Heat treating on my own.

R

rob p

Joined
Sep 25, 2008
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1
I would like to buy a heat treating oven and do my own work instead of sending blades out to Texas. I think I'd like a Paragon and wonder about the kmd 14 because it is 4" X 5" X 14". The dimensions seem awfully small. Now the Express E 14 D is considerably larger 13" X 8.75" X 13.5" and priced about the same. The first is 120V and the second is 240V. I don't know if the dimensions of the former are so small for a reason as it is labeled specifically a knife making oven. I'm considering the regulated flow meter for inert gas as well. I can't get any figures for consumption though and wonder if it's worth it. I was advised to check with other people on a knife making forum, so I signed up with you all today. If anyone has any experience with said ovens and would like to share, I'd appreciate the help.
 
The smaller KM 14 is still plenty big enough to do an half dozen or more blades and springs.....Call Pargon. ask for the guy in charge....I can't presently remember his name (bourbon)....but he is a really nice and sincere guy....and Paragons are hard to try to beat...espc. if with the digital controls....
 
Depending on what type of steel you use, the oven does not need a lot of extra space. Go 220V. I think the inert gas setup is not used by many makers. Stainless tool wrap, being far more common.
Stacy
 
As I puchased 2 kilns all I can say go for smaller sizes. 4" X 5" is large enough to make blades. Look only for the depth: if your knives are longer than 14" its ok to have a deeper kiln, but if not these dimentions are good enough to HT 10 or more knives at the same time. Also notice the thickness of insulation almost the same as 4X5 and 10X6.5": I'm not sure but could mean more heat loss on the bigger ones, more power consumption, maybe more temparature fluctuation..
 
Skip the inert gas unless you have someone to show you how to use it. I know because I went about 12 rounds with them over it. You will receive no instructions on the use of the gas, period. No one in customer service or anywhere else could offer any help. Save your money and buy a roll of high heat foil. You will be $150 bucks ahead.

You will love the furnace though. Works great and opens new doors for experimentation. It's built like a tank, simple to operate.

I have the 24" and it takes a pretty long time to heat up. It's just what I wanted though.

Chris
 
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