Hot Shot Knife Maker's Kiln HS-18K
Save $1,270.00
Original Price
$3,492.00
Current Price
$2,222.00
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Hot Shot · Heat Treating Oven · Knife Maker's Kiln
Hot Shot Knife Maker's Kiln HS-18K
The HS-18K is a front-loading heat treating oven engineered specifically for knife makers and bladesmiths who need precise temperature control up to 2200°F. This compact unit accommodates blades up to 18 inches in length and features a clamshell door design for fast loading and unloading during heat treating cycles. Built with solid state relay technology and atmosphere capability, this oven delivers the reliability and precision required for hardening, tempering, and annealing high-carbon and tool steels.
Max Temperature2200°F
Chamber Size18″ D × 6.5″ W × 4.5″ H
Voltage Options120V or 240V
DesignFront-Loading Clamshell
What’s included
Solid State Relay (SSR)
Standard equipment for precise temperature control and extended element life through gradual power ramping
Digital Controller
Programmable controller with accurate temperature monitoring and multi-segment firing capability
Clamshell Door Design
Front-loading hinged door for rapid access to chamber during heat treating cycles
Atmosphere Capability
Gas inlet port for protective atmosphere during heat treating to prevent oxidation and decarburization
High-Temperature Elements
Elements rated to 2200°F for hardening tool steels and high-carbon steel alloys
Insulated Construction
Energy-efficient insulation maintains temperature uniformity and reduces exterior heat
Technical specifications
ModelHS-18K
Chamber Dimensions18″ D × 6.5″ W × 4.5″ H
Max Temperature2200°F
Voltage Options120V or 240V
Door StyleFront-loading clamshell
Control SystemDigital controller with solid state relay
Atmosphere PortGas inlet included
ApplicationsKnife hardening, tempering, annealing, heat treating
Optional accessories
Quench Tank
Dedicated quenching station for oil or water quenching immediately after austenitizing
Protective Atmosphere System
Regulated gas delivery system for argon or nitrogen atmosphere to prevent scaling
Extra Thermocouple
Replacement Type K thermocouple for accurate temperature monitoring
Heat Treating Rack
Stainless steel rack for positioning multiple blades during batch heat treating
Kiln Shelves
High-temperature shelves for layering blades and maximizing chamber capacity
Emergency Parts Kit
Backup thermocouple, fuses, and essential components for minimizing downtime
Controller upgrade
Genesis Touchscreen — Bartlett InstrumentsRecommended
Upgrade to the Genesis touchscreen controller for advanced programming, data logging, and intuitive operation during complex heat treating cycles. The full-color interface provides real-time temperature graphing and stores up to 100 custom programs for different steel types and blade geometries.
- 7-inch full-color touchscreen with temperature graphing
- Store up to 100 custom heat treating programs for different steels
- 8-segment programming with independent ramp and hold times
- Built-in data logging with USB export for documentation
- Delay start and alarm functions for unattended operation
- Real-time power monitoring and element diagnostics
Common questions
What steel types can I heat treat in the HS-18K?
The HS-18K reaches 2200°F, making it suitable for hardening most common knife steels including 1095, 1084, 5160, 52100, O1, W2, and 15N20. High-alloy steels like D2 and A2 can be hardened at this temperature, though some premium stainless steels requiring higher austenitizing temperatures (S30V, S35VN) may need specialized equipment. The atmosphere capability allows protective gas during heat treating to prevent decarburization on high-carbon steels. For tempering cycles, this oven handles all steel types from 300°F to 1000°F.
Can I introduce atmosphere into the chamber during heat treating?
Yes, the HS-18K includes a gas inlet port specifically for introducing protective atmosphere during heat treating. Most knife makers use argon or nitrogen to prevent oxidation and scale formation on blade surfaces during austenitizing. This is especially important for high-carbon steels that are prone to decarburization at elevated temperatures. You'll need a separate gas regulator and delivery system, which can be purchased as an optional accessory. Always ensure proper ventilation when using atmosphere gases.
What's the difference between 120V and 240V models?
The 120V model plugs into a standard household outlet, making it convenient for small shops without dedicated electrical service. However, the 240V model heats faster and maintains temperature more efficiently during extended heat treating sessions or when door is opened frequently. If you're heat treating multiple blades per day or working with larger stock, the 240V option reduces cycle times significantly. Consult with a licensed electrician to determine which voltage is best for your electrical service and production needs.
Does this oven include the digital controller and solid state relay?
Yes, the HS-18K comes standard with both a digital controller and solid state relay (SSR). The SSR is critical for knife making because it extends element life and provides smoother temperature control during critical austenitizing holds. Unlike cheaper on/off controllers that cycle power abruptly, the solid state relay gradually modulates power for precise temperature maintenance within ±5°F. This precision is essential when heat treating steels with narrow hardening temperature windows.
Is my warranty valid if I don't buy from an authorized dealer?
No. Hot Shot warranties are only valid when purchased through authorized dealers like Peach State Pottery. Ovens purchased from unauthorized resellers, auction sites, or private parties have no manufacturer warranty coverage. Additionally, you must register your oven within 30 days of delivery to activate the one-year limited warranty. Authorized dealers provide proper documentation, support technical questions, and facilitate warranty service if needed.
Not sure if the HS-18K is the right heat treating oven for your knife shop?
Our team can help you compare chamber sizes, voltage requirements, and atmosphere capabilities for your specific steel types and production volume.
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