• 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
 • Greenest kiln of its type using a mere 420 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.

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 1800 consistently fired copper clay to full sinter in 1 hourto 1-1/2 hours from a cold start to switch off.Just turn it on and turn it off.

* 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 1600 will fire but requires temperature control and measurement for success.

Noteworthy
The original SFEM (1600) is designed to fire silver and fast fire bronze clays, but not copper clay, without the risk of melting your creations. This may still be the kiln of choice for you as no controller or pyrometer is required for successful firing. If you choose the SFEM 1800, be prepared to manage the firing cycle for clays other than copper using a temperature controller, pyrometer and glass.

First time firing
The SFEM™ is made from ceramic fiberboard that is rigidified with organic materials. During the manufacturing process most of these organics are burned away. However, some may linger. The first time you fire the kiln there may be a little 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 should 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.

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. A pyrometer isn't required when firing fine silver clays since the kiln cannot overheat and melt your creations. Being able to note temperatures would be beneficial when firing some non-silver clays and in glass fusing.

First time firing
The SFEM™ is made from ceramic fiberboard that is rigidified with organic materials. During the manufacturing process most of these organics are burned away. However, some may linger. The first time you fire the kiln there may be a little 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 should 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...