GPK KWIK KILNS COMPARISON
GPK Cupelling Kwik Kiln
The Cupelling Kiln differs from the Melting Kiln, in that,
the diffuser – the top section of the combustion chamber that is jacketed with
stainless steel – is chamfered. The chamfered edge is designed to open the
flame exiting the kwik kiln and expose the cupel and burning lead to
atmospheric oxygen, thereby allowing the conversion of metallic lead to
Litharge, which is then absorbed by the cupel. The diffuser chamfer has to be
the correct angle for this to occur. It also has to be ridigized for
durability. This chamfered edge also allows the stainless steel mini tongs to
more easily grab and remove the cupel from the chamber after firing.
The cupel kwik kiln does not have a ‘spacer’, which is
needed to melt.
GPK Melting Kwik Kiln
The Melting Kwik Kiln has a straight/vertical chamber. It
also includes a spacer – the round piece of refractory material without a
stainless steel cover that is set on top of the chamber when melting with a
graphite crucible inside. The mini graphite crucibles are custom made for the
kwik kiln. Other sizes will not fit properly.
GPK Hybrid Kwik Kiln
The Hybrid Kwik Kiln combines both cupelling and melting
properties. It has a chamfered chamber for cupelling and a spacer for melting.
KILN MATERIAL
The alumina silica refractory material of GPK gold
processing kilns is good for up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the material
reaches the targeted melting temperatures, the refractory material will shrink
approximately 5%, which will create small cracks in the material when it cools.
However, cracking is not detrimental to the operation of the kiln or the life
expectancy of the kiln.
HEATING THE KWIK KILN
The GPK Kwik Kiln is designed to be heated with 2 pencil tip
PROPANE torches simultaneously. Mag-Torch MT-200 pencil tip torches are highly
recommended by our designer, for being more stable.
Please note: We cannot warranty any GPK Kwik Kiln heated too
high, improperly, or in a manner that goes against their design. This includes
using other types of torches, or using Mapp gas, which gives off more heat. We
recommend using propane only.
DISCLAIMER
No guarantee is given
regarding the amount of gold, silver, or other precious metals obtained from
this process, as it depends upon the quality of your materials to begin with
and your own skills. These are kilns that may ultimately generate
temperatures in excess of 2200F degrees. Use at your own risk and follow all
recommended and common-sense safety precautions. The kiln and kit materials
are not toys and are not to be used by children. Sellers are not responsible
for accidents or injuries caused by hot kilns or the contents thereof. Using
one purchased from this seller acknowledges that you use it at your own risk
and are fully aware of all hazards associated with using the kiln and the
process of melting metals.