Knife Oven Length Advice

[ER Sheldon]

I have an 18” knife oven on order, but am second guessing my length choice. Apart from the obvious length difference, are there any other advantages or disadvantages to a longer oven? Ex. Faster ramp times due to higher wattage, but higher run cost? I don’t anticipate making blades that would require a longer oven, but am new at the craft.

Also, does the full oven length get used? Or, do you need to leave space open at the front/back for any reason. There aren’t elements on the back of the oven I ordered.

The 18” oven is 3120 watts/13 amps, the 22.5” oven is 3600 watts/15 amps.

Thanks

 

[SBuzek]

Just my 2 cents. An 18 in kiln will do a 16" knife easily. Cut a 11" blade 5" handle bowie out of wood. If you go "man this is what I want to build" buy the 22.
99.5% of what I make anymore fits easily in my 13.5"and I am happy with that. If I ever decide to make a short sword I will send it out for h/t.

 

[ER Sheldon]

Just my 2 cents. An 18 in kiln will do a 16" knife easily. Cut a 11" blade 5" handle bowie out of wood. If you go "man this is what I want to build" buy the 22.
99.5% of what I make anymore fits easily in my 13.5"and I am happy with that. If I ever decide to make a short sword I will send it out for h/t.

Thanks