap and just pieced it all together to cover the floor. Having that thermal mass really keeps things consistant. It is very noticeable. The kiln works less to regulate temperatures and doesn't drop as much when the door opens.
Click to expand...
Hmmm, how thick? Don't you get a fair amount of scaling off it? Does it slow ramp time by much? Why did you choose steel and not, say ceramic kiln shelving? What else should I be asking?
 
It is about 1/4" thick, Phil. I use it only for my final quench and tempering. There is some decarb but the steel is mild anyway. It may even help to reduce decarb on the blade, but that's only a speculation. I have never considered ceramic for thermal mass.... hmm... would it be better?
 
Thank for the tips Rick. Heading to the local Harbor Freight tomorrow after work for a cart to put it on.
 
jll346 said:
Thank for the tips Rick. Heading to the local Harbor Freight tomorrow after work for a cart to put it on.
Click to expand...
The footprint is 24"x9"... make sure you get a cart that is no shorter than 24" inside dimension length. Mine just fit.
 
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