Writing
Notes, essays, and research from Kiln Shed.
- kiln-guides
Pyrometric Cones Explained: Numbers, Temps, Witness Cones
How pyrometric cones work, what the cone numbers mean, witness cones versus controller programs, and the standard cone temperatures from low fire to high fire.
- kiln-comparisons
KM-1027 vs KM-1018: Skutt's Size Decision in Plain Numbers
KM-1027 gives 7.3 cubic feet on a 60-amp circuit; KM-1018 gives 4.6 on a 50-amp circuit. Same cone-10 rating, different size and electrical load. Which fits?
- kiln-comparisons
Skutt vs L&L Kilns: KM-1027 and e23T Head to Head
Skutt KM-1027 and L&L e23T both draw 48 amps and cost about $15 per cone-6 glaze firing. What separates them: element holders, controller zones, and price.
- kiln-comparisons
Paragon Caldera vs Skutt KM-818: Plug In or Wire Up
The Paragon Caldera runs on 120V household power at about $0.75 per glaze firing; the Skutt KM-818 needs a 240V 40-amp circuit and fires far more per load.
- wheel-comparisons
Shimpo VL Whisper vs Clay Boss: Is the Quiet Worth $741?
Shimpo VL Whisper at $1,780 versus Speedball Clay Boss at $1,039. Same 100-pound capacity; the gap buys direct drive, 10 decibels of quiet, and a lighter wheel.
- Wheels
Brent Model C Review: Who It's For and What Breaks First
Brent Model C review: 3/4 HP, 225 lb capacity, 10-year warranty, $2,100-2,300 street price. Who it's built for, what breaks first, and when to buy the B.
- Glass
Glass Fusing Kiln Guide: What to Buy and What to Skip
How to choose a glass fusing kiln for home or studio. 120V vs 240V, clamshell vs top-load, Skutt vs Evenheat vs Paragon, and which size fits your work.
- kiln-reviews
L&L e23T Review: Hard Ceramic Element Holders, Tested
The L&L e23T fires to cone 10 in 6.7 cubic feet with hard ceramic holders that shield the elements. Verified specs, cost to fire, and how it meets the KM-1027.
- Glass
Microwave Kiln Guide: Glass Fusing in Your Kitchen
What microwave kilns can and can't fuse, how they work, honest limits on size and temperature, and when to upgrade to a real glass-fusing kiln.
- kiln-reviews
Paragon Caldera Review: Cone 10 on a 120V Outlet
The Paragon Caldera reaches cone 10 on a standard 15-amp 120-volt circuit with no special wiring. Verified specs, cost to fire, and who this small kiln serves.
- wheel-reviews
Shimpo VL-Whisper Review: The Quietest Studio Wheel
The Shimpo VL-Whisper runs a DC brushless Nidec motor near 60 decibels, 100-pound capacity, 0 to 240 RPM on a 120V outlet. Verified specs and owner reports.
- kiln-reviews
Skutt KM-1018 Review: The Mid-Size Studio Sweet Spot
The Skutt KM-1018 gives 4.6 cubic feet of cone 10 capacity on a 50-amp circuit. Verified specs including the wattage Skutt omits, cost to fire, owner reports.