CreatvSpce@AOL.COM on fri 11 aug 00
Hey you guys,
I just got and plugged in a new used paragon.
It's in pretty good shape and I've been promised the elements are good.
My other kiln is also a paragon but it's one of those expensive digital
electronic jobs.
Mu problem is that I don't know how to fire this one.
I'm scared.
I have cones.
I know how they work from books and in theory.
I have shelves.
But I have no backbone.
What do I do?
This seems silly doesn't it?
Helvi
Afraid of her second kiln in Vermont.
Paul Brinkmann on sat 12 aug 00
helvi, i know the feeling, my first and only kiln is a paragon, (new-used)
or maybe not so used. seller didnt have manual, so was in the same shape
you speak of. called Paragon in misquite, texas and they told me where to
find a manual. mine is a set and fire kiln. its only 3 1/2 cu ft, but
serves my purpose. just fired it today. still refer to my manual
occasionally . get yourself a manual for your particular modle. good luck.
binky from san antonio.
Sandy Ludes on sat 12 aug 00
Helvi, do you have the manual for the kiln? The folks at Paragon seem to have
manuals for all their old kilns. Contact Frances at ParagonInd@worldnet.att.net.
That's what I did...and they were prompt and inexpensive about it. Don't know if
that's the kind of help you need...but thought it worth mentioning.
Sandy
NLudd@AOL.COM on sat 12 aug 00
In a message dated 8/12/00 2:43:24 AM, Helvi writes:
>Hey you guys,
>I just got and plugged in a new used paragon.
>It's in pretty good shape and I've been promised the elements are good.
>My other kiln is also a paragon but it's one of those expensive digital
>electronic jobs.
>Mu problem is that I don't know how to fire this one.
>I'm scared.
>I have cones.
>I know how they work from books and in theory.
>I have shelves.
>But I have no backbone.
>What do I do?
>This seems silly doesn't it?
>
>Helvi
>Afraid of her second kiln in Vermont.
Hi Helvi
Hey, want to trade places with me? Check this out - I'm faced with
firing (more or less for the first time) a very powerful 4 burner 18 cu ft
gas kiln, no pyrometer, no oxyprobe, no manual, pressure gauges not accurate,
all on my own - I'm just frozen, despite all of my experience making pots at
the wet end of the workshop.
I figure I'll do it when I'm desperate, so what I'm doing is throwing so many
pots that I will HAVE to fire!! Fire, or be entombed! ;-)
I can anticipate the relief already...
You don't say if you have a working kiln sitter, but if so you can relax.
Well not absolutely, but it should go a long way to reassuring you you won't
overfire. If it works it cannot let you down. Even so, do not leave the
vicinity of your kiln while it is firing - save when you must and only for a
few minutes!
As for slow climb in the early stages, just turn switches up incrementally.
ie. from bottom to top I'd start by turning all switches to LO. and lid open
- to drive off water. Leave for a couple hours, then I'd turn switch #1
(counting from the bottom switch) to a higher number around medium LO or even
Medium, leave an hour, then switch all to Medium and close lid and spy holes.
You have a pyrometer (lucky you!) and can switch up as you see fit. If bisque
firing, go slower in the early stages. The Hamer dictionary is worth
consulting here - check out what reference books you have in the pottery.
It's really mandatory to place 3 large cones, bracketing your intended top
(or target) temperature, in a position close to a spy hole in the upper part
of kiln, so that you can peer in and see them clearly during firing
(DISCLAIMER! - welders goggles or other certified eye protection HIGHLY
recommended!! ). When the middle of the three cones - your target cone - is
just bent over and the higher temp cone next to it is starting to bend - turn
kiln OFF if the kiln sitter has not already done so.
For peace of mind give me an working electric kiln - even sans digital -
anyday!
good luck Helvi!
Ned
still grinning after his first free fall parachute jump from 9000 feet...
now, if only I found kiln firing with gas or oil as inviting as the view down
from the plane's open door!
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