PurpleLama@AOL.COM on sat 2 feb 02
The arthritis in my cervical spine is really bothering me these days. To be
kind to my back (and because it appears that I sent too much money to the IRS
last year and will receive back more than I expected), I am thinking about
buying a front loading kiln. I am considering a Paragon Dragon or perhaps the
new Axner. I would appreciate experience with or comments about either of
these or any other in that price range. I am also interested in how one vents
these.
Thanks
Shula
returning to sunny Redondo Beach, California tomorrow after a week in Berwyn,
Pennsylvania
Candise Flippin on sat 2 feb 02
Shula,
I can only speak for Paragon and the Dragon. I had been dreaming of a front
loading kiln for years when Arnold Howard announced Paragon's interest in
designing an affordable model late 2000. I may have been the 1st person to
order one February 1, 2001. I had planned to order the basic model with the
elements in the door option and try to use my own vent. Paragon was
offering the XL model which included the elements in the door, the kiln
vent, the type S thermocoupler, and the Stainless Steel jacket at a price
that was just slightly over what I had expected to pay for the elements in
the door. By the time I got the discounted price Laguna was offering it was
still right in the neighborhood of what I had wanted to pay. I was so
excited.
Paragon has been around for 50 years and studio kilns are one of their
lines. It is a family business and as many will remember my kiln came with
issues from delivery to firing. It would be wonderful if it had come with no
problems, but complex equipment like controllers are not always cooperative.
The way I judge a company is how they treat you when there is a problem.
Paragon gets an A+++ or ***** however you wish to rate. I was never charged
for parts that were sent, and they sent them overnight when I was
desperately trying to make a deadline. They treated me with respect and
stayed with it until the problem was truly identified. Their is no
maintenance technician remotely close to here, so last week the CEO came and
replaced my roof himself since he was in southern California on business.
(The problem with the roof has been resolved, also.) All the bugs are worked
out of my kiln. She is a beauty and a dream to fire. I did a test fires of
actual pieces to test the top, middle, bottom, and front and back for each
before I put production pieces in her. The results were perfect.
You are welcome to come see her sometime if you would like.
Best wishes, Candise in Vista, CA
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