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BlueBird

Glass Bead Annealing

The BlueBird safely anneals glass beads to prevent breakage during cooling. The kiln, made in America to exacting standards, opens doorways of opportunity in beadmaking. Enjoy a full 20” of width with the 2” x 10” / 50mm x 254mm double doors. This kiln is ideal for busy seminar teachers. It is like having two kilns in one.

Improved ceramic fiber firing chamber

The BlueBird features new sinusoidal “wavy” elements, which are embedded close to the inner surface of the high-tech, vacuum-formed ceramic fiber top. This is an improvement over our earlier embedded coiled elements, because the “wavy” elements are mounted closer to the surface. This enables the elements to radiate heat faster for longer element life. The ceramic fiber top reduces dust inside the kiln.

The BlueBird features space-age ceramic fiber walls and bottom for fast, efficiently heating.

Mandrel holders, glass rod warmer

Insert bead mandrels into the kiln. The mandrels rest outside the kiln on a 3”-deep slotted stainless steel mandrel holder, cradled at two points.

We have added exciting new performance-enhancing features to the BlueBird, such as the glass rod warmer on top of the kiln. Pre-heating glass rods saves production time.

Door latches and rare-earth magnets

Side latches hold the doors closed while the kiln is heating to annealing temperature. Phenolic knobs stay cool to the touch. Rare-earth magnets hold the doors open when needed. A safety switch on the front panel turns off power to the controller when the kiln is not in use. Use the switch to reboot the controller when needed.

Sloped panel for easy operation

To save table space, the Sentry Xpress digital controller is mounted under the kiln in an ergonomic, sloped panel for easy operation. The built-in base stays cool even during extended hold times. It is slotted to dissipate heat and comes with mar-proof rubber feet.

The steel base supports the kiln in two layers. The upper steel base supports and strengthens the ceramic fiber floor; the lower steel base covers the entire kiln bottom where it rests on your worktable. Electrical components are mounted to the lower base, away from the heat of the firing chamber.

Economical to fire

The BlueBird plugs into a standard household outlet. It draws only 1,500 watts. The kiln ships by convenient UPS/FedEx. Specially designed cartons and vacuum-formed padding assure that the kiln will arrive safely.

Digital controller

The BlueBird’s user-friendly 3-key Sentry Xpress digital controller automatically maintains the annealing temperature that you select. The controller is packed with features but is user friendly.

"Daniel and I are a husband and wife team and love the fact that with the BlueBird we have plenty of space for our beads when working together in the studio. Wonderful kiln!" -- Jenelle Aubade of SFD Glass Studio in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You can download a free copy of a lampworking bead tutorial. Click here.

Features of the BlueBird

digital Sentry Xpress controller
Double 10” x 2” doors
adjustable slotted stainless steel mandrel holder
glass rod warmer
Door latches hold the doors closed; rare-earth magnets hold them open
6” deep firing chamber (measured with doors closed)
Ceramic fiber roof, walls, and floor
Embedded roof element
1”-thick ceramic fiber doors
Mandrel holders with 20 slots
1200°F maximum temperature
Mar-proof rubber feet
On-off safety switch

Designed for production

Paragon’s warranty is not affected by frequency of use. Fire your new kiln every day if you want, even in commercial settings. That will have no effect on the warranty period.

Optional colors at no extra charge

Brighten your studio with color! Order your kiln in one of our standard colors at no extra charge . . . berry, black, blue, hot pink, jade, navy, purple, or turquoise. Scroll down to see color samples in the options section.

Have something good to say about the BlueBird? Tell Us

"I Love my Bluebird Kiln! It is always dependable, accurate and has never let me down. I know I can count on Paragon to ensure that each and every one of my glass creations is properly annealed." - Amy Waldman-Smith, Canada

Product Videos

Watch & Listen to P010 Paragon’s Sentry Xpress 3-Key Controller (2 min 37 sec)

Watch & Listen to P016 Paragon BlueBird Bead Annealing Kilns (5 min 16 sec)

Watch & Listen to M039 How to Change the BlueBird Roof Elements (7 min 19 sec)

Watch & Listen to D001 Sentry Xpress Ramp-Hold Demonstration (7 min)

Watch & Listen to P001 The Paragon Kiln Factory Sheetmetal Department (3 min 40 sec)

Watch & Listen to P004 The Paragon Kiln Factory Square Kiln Assembly Line (4 min 30 sec)

Watch & Listen to P008 The Paragon Kiln Factory Inspection Station (1 min 50 sec)

Watch & Listen to Interactive Sentry Xpress 3-key Controller Demo

Watch & Listen to D006 (Spanish) Demostracion Para Incrementar y Mantener La Temperatura Con un Control Sentry Xpress de Industrias Paragon (7 min 9 sec)

Watch & Listen to D003 Sentry Xpress 3-Key Controller Advanced Features (5 min 17 sec)

Specifications

Max. Temperature	1200F 648C
Amps	13
Phase	1
Watts	1500
Nema	5-15R
TUV tested to CSA and UL Standard 499	Y
CE	Y
Control Type	Sentry Xpress 4.0 Digital 3-Key
Voltage	120
Hertz	60
Nema Details

Disclaimer: The specifications above assume that the kiln will be plugged into a dedicated circuit. Local electric codes supersede our recommendations. The pricing and electrical specifications for the above products reflect their design for use in the United States. The International versions of most models will have variations in electrical specifications and price due to consumer safety requirements or electrical regulations.

Kiln Type

Front Loading Square

Sides

Understanding Chamber Measurements

Chamber Volume

0.19 CU.FT.
5.38 litres

Chamber Width

20.00 IN
508 mm

Chamber Depth

6.00 IN
152 mm

Chamber Height

2.75 IN
70 mm

The Outer Size of the Kiln and the Shipping Size: Width = Left to Right; Depth = Front to Back; Height = Top to Bottom

Outer Size

27.00W x 15.25D x 14.50H Inches
686W x 387D x 368H mm

Ship Size

31.00W x 19.00D x 22.00H Inches
787W x 483D x 559H mm

Ship Weight

52.00 Lbs.
23.59 Kg.

Ship Method & Notations

This Kiln Ships Via UPS/FedEx

Part Number

S1716 * Base Model

Price

$1,303.60

Quantity

This price is subject to change without notice.

Find A Local Paragon Seller

Purchase your Paragon Kiln through one of our authorized resellers / distributors and get local service.

Find A Local Seller Now!

Lampwork bead. Silver foil encased in aqua over black, with reactive glass accenting. Annealed in the Bluebird. Made by Jenelle Aubade-Caracas of BeadsBot.com.

Options Click on the part numbers below to see full descriptions.
	Part Number	Description	Quantity	Price
	Berry Paint	At no extra charge, you can order your Paragon kiln in rich berry instead of the standard blue or black. Add a splash of color to your shop! (The exact shade of paint may not match the color shown on your computer monitor. The berry kiln shown here a		$0.00
	Black Paint	At no extra charge, you can order your Paragon kiln in striking black instead of the standard blue.		$0.00
	Hot Pink Paint	At no extra charge, you can order your Paragon kiln in bright hot pink instead of the standard blue or black. Add a splash of color to your shop! (The exact shade of paint may not match the color shown on your computer monitor. The hot pink kiln show		$0.00
	Jade Paint	At no extra charge, you can order your Paragon kiln in jade instead of the standard blue or black. Add a splash of color to your shop! (The exact shade of paint may not match the color shown on your computer monitor. The jade kiln shown here also may		$0.00
	Navy Paint	At no extra charge, you can order your Paragon kiln in navy instead of the standard blue or black. Add a splash of color to your shop! (The exact shade of paint may not match the color shown on your computer monitor. The navy kiln shown here also ma		$0.00
	Purple Paint	At no extra charge, you can order your Paragon kiln in luxuriant purple instead of the standard blue or black. Add a splash of color to your shop! (The exact shade of paint may not match the color shown on your computer monitor. The purple kiln shown		$0.00
	Turquoise Paint	At no extra charge, you can order your Paragon kiln in turquoise instead of the standard blue or black. Add a splash of color to your shop! (The exact shade of paint may not match the color shown on your computer monitor. The turquoise kiln shown her		$0.00

Accessories

View Accessories For BlueBird

Usages

Bead Kiln

Additional Information

Wiring Diagrams

Manuals
Sentry Xpress 5.0 3-Key Single-Speed / Ramp-Hold Instructions, March 2019 Edition
Sentry Xpress Controller Quick Start Guide

BlueBird Kiln Model/SKU: S1716

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