Which Evenheat, 2200° or 2400°

[J. Hoffman]

I tried searching and didn't find the answer. I need a kiln in the near future and I'm trying to figure out if I need the Evenheat that goes to 2400° or 2200° . I'm also trying to figure out if I need the 18" or 22.5". I think I would prefer the 18", just to save shop space. I'm just using carbon steel now, but hope to work with some SS in the future. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Wolf Creek Forge]

Personally I have the 2200° model and havent even thought about needing higher.1975° is the highest I have had it.Its also the 18" model and has done everything Ive asked of it..

 

[james terrio]

2200 will do almost every steel you're likely to use. 2400 will do every steel you might ever use. Same goes for overall size.

Never go cheap on essential gear if you can help it... headroom is a wonderful thing. Just like a guitar amp or race motor, it's always better to have more power than you need. If your budget can handle it, go big. You'll find a way to make room for it

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I completely agree with James. A HT oven is not where you economize.

Get the higher heat range and longer chamber. The coils will last longer, ......plus remember the old adage ( created today), " The length of your knives will grow to fit the size of your oven."

 

[Salem Straub]

I'd go with the 24 too, and the bigger size. Tracy's "old adage" there is why I'm building a 40" kiln in my shop....

 

[butcher_block]

i have an 18 2400 and its great but i wish i would have got a 24 when i got mine. i am planning on gettign a 36-40 inch small chamber one soon as i can swing it. fact is i coud get away with a 27inch i think but i have made longer blades then that and have to outsource HT or borrow time in a long sowrd forge.
salem what chamber size are youj thinking about for your 40 incher ?