For Lampwork Artists and Jewelry Designers
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Hi All:
I spend half the year in Australia. I have a line on a used Jen-Ken Chilipepper Kiln to take with me. The power shouldn't be a problem with a power inverter or somesuch. (My husband looks after those technical details.) My question is how much should a well-used Jen-Ken Chilipepper Kiln go for? The seller paid $1,100 US for it several years ago. She's put a price of $400 on it. Is this a good deal?
I have to keep in mind getting the kiln overseas. If I ship, it the cost will go up dramatically. As it's only 20 lbs I could take it on the plane with me but think it may become a headache with security.
The cost of kilns and any other lampworking equipment in Australia is outrageous! I guess because most of it comes in by ship. But lampworkers are being overcharged in Oz.
In fact, Aussie beaders of all kinds are paying high prices. But that's another story.
Your feedback is most welcome.
Beady Wendy
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Although I would have to look at it, etc. to "really" determine if it were a good deal or not. As long as it is in good shape and working properly - also has digital control, I'd say you got a good deal.
As for your travelling - package it up in a box securely and check it in - don't actually carry it on the plane - that way you won't have security issues.
Hope that helps!
Marilyn
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$1,100 for a chili pepper? They are only $450-500 brand new.
~Joe~
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Thanks for your help. She's come down to $250. Now I have to get a transformer to knock the power down to 110v from 240v. I priced new kilns in Oz and am astounded at the high prices! I think we need some serious competition over there to keep prices more realistic. Anyone game?
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I'm glad she came down on her price. I do not have a Chili Pepper.... so I was only judging by what she said she paid and what she was offering it for. BUT.. if you can get it new for $450 - 500... then I don't think it is such a good deal after all!
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Hello,
I worke with a Chili Pepper too and I use a transformer to knock the power down to 110v from 240v. The Chili Pepper is a lightweight Kiln and easy to transport, but the transformer is heavyer then the kiln.
I have a second small Kiln, which ist gut to carry and have a small power consumption. You can see a picture on my webside.
Have a greet day
Jacky
Last edited by Jacky (2008-02-05 09:14:40)
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Thanks Jacky. In the end I decided to go with a kiln wired for Australia. I bought a Firebox 8 which is doing just fine. I couldn't justify buying it with the digital controller so went with the dial version. It's a bit tricky because the temp never holds steady, so you always have to keep tweaking it. Naturally, as the bricks get warmer inside the temp goes up steadily. I've got the hang of it now and have no complaints. I also thought that if I'm going to make the investment of almost $800 Australian for this kiln, I should get one that has more potential for fusing in the future. Perhaps, in hindsight, I should have gone the extra $300 for the digital controller but that's water under the bridge now. Besides, I didn't have the extra $!
Good website!
Cheers and G'Day!
Wendy
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Wendy - you can always purchase what is called a "field kit" later on. Basically it's a digital controller that you plug your kiln into and then plug the controller into the electric. That's what I use since I purchased a kiln that did not have the controller to start with, then Later I got the digital controller. I personally think this is better because if something happens to the controller, I can still use my kiln and just control it manually.
Have a great day!
Marilyn
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Thanks, Marilyn. Everyone is so helpful. That's what makes this work!
Cheers!
Wendy
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