Hot Shot Knife Maker's Kiln HS-18K
Product Description
Experience the epitome of precision, safety, and reliability with the Hot Shot 18K, an oven crafted in collaboration with esteemed blacksmiths and knife makers. Get your perfect blade and be safe every time you turn on your oven with our cool to touch, side elements, and long chamber (18”). We know most knife makers are hobbyists working out of their own shop or garage so we designed an oven that was cool to the touch, a removable door for easy access in and out, and all of the essentials built in with no added up charge; solid state relay, cooling fans, alarm, and door switch.
The side elements allow for even heat distribution throughout the oven so you never have to worry about hot or cold spots! The icing on the cake…. our oven gets up to temp fast! The 120V option gets up to 2200F in 50 minutes and the 240V option in 25 minutes! Wow! Add on an Argon Gas Kit to help eliminate scaling on the surface of the steel!
Features
Solid State Relays

All Hot Shot ovens come standard with a solid state relay. Having a solid state relay eliminates the distractive clicking noise that a mechanical relay makes. A solid state relay is also more dependable and provides a longer life expectancy than that of a mechanical relay.
The relay is what controls the power cycling of the elements in the kiln and they need to be able to withstand a ton of power as they do so. The solid state relays are incredibly efficient compared to the standard mechanical relays and are able to operate at much faster speeds. What this equates to is incredibly tight temperature control for accurate firings, longer element life, and savings on your electrical bill!
The standard mechanical relays have moving parts which cause wear and tear over the years and will eventually need to be replaced; however with a solid state relay it's likely to last the entire life of the kiln! You will save money and time by never needing to worry about this in the future!
TAP Touchscreen Smart Controller by SDS Industries
The top of the line. The bread and butter. The cream of the crop. The controller for those who want to make their lives easier, improve their craft, and make incredible quality products.
This is our top selling controller - And for good reason!
The TAP Smart Controller is without a doubt the best choice on the market right now - It's easy to use, has stellar performance, and is packed full with features!
It has more memory than any other controller, allowing you to more easily utilize, revise, and save many different kinds of firing programs.
Storage for firing programs is virtually unlimited! Create as many profiles, with as many steps as you'd like - you won't be limited by this controller.
The TAP mobile App allows the user to easily create and monitor programs in real time and allows the user the ability to set notifications, view firing logs with by-the-minute data points and receive push notifications about the operation schedules. The TAP controller also allows you to see maintenance schedules and offset a program that is currently running!
With an internet connection to your TAP Smart Controller, updates from SDS Industries can be applied to your controller automatically - ensuring you always have the most up-to-date software for years to come!
Easily adjust the in-progress firing, skip steps, and view all graphical information on your firing with just a "TAP"!
The amount of time you save by working with the TAP Smart Controller pays for itself for years to come - you'll be so happy with this investment that you won't know how you managed so long without it.
Genesis Spark by Bartlett Instruments
The Genesis Spark Controller is a modern touch-screen controller designed for precision and ease of use. With a 3.2-inch color display and intuitive interface, it allows you to create and manage up to 30 custom firing programs, with options for up to 32 segments per program. Perfect for ceramics, glass, jewelry, and more!

Need to make adjustments mid-firing? The Spark allows you to add time, skip steps, or adjust temperatures on-the-fly. Preheating is built in, and the Wi-Fi capability ensures easy software updates and remote diagnostics.
From Cone Fire to custom ramp-hold profiles, the Genesis Spark offers flexible firing options for any project. Whether you're working with ceramics, glass, or precious metals, the Spark controller gives you full control and precise results every time!
TAP N GO
Introducing TAP&Go – the most simplified TAP Controller yet!
The TAP&Go is a single setpoint controller, designed specifically for heat treat, firing metal clay, knife-making, or users who don’t need to execute complex firings.
With TAP&Go – just enter the temperature you want the kiln or oven to heat to, and let the controller do the work.
Programmable Alarm and Safety Door Switch
Each unit comes standard with an integrated alarm that can be set to alert the user when a desired point or temperature is reached in the program.
We also have integrated a safety door switch that will de-energize the heating element when the door is open.
Additional Options:
Argon Gas Kit

Argon provides an inert atmosphere and is usually delivered at dew point less than -75°F with an oxygen content below 20 ppm. An atmosphere of Argon can be used for the following heat treatment processes:
- Annealing (non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, and alloy steel)
- Brazing
- Sintering
Hot Shot offers this well designed and easily adaptable Argon kit for all your heat treating needs. Includes tubing, fittings and ceramic dispensing needle. (Argon gas not included)
Furniture Kit
Furniture Kits are necessary accessories for any kiln owner as firing directly on the kiln floor is not only bad for the kiln, but your pieces as well. In addition to this, they're also useful! A furniture kit will allow you to stack multiple shelves on top of one another in order to maximize the useable space when firing smaller pieces.
If you have one that will fit this kiln size already, then you're in luck! But if not, you'll want to ensure you add this to your order as well.

Furniture Kit includes:
- One (1) 6.25"x 17.5" Full Shelf
- Four (4) each 1"x 3" posts
Kiln furniture can be special ordered separately, but if done so the cost is ~10-20% higher and will incur a separate shipping charge. It's best to include this on your initial order of the kiln.
* Received shelves may contain surface imperfections such as scratches, discoloration or rough edge. These possible imperfections are understood and accepted by the buyer.
Universal Stand

This Hot Shot Stand is perfect for your oven. With rolling and locking casters it is easy to move the stand/oven around to where ever you may need. Free up your workbench with this stand!
Standard offering: Stand with middle shelf
Dimensions: 23.5"W x 37"H x 32"D
Knife Rack

18K Set includes: (3) Knife Rack Kits Knife Rack Kit includes:
(1) 5.5" x 5.5" base
(10) Ceramic Pins
Quench Tank
The quench tank is a compact and reliable solution for professional knife makers. Crafted with high-quality 6" square steel tubing, it offers durability and a generous 3-gallon capacity.
Measuring 24" deep and 26" tall (including bolt-on feet), it fits well in any workspace.
The 5.75" square opening with a 0.120" wall thickness allows for easy knife insertion and retrieval.
It features a 1/8" thick steel lid and welded handles for convenience.
Heat & Abrasion Resistant Kevlar Gloves
Kevlar Gloves - heat and abrasion resistant - industrial grade professional welder's choice - for use up to 1000F (535C) - do not contain asbestos - 14" (35 cm) length.

Crafted from superior-quality Kevlar material, these gloves offer exceptional resistance to heat, sparks, and molten metal splatter, ensuring maximum safety during every job.
Safety first - always; dealing with hot metal is a lesson any metal worker will say you only need to learn once!
Product Specifications
| Model | HS-18K |
| Max Temperature | 2200 °F |
| Loading Type | Front-loading |
| Inside Dimensions | 18" D x 6.5” W x 4.5" H |
| Exterior Dimensions | 27" L x 19.5" W x 14" H |
| Power Plug Type | NEMA 5-15 (120V) NEMA 6-20 (240V) |
| Voltage | 120 |
| Watts | 1800 |
| Amps | 15 |
| Product Weight (lbs.) | 67 |
| Shipping Lead Time | Made To Order - Please Inquire |
Price Guarantee
At Soul Ceramics, we want our customers to know they are getting the best prices online. When you see the blue "Lowest Price Guarantee" words on our website, we are guaranteeing that we have the lowest price anywhere on the internet. In fact, if you find another online store that offers a lower price then us within 30 days of your purchase date please let us know and we will hand you the difference - in cash. We want you to shop confidently knowing that you are getting the absolute best price on your kiln or wheel.
To request your partial refund, e-mail us a link to the same product on our competitor's website within 30 days from the date of your order and we will process the credit accordingly.
Our Lowest Price Guarantee has some restrictions:
- You must purchase the item from our website before requesting your partial refund
- Special promotion offers are not eligible
- The competitor must be an online store only
- The website can not be a discounter or auction website, such as eBay
- The competitor must be an Authorized Retailer for the product
- The price on the competitor's website must include all shipping and processing fees
- The model must be "like-for-like" (eg: In-stock vs. In-stock or Made-to-order vs. Made-to-order)
- The manufacturer must be either Evenheat Kiln, Jen-Ken Kilns, or Paragon Industries
Shipping & Returns
At Soul Ceramics, we know how annoying it can be when you are hit with hidden costs and fees when you purchase items online. That's why we offer FREE SHIPPING* on all standard orders through Soul Ceramics.
We even cover extra costs such as lift gate service, so the price you see is the price you pay!
For the full details on this offer and our detailed shipping and returns policies, click here.
* Non standard orders include shipments outside of our standard shipping range, and orders that do not include a kiln or pottery wheel in the same shipment. Soul Ceramics reserves the right to inform you of shipping costs before orders are finalized.
Warranty
Hot Shot Ovens warranty highlights
- Three years against defects in materials and workmanship (12 months outside the continental US).
- Elements, thermocouples and fiber insulation are wear items and are not covered.
- The TAP controller has its own 3-year warranty through SDS Industries.
- All repairs happen at the Hot Shot factory. Call for a return authorization first.
- You ship to Hot Shot; Hot Shot ships back free while in warranty, and turns repairs around within 3 business days of receiving the part.
- Overfiring, salt firing, nitriding, wrong voltage and modifications void coverage.
Extended warranty (Clyde)
- Optional extended protection from Clyde can be added to eligible products at checkout, on top of the manufacturer's warranty.
- Clyde plans cover the core product only. Add-on options such as controllers, furniture kits, stands, blade fixtures and vents are not included.
- Claims under a Clyde plan are filed with Clyde, not with the manufacturer. Keep your Clyde confirmation email with your order confirmation.
In every case
- Keep your order confirmation. It is your proof of purchase date and every manufacturer asks for it.
- Report a problem as soon as you notice it. Several manufacturers require notice within 10 to 15 days of discovering a defect.
- Contact Soul Ceramics first. We are the authorized dealer for everything we sell and we coordinate claims with the manufacturer on your behalf.
- Do not discard any failed parts until the claim is resolved. Manufacturers may ask for them back for inspection.
Reviews
* Reviews may be for a similar product in the same series, but a different size.











