Olympic GF8E Kiln - Choice of Controller

Name: Olympic Kiln - GF8E Top Load (CS or TLC Options)
Brand: Olympic
Price: 8012.0 USD
Availability: InStock

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Olympic Kilns builds affordable powerful volume producing glass kilns. Users are provided with equipment that handles capacity loads and large pieces with ease. The Production Glass Fusing kilns have many outstanding features and can be designed as top-loading, clamshell loading, or both top and clamshell loading; and as a Bell design with the firing chamber electronically raised and lowered and a removable floor for convenient loading and unloading.

The frames of the Production glass fusing kilns are built of heavy angle iron and metal tubing. Kiln walls are 4 ½” insulating brick with 1” ceramic fiberboard and 1” air space created by the tube frame. The result is an energy-efficient heavy load production kiln with a cooler outside surface and temperature. These models are built with double insulated floors consisting of brick and ceramic fiberboard. The kiln's walls and floor are constructed of kiln brick and board insulation. Kiln brick, ceramic board and pyro-block modules comprise the easy opening counter sprung lid.

Floor elements, when selected as an option, are controlled by infinite switches which can be adjusted by the kiln operator as needed. Glass fusing production kilns are equipped with heavy gauge elements and industrial relays for long life.

Product Specifications

Model:	Olympic Kiln - GF8E Top Load (CS or TLC Options)
Inside Dim:	48" (width) x 24" (depth) x 12" (height) - 8 Cubic Feet
Outside Dim:	70" (width) x 51" (depth) x 56" (height)
Shelf Size:	36" x 48" Ceramic Fiberboard - NOT INCLUDED
Brick Thickness:	4.5” + 1" Fiber
Max Temp:	1700°F
Voltage:	240 volts
Amperage:	45 amps (Single Phase) / 30 amps (3 Phase)
Watts:	10,800 watts
Receptacle:	NEMA 6-50 (Single Phase) /Direct Wired (3 Phase)
Ship Wt:	1,025# (Freight)

MODEL	PHASE	AMPS	BREAKER SIZE	NEMA PLUG
GF8E 240V	1	45	60	6-50
GF8E 208V	1	52	70	DIRECT
GF8E 240V	3	30	40	DIRECT
GF8E 208V	3	35	50	DIRECT

What's Included

FLAT RATE SHIPPING in the contiguous US!
Bartlett KILNSTAR 12-key Controller
Mercury Relays in all states except: CA, CT, IL, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, NC, RI, VT, WA. (SSRs are recommended as the appropriate approved relay for an additional cost, or you may downgrade to mechanical relays which are available, but not recommended.)
Pilot Light
Welded Heavy Angle Iron Frame
Stainless Steel Jacket
Breaker Box
Instruction Manual
One-year limited warranty (The manufacturer's warranty as well as the optional add-on Extended Warranty Protection Plan do not cover a service contractor to provide in-home kiln repairs.)

Key Information

Production volume glass kiln models have a hinged electrical box for easy access and their own breaker box for easy access, safety, and lockout. Production glass kiln models come equipped with pilot light, heavy angle iron frame, stainless steel jacket, breaker box, KilnStar 12-key digital electronic controller, instruction manuals, and warranty card. One-year Limited Kiln Warranty. Options are available include lid elements in quartz rods, Type S thermocouple, 2 or 3 zone control, 480 volt, vents, and much more. Furniture Kits are available and provide 1 layer of shelving with smooth ceramic fiberboard, ceramic paper, and large square posts. Some options must be quoted because of variations in models.

The Bartlett KILNSTAR 12-key Digital Controller gives you the freedom to create up to six, 8-step user programs. Other features include delay start, preheat, alarm, cone adjustments, thermocouple adjustments, °F or °C operation, 16 segment program, and skip step.

The GF8E is also equipped with its own breaker box for easy access, safety and lockout.

Why Upgrade from Mechanical Relays to Solid-State Relays?

Mechanical Relays, which come standard on most kilns have internal moving parts which over time wear out and need to be replaced. Kiln manufacturers recommend you replace your mechanical relays approximately every 2 years. Solid-state relays have no moving parts and last far longer than standard mechanical relays and offer far better temperature control during hold times. Since solid-state relays also have no moving parts to wear out, they NEVER need to be replaced. You will notice that solid-state relays are silent. The only sound you will hear is just the reassuring hum of the heating elements. So, this factory upgrade saves you potential downtime from having to wait for new relays to arrive, potential over-fires from relays sticking in the closed position, potential aggravation from having to learn how to remove and replace the mechanical relays yourself. We think this upgrade is well worth the cost and will save you time and aggravation over the life of your kiln.

Get to know your kiln!

Read all about your kiln before you buy. Check out this Olympic Manual here and explore all about what this kiln has to offer.

ABOUT OUR FLAT RATE SHIPPING:

Due to design improvements made to the Olympic GF series kilns, this kiln will now be shipped by private carrier in its own freight delivery truck straight from the factory to your door. This insures that your kiln arrives at your location "factory fresh" without damage. This avoids your kiln being jostled around between freight stops along its journey, and it ensures no other large delivery items will bump into your kiln, and best of all it avoids stops at freight hubs along the way where things have to be moved around in the truck, which is when most damages occur. Unfortunately all of this special treatment comes at a cost. We are now offering a larger discount on these kilns and charging flat rate shipping so that you get your kiln delivered the best way possible. And here is the best part of the deal. If the actual shipping ends up being less than the flat rate shipping charge once the kiln is ready to ship, we will refund the difference to you. Even better, if it turns out to be more, the extra charges are on us! (*Of course, the usual remote delivery access fees would apply if you are in an area that is not accessible to a regular freight delivery. See our limited delivery areas definition on the shipping info page.)

NOTE*** This kiln is delivered fully assembled. No assembly is required on site. Large capacity kilns 20 cubic feet and larger require the customer to have a forklift that can move the kiln from the truck to the desired location. If you do not have access to a forklift, check the internet or yellow pages for small moving companies that can take the freight off the freight carrier and move the freight to the desired location. Give any prospective mover a physical description of the kiln and its weight, and inform them that it is designed to be picked up with a truck and a forklift only. It is your responsibility to move the freight from the truck to its place of use.

Have questions? Call or email, we're here to help!

Warranty Benefits

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Protection Plan Coverage & Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions:

All About Kilns

Plugs & Electricity

Maintenance

All About Kilns

What other features are important?

Kilns from every manufacturer are configured with features that allow for different types of functions. These features are available in fiber and brick models. Consider these options:

Top Load Kilns: Ideal for jewelry makers and projects involving powders and frit. Provides good visibility but may be challenging if you’re looking for a deeper kiln or have shorter arms.

Front Load Kilns: Suitable for tasks like enameling and hot manipulations. Offers control and less direct heat, but can be more expensive and require some lifting. This is also true for the weight on the shelf and placing it in front of you.

Clam Shell Kilns: Combines top and front loading, these types of kilns really delivers the best of both worlds; accessibility and free access to your shelf, in addition to ease of loading, and convenience, but may come at a higher cost.

Flip Doors (aka; Punty Doors, Bead Doors, Doggie Doors): Essential for preheating rods and quick bead placement. However, they may affect efficiency and temperature reach.

Windows (aka; quartz portholes): These are not the same as vent holes or peep holes. Optional quartz portholes for monitoring projects at peak temperatures, especially helpful for slumping, draping, or drop ring project. A window will also allow you to check the progress of a pot melt/aperture pour or screen melt.

What to consider when buying a kiln?

What kind of projects would you like to do?

The type, size, and kiln features you require are determined by the projects you choose. This covers things like firing techniques, loading systems, building components, voltage, controllers, and more. Your response may help to clarify your preferences, but you should also consider how well your preferences match with your current circumstances.

Where will you be locating the kiln?
The kind, dimension, and features of your kiln are influenced by where it is. Environment, power supply, safety, and space availability are all important considerations. Your desires might not always line up perfectly with the constraints of your surroundings, this is where we as artists must become creative problem solvers in an effort to overcome our environmental constraints.

We're here to support you. Please reach out if you need any additional advice!

Where should I place my kiln?

Here are some basic guidelines about locating your kiln:

Make sure you have adequate space... at least 12 - 18 inches of space between the kiln and the wall. (However, for operator comfort, allow room to walk around the kiln if maintenance is required.) It is recommended that the unit be placed on a stand on top of flame-resistant flooring like a cement floor or board.
Make sure the area is really clean - remove all flammable or combustible materials such as curtains, plastics, rags, paper, packing materials, etc. from the area surrounding the kiln.
Make sure the area is well ventilated – proper air exchange is necessary for you kiln to last a long time. Heat from the kiln and outside air can accumulate in restricted areas above both gas and electric kilns.
Make sure that the heat has somewhere to go, and is replaced by fresh cooler air. Set up a fan near the area, or open a window to ensure good air exchange. Check all local requirements or codes before installation.

IMPORTANT: Always read your owners manual and follow you kiln manufacturer's instructions.

Plugs & Electricity

What type of plug do I need?

Each kiln model described on our website will identify which of the following power supply receptacles is used with that model. They are identified by voltage and amperage as well as the NEMA designation. Those described as "direct wire" do not use a receptacle, instead, they are permanently wired.

Maintenance

Care and Maintenance

Proper kiln maintenance is essential for preventing downtime and costly repairs. Here's a checklist to help you keep your kiln in top shape:

Before Every Firing:

Inspect: Check inside your kiln for any unwanted visitors, moisture, or debris. Ensure your pet-friendly area is clean to prevent odorous surprises.
Vacuum: Turn off the power and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean the interior, removing dust and residue that could affect your glass during firing.
Clean: Remove flammable materials from the area around the kiln.
Inspect Elements: Ensure coils/elements are in place, free of debris, and securely fastened. Check thermocouples and tighten lid screws as needed.
Check for Cracks: Examine your shelf for cracks and address them to prevent issues during firing.
Power Up: Turn the power back on and ensure the kiln registers the correct room temperature.

Monthly Maintenance:

Lid Check Up: Periodically tighten the lid band as the lid expands and contracts during firings. Most kiln lids are manufactured with a protective coating on the "hot side" or inside. This coating was applied to optimize the heat insulation of the lid, as well as to prevent brick dust from falling into the kiln. Address cosmetic lid cracks, and for structural issues, consult the manufacturer during the warranty period. If you are in the warranty period, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THIS without calling the manufacturer, as this could void your warranty.
Body Check Up: The only things inside of your kiln should be your elements, pins, brick, kiln furniture/posts and kiln washed shelves. Remove any non-essential materials such as (glaze, slip, clay, glass, silica sand) from the sidewalls to protect them and the heating elements. Be cautious when using kiln cement to repair cracks, and contact the manufacturer if needed during the warranty period. If you are in the warranty period, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THIS without calling the manufacturer, as this could void your warranty.
Inspect Elements: Look for signs of wear such as rust, bulging, or thinning/thickening areas. Elements wear out with usage and may need replacement. If you find it necessary to change out your elements, make sure you speak to the manufacturer to determine the appropriate element size for your kiln. Please refer to your operator’s manual for the discussion and photo's of "Element Replacement".
Electrical Check Up: Regularly examine the power cable, receptacle, and plug for discoloration, heat, corrosion, or loose connections. Address any electrical issues promptly, and consult the manufacturer if needed, especially during the warranty period. If you are in the warranty period, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THIS without calling the manufacturer, as this could void your warranty.

Regular maintenance will help your kiln perform efficiently and extend its lifespan.

What are Safety Precautions?

Kilns are as safe as any other electrical appliance when used under normal and proper operating conditions. All kiln safety precautions should always be observed.

Use common sense while installing and using your kiln.
Do not install your kiln closer than 12" from any surface, or closer than 18” from a combustible surface. Remove all potentially combustible materials from the kiln area.
Make sure all electrical specifications are followed. Use correct voltage, wire size and circuit breaker. Make sure all connections are tight. Avoid using aluminum wire. Always use the proper grounded receptacle. A qualified electrician or service person should be used for all electrical service or repairs.
Install in covered, walled in, well-ventilated area. Fumes from the ware should be vented to the outside.
Avoid moisture. Do not allow your kiln to get wet. Never use your kiln outside!
Always keep children and unsupervised personnel away. Surface will get hot and a burn could result.
Fire glass only to the manufacturers recommended firing temperature. Improper fire temperatures could result in damage to your kiln. Do not operate glass kilns over the maximum temperature rating.
Replace any worn or defective parts with ONLY genuine replacement parts.
Unplug kiln when not in use and if there is an electrical storm.
Unplug the kiln before servicing or vacuuming.
Do not drop or slam the lid shut.
Let the kiln cool to room temperature before opening the lid.

Olympic GF8E Kiln - Choice of Controller | Kiln Frog

Olympic Kiln - GF8E Top Load (CS or TLC Options)

Olympic Kiln - GF8E Top Load (CS or TLC Options)

Frequently Asked Questions:

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Olympic Kiln - GF8E Top Load (CS or TLC Options)

Olympic Kiln - GF8E Top Load (CS or TLC Options)

KILNS SHIP FREE IN THE US 48*

BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Get in touch

BEST PRICE
GUARANTEE

100% SECURE
PAYMENTS