Theses kiln shelves are only for low firing temperatures (Cone 013)
The firing time was cut in half along with my electric bill, Plus I was able to fire more than double the times with 1 kiln!
These kiln shelves are really fantastic! Designed and custom made for bending glass plus also firing ceramic transfers and glass decals in my ceramic oven. I never needed nor used posts at any time thereby making the loading time much quicker & extremely easier! Each shelf is identical in size making it error free to load.
1 Kiln Shelf Size ( D shape) 25.25" x 18.5 ". The size of your kiln should be at least 26" x 38" ( Oval Shaped ) to accommodate these shelves. The space between each shelf 2.75", but if more space is needed, posts can be used. When all 18 shelves (9 layers) of these pottery oven shelves are stacked, the total height is 24" (plus items on the top shelf can be added too). Due to my extended D pattern, I also eliminated the need for a middle shelf (one third less shelves to stack).
The selling price of $899 is for 18 light-weight steel shelves (my total cost was over $2,000 to have them made).
Advantages:
a) Firing time went from 5 hours down to about 2 hours.
b) My electric bill was cut in half.
c) Lightweight - less than 1/2 the weight of a typical kiln shelf.
d) Disbursement of heat was equal in basically all areas of kiln. ( No cold spots due to spaces within shelf )
e) Cooling time of shelves was much quicker due to spaces within shelf.
f) Did not need any kiln gloves to handle the shelves.
g) Handles welded on shelf for easier handling.
h) No posts needed ( these handles also acted as posts ).
i) Shelves were much sturdier than standard kiln shelves when stacked high ( did not wobble ).
j) 2 shelves replaced 3 shelves ( Only 2 D shelves used, instead of 2 D and 1 center shelf ) made easier & quicker loading.
k) Less stress on ceramic kiln floor due to less shelf weight.
l) Will outlast standard ceramic kiln shelves many many times over.
m) Rust-resistant alloy.
n) Durable - Will not chip or crack unlike standard shelves when dropped or banged.
o) Easier to stack in kiln & outside of kiln.
p) Much easier to handle due to light weight and handles.
q) I was able to fire more than double the amount with 1 kiln each day.
r) After over 600 firings, my kiln still had a like-new appearance along with these shelves too.
Disadvantages:
NONE: Didn't come across any problems nor disadvantages with these metal shelves.
