SpeedFire ElectricMini - Artisan Two 120v

From Master Metal Clay Artist Pam East...
"I’ve always found inspiration in nature. Putting my own unique, metal clay spin on leaves and flowers is a theme that comes up often in my work. I had a blast creating these Art Clay Copper floral and leaf pendants while putting my new SFEM 1800 through its paces. I love the “plug and play” simplicity of this device. Every piece, regardless of size or thickness, was fired in acid washed activated carbon, in a stainless steel container with a ceramic lid off-set a quarter inch, for 1 hour 45 minutes from a cold start. I not only bent my test strips, they were so butter soft I was able to curl them up like sheet metal! I suspect I could get away with shorter firing times, and I may adjust it with further testing. But for now, my current schedule is a safe bet! The SFEM Artisan 2 will be great benefit to those new to the art of copper clay or who do not have access to a traditional kiln, providing consistent, reliable, fire-scale free firing at an affordable price."

The Artisan Two is designed primarily for the artist who wants the ability to fire all currently available metal clays, glass and do enameling. Many copper clays can be time based fired without the use of a controller or pyrometer. All other metal clays and glass requires the SpeedFire Temperature Controller (Part# 54932). It's solid fiber muffle construction with embedded elements enhances safety and longevity. Fiber Muffle Construction - Elements are embedded so No Exposed Elements!

Fires copper clays in 1-1.5 hours without a controller or pyrometer
Temperature controllable with optional SpeedFire Temperature Controller
Temperature readout with optional Digital Pyrometer
Fiber Muffle Construction - Elements are embedded so No Exposed Elements
Fiber muffle enhances safety and longevity
Greenest kiln of its type using a mere 355 watts of energy
Light weight and easily transportable - weighs only 6.5 lbs
Compact - less than 1/3rd cubic foot
Instructors: You can run 4 SFEM™ on a single 20 amp circuit

Note: firing times can vary due to thickness and size.

Scroll down for SpeedFire® ElectricMini™ Artisan Two Accessories...

CLICK HERE for SpeedFire® ElectricMini™ Artisan Two Instructions...
www.bit.ly/SFEMArtisanTwo

All times and temperatures are given for guidance only. They may vary due to a number of factors including line voltage variations, ambient room temperature, air movement and component tolerance variations in the kiln itself. Also, techniques described may need to be modified for best results. In the remainder of this document, the SpeedFire® ElectricMini™ will be referred to as the SFEM™.

Extensive testing has demonstrated that when firing STB's (Struvie Test Bars*) that the SFEM Artisan Two consistently fired copper clay to full sinter in 1 hour to 1-1/2 hours from a cold start to switch off. Just turn it on and turn it off. Adjust time as needed for best results.

*a standard for determining the correct firing of all metal clays to test for full sintering.The test bar measures .5" x 1.5" by various thicknesses.

The SFEM will of course fire all the clays and glass that the SFEM Artisan One will fire but requires temperature control and measurement for success

Temperature controllable with optional SpeedFire™ Temperature Controller
The SpeedFire Temperature Controller is an ideal temperature controller for the SFEM™ in that it varies voltage to control temperature as compared the the "infinite switch" found on most manual kilns that alter the flow of current in an on/off cycling. Depending on setting, it is capable of controlling ramp rate as well as maximum temperature obtained. This makes possible the firing requirements of glass and for metals that must be fired in activated carbon. A graph of the temperatures at different settings is provided, but the results you see can vary due to a number of factors as described previously.

Temperature readout with optional Digital Pyrometer
The SFEM™ comes predrilled with a hole at the top to receive the probe from a digital pyrometer so internal temperatures can be measured. The probe should be inserted deep enough so that about one inch of the probe end to be visible inside the kiln. When you first try to insert the probe, the loop at the end of the probe may be a bit larger than the hole in the top of the kiln. While holding the probe close to the end, just apply gentle pressure and rock it back and forth until it enters the kiln. Being able to note temperatures would be beneficial when firing some non-silver clays and in glass fusing.

First time firing
The first time you fire the kiln there may be a slight smell, but this will dissipate after the first firing. You might want to consider firing the unit to full temperature outdoors one time before continued use. Simply turn it on and let it run for one hour then turn off and let it cool and that will take care of it.

Handling the kiln top
The handles on the SFEM do get warm, but not too hot to the touch. We strongly recommend that you turn the kiln off and allow it to cool for about ten minutes before removing it from the base. The recommended method is as follows: With the element cover having the power cord facing you, lift the kiln up to clear your pieces or firing vessel and tip it towards you 90 degrees and rest the element cover on a heat resistant surface. This puts the open area of the kiln facing AWAY from you. This will also allow the kiln to cool more quickly. Be cautious when reaching for your pieces or firing vessel as they may still be hot. Consider the use of tweezers, tongs and heat resistant gloves. It is strongly recommended that you work on a heat proof surface such as the optional 8" square ceramic tile. During firing to maximum temperature, the under side of the kiln base itself generally doesn't exceed 200ºF, but it is prudent to protect surfaces from elevated temperatures. View the video online for the ideal opening technique.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING!

This kiln will not automatically shut off. The on/off switch is in-line with the cord.
Do not leave the kiln unattended for extended periods of time.
ALWAYS operate the kiln on a heat resistant surface.
Locate kiln well away from combustable materials and at least 18" away from any wall or curtain material
Do not allow young children to use the kiln unsupervised at any time.
As with any kiln, there are hot surfaces. Assume they are hot before touching any surface to avoid accidental hot contact.
Do NOT lift the kiln up off the base while at high temperatures as escaping heat could cause burns.
When firing glass and "peeking" at the firing progress gently lift one side and look quickly then let kiln back down gently.
We strongly recommend that the kiln be turned off and allowed to cool for 10 minutes or more before moving the kiln.

KILNS GET HOT!
Kilns get hot inside as well as out! Surface temperatures around the kiln at full temperature will range from 110ºF to 280ºF at the sides adjacent to the handles. Also note that the underside of the SFEM™ can get to 200ºF so please make sure you operate the kiln on a heat resistant surface. We offer an 8" ceramic tile for this purpose, but any ceramic tile or other surface designed to resist heat should suffice. To put a bit of perspective on these temperatures, we tested a home waffle iron and found that the top outer surface reaches 150ºF and the middle exposed area reaches 300ºF.

VIDEO: The suggested way to open and close the kiln...

Actual times & temperatures will vary from those presented here due to variables beyond our control such as voltage, ambient room temperature and air flow.

Firing Copper Clays
As the designer of the SpeedFire ElectricMini Artisan Two it is our job to benchmark its capabilities under a set of guidelines. It is the artists' variation on these results that accommodates different sizes and configurations of copper clay that we have no way of anticipating. With exception of two larger pieces, the following test firings are based on a 1/2" x 1-1/2" test bar in various thicknesses fired at the same time together side by side.

This is the firing vessel used: https://www.metalclaysupply.store/Kiln-Shelf-p/54976...

Please note: All pieces are fully sintered as evidenced by 90º+ bending or by sawn cross section. There is no evidence of blistering in any of these firings.

IMAGE 1: This is a 1mm and 2.2mm test bar fired for 50 minutes with an attained temperature of 1820º. The 1mm bar was bent to 110º angle. • IMAGE 2: This is a pair of 3.3mm test bars with one cross sectioned and one bent to 90º. Pliers were required to bend this bar as evidenced by the plier marks. They were fired for 1 hour with an attained temperature of 1835º • IMAGE 3: This is a 1mm and a 3.3mm test bar fired for 1.5 hours with an attained temperature of 1850º. They were fired for 1.5 hours with an attained temperature of 1850. These test bars were made from Art Clay Copper. • IMAGE 4 & 4A: This is a 14mm cube weighing 20 grams. It was fired for 1.5 hours with an attained temperature of 1850º. NOTE: Your results may vary due to a number of variables so testing is called for on your part.

Note that temperatures varied between the same firing times. This is partially due to the starting temperature of the kiln. Generally speaking room temperature was the start point. Also, air movement in the room can have a small effect

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