Bead Annealer For Sale ??????

[Fire Mistress]

Does anyone out there have a used (or cheap new) bead annealer for sale? I don't plan to do anything but beads (no PMC or slumping) so I need something with a door on the front and enough room to place mandrels. I'd like something on the small side for a modest and very new home studio.
Renee

[2 Toucans]

That is the main problem with lampworking as a hobby..The tools and equipment are fairly pricey. The kiln with a controller is best so you do not have to babaysit it so much. W/O a controller you will have to do all of the ramping down and or up manually and babysit it continually. I still watch mine closely even with a controller.

There is the bluebird by Paragon and the Chili Pepper.
http://www.heritageglass.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=8

Sometimes you can find used ones buy they get snapped up rarther quickly and still sell for hundreds of dollars. Kilns hold their value.

If you have someone really handy with making things you can make a mailbox annealer for really low dollars. Mark Wilson has instructions here on the glass forum.

You also have the option of mailing your beads out to another lampworking for annealing...They charge a little for that service but it's a lot better than unannealed beads.
Lorraine

[Fire Mistress]

Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for the information. I did look at the kiln instructions and will more than likely go that route, but I so appriciate your taking time to reply.
Renee