What kiln for folders

T

Taximanny

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
460
I've been using my two brick forge to heat treat my blades in 01.
I know I'm not getting the full potential out of the steel because I'm not able to give it a good soak.

So after a few months of knife making I decided my passion is for folders.

So looking trying to decide on one of these ovens.
The paragon heat up to 2300 ( stainless in future)
The even heat 1900

They seem to fit the bill for me.
What are your thoughts before I order ?


 
SBuzek said:
I would not get either of those. Here is the minimum kiln I would buy.
http://www.clay-king.com/kilns/evenheat_kilns/evenheat_kh414.html
I have the 220v version
http://usaknifemaker.com/knife-maki...ter.html?SID=0e9d0f42db78f6837420ebe9772280be

I have been using mine for 10 years with no problems,this is one of those buy once, cry once items.
Click to expand...

If I had the money I would definetly go that route.
That price is way beyond my budget.

This is going to stay a hobby for me and I only work on one knife at a time.
Are you saying neither will work?

Maybe I'll have to cry later.
 
Taximanny --I'd take a hard look at a bigger oven than that, what they say in their add is its good
up to 1900 for the evenheat? Thats not enough for the soak on a lot of ss. I've had an 18" evenheat
for17,18, ish years now and replaced one thermocouple a couple of years ago. As far as shipping
them out for HT thats an option. Not so much advice as trying to smooth the road.
Ken.
 
Yeh I'm with Ken,wish I had bought the 18 when I got mine. But TKS is close and if I make anything over 12" I take it there.
 
The evenheat atrisian will work, it goes to 2000 deg so it will do most stainless but will limit the size of things you can make.
 
I would like to be able to do Cpm-154 some day soon.
So the degree of heat is a bonus. If I move ahead to SS.

I've already looked into outsourcing the HT here in st.louis they wanted 75$ a blade.
Because I don't do mass quantities it hits the wallet pretty hard.

I guess I'm gonna have to just think on it.....
Just had to buy the daughter another car for college.

Or buy the Artisan and hope everything works out.
 
Taximanny said:
I would like to be able to do Cpm-154 some day soon.
So the degree of heat is a bonus. If I move ahead to SS.

I've already looked into outsourcing the HT here in st.louis they wanted 75$ a blade.
Because I don't do mass quantities it hits the wallet pretty hard.

I guess I'm gonna have to just think on it.....
Just had to buy the daughter another car for college.

Or buy the Artisan and hope everything works out.
Click to expand...

Mailing it to knife companies is going to be way cheaper than that. Check with texas knifemaker, tru grit, peters, etc.
 
I have an evenheat kingpin 88 with a set pro that I bought on Craigslist for the very same reason. I use it for all of my blades now because it heats up super fast and is easier to keep at a constant temp(way less area to heat). I use it for 10xx and ARB-L all the time and get great results. I don't think you will be disappointed if you went that route. This won't help you with anything over 8" aol but if you don't have any desire to make anything that big you have no issue. You could buy this and satisfy your itch for the moment while you save up for the 18" oven. Don't forget to check craigslist too.
 
Taximanny said:
I would like to be able to do Cpm-154 some day soon.
So the degree of heat is a bonus. If I move ahead to SS.

I've already looked into outsourcing the HT here in st.louis they wanted 75$ a blade.
Because I don't do mass quantities it hits the wallet pretty hard.

I guess I'm gonna have to just think on it.....
Just had to buy the daughter another car for college.

Or buy the Artisan and hope everything works out.
Click to expand...
Ya you need to look at other sources for heat treat most will run you $10-12 per blade.
 
I wouldn't send my blades out for ht...
A tiny oven for folders is a good idea, and if you have space issues tomorrow you will get a bigger one but still use the tiny for folders, trust me.
Be aware of top opening ceramic kilns, way better side opening.
 
I went ahead and ordered the Evenheat Artisan 688
It will do the job I'm asking of it at the time.

If I ever get into bigger fixed blades,,, than I might send one of those off...
Or use 1084

But for now I will get all I can from the 01 tool steel I use.
 
I have the 688 even heat oven. if all you ever do is folders then it will work out perfect for you.

If you decide to get the bigger even heat then ask for the bill burke special. this will add a little extra insulation so the shell doesn't get so hot at high temps. also There is a new controller in the works that would definitely be worth waiting for.
 
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