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FAQ/Answer |
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Are your kilns listed to Canadian safety standards? |
Models that are labeled as certified to CSA and UL standard 499 are listed to Canadian safety standards. Please see the printed catalog or the kiln pages on our website. ... [More] |
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Can a 240 volt kiln fire equally well on 208 volts? |
A 240 volt kiln will fire slower on 208 volt. In fact that kiln may never reach its rated temperature. Before you buy a kiln, check the voltage of your firing room with a voltmeter. (Call an electrician if you need help testing the voltage.) ... [More] |
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Can a small test kiln accurately duplicate the firing of my larger pottery kiln? |
A digital controller on a test kiln can duplicate the firing of a large kiln. Find a test kiln that has the small 3-key controller. It won't have all the features of the more expensive 12-key controller found on large kilns. Nevertheless, the 3-key c ... [More] |
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Do I need elements in the top and sides or only the top? |
Glass does not like temperature variation. Though top elements offer even heating across a flat piece of glass, top and sidewall elements are recommended for firing tall or deep pieces with molds. Side elements offer more even heating of the sides of ... [More] |
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Do Paragon 3-phase kilns have a cord and plug? |
No. All 3-phase Paragon kilns for the U.S. and Canada are direct wired. ... [More] |
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Do Paragon 480 volt kilns have a cord plug? |
No. All 480 volt and 3-phase kilns from Paragon are direct wired. ... [More] |
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Do you sell replacement parts for your earlier A-series kilns? |
Yes. We carry all the parts needed to keep your vintage A-series kiln firing. We also sell the original manuals. ... [More] |
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Does a Dragon with optional door elements pull the same amperage as the standard Dragon without door elements? |
The Dragon with only sidewall elements draws the same amperage as the Dragon with optional door elements. The Dragon with door elements has elements of lower amperage in the walls. Thus with the door elements added to the amperage, both models draw t ... [More] |
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How do I get a wide kiln through a 32” doorway? |
Most Paragon top-loading ceramic kilns are sectional. You can disassemble them and carry the sections through narrow doorways or down stairs. It takes about 1-1/2 to 2 hours for a beginner to disassemble and reassemble a sectional Paragon kiln. Instr ... [More] |
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How hot is the exterior of the Home Artist, SC-2, and SC-3 during firing? |
Less than 250 degrees F. These kilns have an air channel between the firing chamber and the outer steel case. This helps to lower the case temperature. ... [More] |
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How is depth measured in a kiln? |
The interior depth is always front-to-back for a kiln with a door and top-to-bottom for a kiln with a lid. For outside kiln dimensions, depth is the distance from the front of the kiln to the back. ... [More] |
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How long does the Dragon take to cool? |
The Dragon takes about 27 or 28 hours to cool from 2167F down to 250F. ... [More] |
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How much does it cost to fire a small jewelry kiln? |
A small kiln typically uses about $1.00 worth of electricity per firing. Rate varies depending on where you live and the size of the kiln. ... [More] |
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How much heat is lost through a kiln’s bead doors when bead mandrels are inside the kiln? |
With bead mandrels extending out past the bead door of a kiln, there is some loss of heat, but it is minor. Electricity costs about $0.13 per kilowatt hour. This means you have to run a 1000 watt device for one hour to use $0.13 of electrici ... [More] |
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How will putting a kiln in my garage affect my homeowner’s insurance? |
We have found that regarding electric kilns, insurance companies come in three categories: 1) Some insurance companies simply don't insure kilns. No matter what you tell them, they won't change their minds. 2) Other insurance compan ... [More] |
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I am considering buying my first electric kiln. The choices and information seem overwhelming. |
Choosing a kiln becomes simpler when you narrow the search with these factors: 1) The size of the electric circuit in your studio. Your kiln choice will be limited by the number of amps available. 2) The size of the kiln. Estimate h ... [More] |
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I am considering the optional mercury relay on a new ceramic kiln. Do the programs in your kilns have long hold times? |
If you are going to use the standard Cone-Fire programs, you probably won’t have problems with relays burning out. The glass fusing kilns are much harder on relays than ceramic kilns because of the very long glass annealing times that are typical wit ... [More] |
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I am trying to decide between the Paragon SC-3 and the FireFly. I will make dichoic glass and PMC silver jewelry. Any suggestions? |
The SC-3 is faster than the FireFly, but the FireFly is rated to 2350 F (1287 C), while the SC-3 is rated to 2000 F (1093 C). The SC-3 optional window gives a better view of the interior than the FireFly window. This is because the SC-3 window in the ... [More] |
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I am trying to decide whether to buy a top-loading ceramic kiln with 3” walls or 2 1/2” walls. |
Get the kiln with 3" walls if you are firing to cone 6 or above, because the kiln’s heating elements will last longer. If you were firing to cone 05, then it wouldn't matter which model you chose. Electrical cost to fire the 3" wall kiln is sligh ... [More] |
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I have an opportunity to buy used a switch-operated firebrick kiln for metal clay. The kiln has no computer programmer. Will this be adequate for firing metal clay? |
It is possible, though not easy, to fire metal clay without a digital controller. In addition to the kiln, you will need a pyrometer so that you can check the temperature of the kiln. If you were going to fire enameling, then a manual kiln w ... [More] |
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I need a small kiln that be moved often. Do you recommend a ceramic fiber or firebrick kiln? I've read that moving a brick kiln could damage the elements and bricks. |
Since you are going to move the kiln frequently, choose a ceramic fiber kiln. They are lighter than firebrick kilns. The fiber kilns also cool more rapidly than the firebrick ones. However, you can move a small, tabletop firebrick kiln without damagi ... [More] |
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I need to move the new sectional kiln I am ordering down a flight of stairs. Can you ship it disassembled? |
Are you sure you want a kiln shipped disassembled? It would be easier to reassemble the kiln after taking it apart yourself. ... [More] |
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I’m nervous about ordering my first kiln. Do you have any pointers that will help me avoid mistakes? |
Ordering a kiln can be complicated. But it doesn’t have to be. Save checklist for future reference to avoid problems. 1. Is your dealer knowledgeable about firing? This can be as important as the price of the kiln. 2. Can the dealer p ... [More] |
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Is it possible to install a bead door on my SC-2 kiln? |
Yes. You will need a phillips screwdriver, a drill with 1/8” bit, and possibly a sanding block. The instructions are included with the SC-series manual. ... [More] |
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Is it true that even though a kiln is rated for cone 10, it is best not to fire at that temperature? |
A cone 10 kiln has extra insulation and heavy duty elements. It has enough power to reach cone 10 many times. (A Paragon front-loading Dragon is an example of a cone 10 kiln.) However, the heavy duty elements will last longer at temperatures below co ... [More] |
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Is the Xpress-E-10A as fast as the SC-2? |
The SC-2 is about twice as fast as the Xpress-E-10A. This is because the Xpress-E-10A is twice the size of the SC-2 and, as you mentioned, the firebricks heat more slowly than the ceramic fiber of the SC-2. Both kilns operate on 120 volts. ... [More] |
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What are ceramic posts? |
Posts are made from the same material as shelves. Posts support and separate the layers of shelves in a kiln. The shorter the post, the greater the stability. Posts can be stacked upon one another to achieve a greater height, but a single post is mor ... [More] |
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What are furniture kits? |
Furniture kits are carefully selected assortments of shelves and posts that allow you to make the most of your kiln’s firing capacity. Shelves should be 1” - 2” smaller than the firing chamber of the kiln. If shelves are larger, breakage of ... [More] |
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What are kiln shelves? |
Shelves are flat slabs of fireclay that have been fired to a higher temperature than will be encountered in your kiln. With multiple shelves, you can stack more ware in your kiln than you could ever place on the bottom of the kiln alone. Half ... [More] |
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What are stilts? |
At high temperatures, glaze becomes molten and sticks permanently to anything it touches, such as the kiln shelf. Stilts prevent this. A stilt is high temperature wire embedded in a ceramic base. The stilt suspends glazed ware on the wire points to s ... [More] |
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What are the advantages of a kiln that has two grooves per brick over one that has one groove per brick? |
With only one brick groove, the element wire is shorter for each section of the firing chamber. With two grooves, there are twice as many wraps of element wire around the kiln. Since the wire is longer in a two-groove kiln, it can also be thicker ... [More] |
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What inexpensive 120 volt kiln do you recommend for small jewelry, silver clay, and ceramics? |
We recommend the FireFly Digital and Caldera, which will both fire glass jewelry, silver clay, and ceramics, including porcelain and stoneware. The main differences between the two kilns: The Caldera lid and bottom are separate from ... [More] |
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What is a kiln collar? |
A collar is a removable kiln section. Most Paragon kilns used to have an electric receptacle in the switch box. A collar plugged into the receptacle. The collar was placed between the lid and main kiln body to enlarge the firing chamber. We disco ... [More] |
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What is FOB pricing? |
FOB means Freight on Board. It is an accounting term that means the price shown does not include shipping. ... [More] |
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What is kiln furniture? |
Furniture is the shelves and posts used to support ware inside the kiln. Without furniture, you would be able to fire only the ware that could fit onto the kiln bottom. ... [More] |
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What is the advantage of a front-loading ceramic kiln over a top-loading kiln? |
The main advantage is that it is easier to reach into a front-loading kiln than the top-loading kiln. The kiln is at a comfortable working height. It is easier to load heavy shelves while you are standing upright than when you are leaning over into a ... [More] |
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What is the advantage of a lid spring counterbalance? |
A lid spring counter-balance helps prevent brick damage. One of the causes of lid brick damage at the hinge area is the operator pulling down on the lid before a locking device has fully disengaged. The spring counter-balance prevents that type of da ... [More] |
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What is the basic difference between the various SC models and the Caldera kiln? I am mostly interested in silver clay. |
The Caldera is a firebrick kiln; the SC-series are ceramic fiber. The Caldera can fire up to 2350 degrees F; the SC-series fire up to 2000 degrees F. You are interested in silver clay. But if you think you would one day like to fire porcelain ... [More] |
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What is the difference between a kiln for enameling and a kiln for glass fusing? |
An enameling kiln should be front-loading instead of top-loading. This is because the enameled piece is inserted into the kiln at around 1450 degrees F, fired for a couple of minutes, and removed while red hot. It would be difficult to do this with a ... [More] |
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What is the difference between the Caldera and FireFly kilns? |
The Lid and Bottom You can separate the firebrick top and bottom from the Caldera. This makes the kiln modular so that you can add a collar, which is a kiln section that adds depth to the firing chamber. The collar is inserted between the kil ... [More] |
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What is the difference between the SC-2 BD and the SC-2 W? |
The BD indicates a bead door, and the W indicates a high temperature glass window. The bead door is necessary for annealing glass beads, and the window is used to observe the interior during operation, such as when fusing glass or enameling copper. < ... [More] |
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What is the maximum temperature of the glass in your kiln windows? |
The glass in the kiln windows is rated to 2300°F (1260°C), although most kilns that have the window are rated to lower temperatures than that. The Caldera is rated to 2350°F (1288°C), but with the window in the lid, it will no longer reach its maximu ... [More] |
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What is the purpose of the bead door? |
The bead door allows you to insert hot glass beads into the kiln for slow cooling through the annealing range. This prevents the beads from cracking due to heat shock. The bead mandrel is inserted through the bead door. The mandrel extends o ... [More] |
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What is the purpose of the steel base plate under the brick bottom of a top-loading kiln? |
The galvanized steel base prevents the kiln stand from digging into the firebrick bottom should the kiln be pushed or jarred. It also strengthens the firebrick bottom. The edge of the steel base folds up under the kiln’s stainless steel jack ... [More] |
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What kind of paint do you use on your kilns? |
We spray a durable high temperature, water-base finish onto the kiln cases and switch boxes. We chose water-base paint because of the low emissions during spraying. This creates a safer work environment for our employees and cuts down on pollution. < ... [More] |
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What model would you recommend for copper enameling, silver clay, glass fusing, and lost wax casting? |
We have many models that will fire these products. However, we particularly recommend the SC-2 and SC-3. They are front-loading, which is ideal for copper enameling, and digital, which is necessary for silver clay. They have a vent hole in the top fo ... [More] |
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What should I look for in buying a used kiln? |
The condition of the heating elements is important. The elements should not sag out of the grooves. Elements are not difficult to replace, though. A more important consideration in buying a used kiln is the condition of the bricks. That is a ... [More] |
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What type of kiln is best for copper enameling? |
Copper enameling is best done in a front-loading kiln. This is because the copper pieces are removed while red-hot. When you open the door of a front-loading kiln and remove the piece with an enameling fork, you are comfortably out of the way of the ... [More] |
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Where are your kilns made? |
Our kilns are proudly made in America by skilled craftsmen. Some of our employees have been with us for over 20 years. Because of high job satisfaction and low turnover, 25% of our employees have been with us for over 10 years. ... [More] |
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Where do you suggest placing an electric kiln? |
NOTE: Your local building codes supersede our recommendations. In most home studios, the kiln goes in the garage or basement. An alternate location is a separate storage building. It is okay to place the kiln in an unheated building in cold w ... [More] |
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Which costs more to fire: a cone 10 or cone 8 kiln? |
If two digital electric kilns--a cone 8 kiln and a cone 10 kiln--were fired with the same program, they should shut off at roughly the same time. A cone 10 kiln ordinarily draws more amperage than an equivalent cone 8 kiln, so you would think that a ... [More] |
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Which kilns are better suited for bronze and copper clay? Silver clay? |
Brick kilns are better suited for bronze and copper clays, which require long, slow firings. Ceramic fiber kilns are better suited for silver clay, which requires shorter, faster firings. ... [More] |
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Why are kilns rated to a cone number? |
Kilns are rated to a maximum temperature. Some people think of temperature as cone numbers, so kiln manufacturers list both the maximum temperature and maximum cone number for their ceramic kilns. Cone 10, for example, is 2350 degrees F. It ... [More] |
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Why do heavy duty elements last longer? |
The theory behind heavy duty elements is that generally the lower the watts per square inch of element surface, the longer the element will last. (Circumference of element wire x length = element surface.) According to theory, the thicker ... [More] |
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Why do you ship the larger kilns in wooden crates? Your competition ships their kilns in cardboard boxes. |
Some of our competition uses palleted cardboard boxes with expanded foam corners. Freight carriers prefer wooden crates to cardboard boxes, because wooden crates can be stacked during shipping. Wooden crates protect the kiln better than a ca ... [More] |
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Why is a signature required for delivery of my purchase? |
Someone over the age of 18 must be there to sign and unload your new purchase. This signature is required for your protection and ours. ... [More] |
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Why is the Caldera lid separate from the kiln? |
The lid is separate so the kiln can easily accept optional collars. Lift the lid to remove; do not slide the lid. The work area should be large enough to have space to lay the lid down while you are loading the kiln. ... [More] |
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Your price list shows a 3 phase electrical option on some of the kilns. Does that have to do with programming times? |
The 3 phase option is for a type of electric circuit wiring. Many industrial buildings are wired for 3 phase power, because 3 phase motors are smaller than single phase motors. If the kiln is for a household, the 3 phase option would not apply to you ... [More] |
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on:
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“Custom and standard Kilns and Industrial Furnaces for ceramics, pottery, heat treating, enameling, |
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