DIGITAL PROGRAMMERS
'; var ki0001 = ''; var kt0001 = 'Most digital programmers allow you to set up sequences: mixes of heating, holding, and cooling segments that run automatically and then stop.
During the segments, the programmer continually checks the internal temperature and decides whether to turn the elements on or off.
During a heating segment, the elements are switched on and off to control the ramp-up heating rate.
During a hold segment, once the target temperature has been reached, the elements are switched on and off to maintain the hold temperature.
During a cooling segment, the elements are switched on and off to control the ramp-down cooling rate.
The Paragon Sentry digital programmer doesn\'t have any restrictive pre-set features such as single-sequence use or material-specific programmes.
Although pre-set programmes might seem useful, as you learn more you won\'t be able to experiment, or use other materials or firing sequences. So, not recommended.
Most programmers use a relay to switch the elements on and off. You can usually hear it clicking.
'; var kh0002 = 'ART CLAY SILVER
'; var ki0002 = 'Art Clay silver is a clay-like material made from fine silver powder and harmless water-based organic binders.
As it\'s fired, the binders vapourise and the metal powder sinters, leaving solid 999 silver: real metal, not something that just looks like metal.
The Art Clay necklace pendant shown in the photo was designed and made by Petra Cameron at The Delightful Shop, in Corfe Castle.
'; var kh0003 = 'ANNEALING GLASS BEADS
'; var ki0003 = 'During annealing, a long slow cooling process, fabrication stresses are relieved as the molecules cool and arrange themselves into a stable and less brittle matrix.
Annealing is an important part of creating attractive and durable glasswork.
'; var kh0004 = 'DICHROIC GLASS
'; var ki0004 = 'Metal oxides and quartz are vapourised onto glass to create a transmitted colour and a reflective colour.
For example, blue-red will be blue in transmission and red in reflection.
Both colours change depending on the angle of view to produce a shimmering effect.
The dichroic glass necklace pendant shown in the photo was designed and made by Hilary Bowen.
'; var kh0005 = 'KILN FURNITURE
'; var ki0005 = 'Most kilns have a recommended furniture kit, included in the price: an appropriate mix of shelves and shelf posts.
Check what it comprises, as extra kits allow you to stack up your work and make better use of the space.
Stacking-up works well for many materials, particularly Art Clay and PMC. However, generally, glass needs radiant heat, and fuses, sags, and slumps, better on one shelf on the floor of the kiln, than between stacked shelves.
'; var kh0006 = 'ENAMELLING
'; var ki0006 = 'Finely powdered coloured glasses are applied to a base material, such as copper, and the combination heated.
As the glass melts, its thermal expansion on heating, and then contraction on cooling, broadly match those of the base material, allowing it to fuse to it without splitting, and remain attached when it cools.
'; var kh0007 = 'METAL CLAY VENEER
'; var ki0007 = 'Metal Clay Veneer is a liquid that can be mixed with silver clay to make a cream. It can be applied to a textured surface and, when dry, peeled off as a flexible sheet.
The sheet can easily be cut to shape, applied to dried clay pieces, or wrapped around other materials, and then fired.
'; var kh0008 = 'CERAMIC FIBRE
'; var ki0008 = ''; var kt0008 = 'Ceramic fibre looks like cotton wool. It\'s inexpensive, and can be pressed into shape and given a smooth fibre-free rigidised surface.
It can\'t be machined to make joints or element grooves, so the whole firing chamber is usually made as one piece with the elements embedded in the fibre.
Embedded elements are probably safer if you\'re working with inexperienced students or you like to open the door or bead door whilst you work.
Ceramic-fibre can also be compressed and rigidised into ceramic-fibre board. This is heavier than normal ceramic fibre and more expensive to make than firebricks, but it can be cut easily.
'; var kh0009 = 'THERMOCOUPLE
'; var ki0009 = 'A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals welded together, either as an exposed bead or, as in the photo, a bead protected inside a metal sheath.
Typically, it projects into the firing chamber in the middle at the back.
As it\'s heated, it produces a tiny temperature-dependent but non-linear voltage. The digital programmer uses this voltage to calculate the current temperature and control the on-off cycles of the elements.
A K-type thermocouple, used in most of the Paragon kilns, has a nickel-chromium and nickel-aluminium bead. As an example, this pairing generates 12.2mV at 300°C.
'; var kh0010 = 'SINTERING AND MELTING
'; var ki0010 = ''; var kt0010 = 'During firing, metal clays have to sinter, not melt. There\'s a difference between sintering and melting:
During sintering, the binders vapourise and the metal powder particles bond to make solid metal.
During melting, the metal powder particles liquify and lose their original clay-shape.
Art Clay Silver sinters at 650°C, although it\'s usually fired at about 800°C. Silver melts at 962°C.
'; var kh0011 = 'KILN PRICES
'; var ki0011 = ''; var kt0011 = 'The on-line shop prices are the total prices, so include the recommended shelf kit, the legally-necessary lid or door safety switch where appropriate, 17.5% VAT, and insured door-to-door UK-mainland delivery.
You won\'t have to register, log on, or complete all your personal and debit card details to discover that, at the last moment, the total is more than you expected.
If you don\'t want to use your debit card, there are other contact and payment options on the shop page: use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
If the delivery address is outside the UK mainland, but still within the EU, there\'s an additional distance-related delivery charge. So mail or call first.
If the delivery address and the invoice address are both outside the EU, you don\'t pay the VAT so the prices will be 17.5% less. But there\'s an additional distance-related delivery charge. So mail or call first.
'; var kh0012 = 'CHERRY HEAVEN TV
'; var ki0012 = '
';
var kt0012 = 'Cherry Heaven TV makes on-line programmes. To play or pause the programme, just click the player.
Regarding navigation, there are no clickable words in the body text: just highlighted mouse-over words that generate context-sensitive pop-ups.
'; var kh0013 = 'BRONZE CLAY
'; var ki0013 = 'Bronze Clay is a clay-like material made from fine bronze powder and harmless water-based organic binders.
As it\'s fired, the binders vapourise and the metal powder sinters, leaving solid bronze: an alloy of 89% copper and 11% tin.
The bronze torc shown in the photo is a replica of a neck adornment worn by the British or Celts as a statement of rank or wealth within a group.
In Iron Age times, it was believed to have the power to ward off evil and protect the wearer.
By Roman times, torcs had become less of a mystical item and more of a decorative fashion accessory.
THE SENTRY XPRESS DIGITAL PROGRAMMER
'; var ki0014 = 'The Sentry Xpress 3-key programmer allows you to set up to four sequences, which you can save and re-use.
A sequence can include up to eight heating, holding, or cooling segments. Any segment could ramp up to a set temperature, hold a set temperature, or ramp down to a set temperature, over a set time.
'; var kh0015 = 'RAMP-HOLD AND CONE-FIRE
'; var ki0015 = 'Usually, digital programmers are made as ramp-hold or ramp-hold cone-fire.
The ramp is the progressive heating or cooling segment of the firing sequence: typically set in degrees per hour.
The hold is the steady segment where the temperature stays the same: typically set in minutes.
Cones are slender ceramic pyramids. Ceramics are usually sold with recommended firing instructions, which include the cone number.
As the cone heats up, it softens and the tip bends down: a visual indication that your work has fired for the correct combination of temperature, atmosphere, and time.
The Paragon Sentry digital programmer doesn\'t have any restrictive pre-set features such as single-sequence use or material-specific programmes.
Although pre-set programmes might seem useful, as you learn more you won\'t be able to experiment, or use other materials or firing sequences. So, not recommended.
'; var kh0016 = 'SAGGING AND SLUMPING
'; var ki0016 = ''; var kt0016 = 'When glass is put onto a mould and heated, it begins to soften and gradually collapse, or sag, into the mould. This is a popular technique for making bowls and plates.
Sagging and slumping are often confused:
Sagging: glass supported under its edges sags down in the middle to conform to the mould.
Slumping: glass supported in the middle slumps down at its edges to conform to the mould.
'; var kh0017 = 'GLASS FUSING
'; var ki0017 = ''; var kt0017 = 'Glass is an amorphous solid: not a liquid, as is commonly believed.
As it\'s heated, it progressively softens, allowing it to be annealed, blown, coated, engraved, moulded, poured, or pressed.
If two pieces of glass in contact are heated, they soften and fuse together.
'; var kh0018 = 'THE PARAGON SC-2
'; var ki0018 = 'The Paragon SC-2 is the most popular small kiln in the UK. It can use a regular 230V mains socket, it\'s small enough to move on your own, it doesn\'t get hot on the outside, and it\'ll be trouble-free for years.
The 1095°C firing chamber allows you to work with many materials and processes.
'; var kh0019 = '999 AND 925 SILVER, AND 24 AND 22 CARAT GOLD
'; var ki0019 = ''; var kt0019 = 'Fine silver is 99.9% silver: generally called 999 silver. The remaining 0.1% is usually copper.
Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver: generally called 925 silver. The remaining 7.5% is usually copper.
Pure gold is 100% gold: generally called 24 carat gold, or 1000 gold. 22 parts gold is 91.6% gold: generally called 22 carat gold or 916 gold.
Pure gold is soft, so adding metals such as copper, nickel, palladium, platinum, silver, and zinc, changes the colour, durability, and strength.
When applied to gold, the carat is a measure of purity, whereas for diamonds and other gemstones the carat is a measure of weight: 1 carat is equivalent to 0.2gm.
'; var kh0020 = 'BULLSEYE THINFIRE KILN PAPER
'; var ki0020 = 'Put kiln paper on the shelf to stop the glass sticking: it\'s simpler and cleaner to use than glass separator.
Bullseye Thinfire shelf paper, probably the most popular kiln paper, ensures easy separation between your glass and the kiln shelf. One side feels slightly smoother than the other: that\'s the glass side.
The dust residue should be vacuumed up, not just blown away or brushed out. Ceramic dust is a health hazzard.
'; var kh0021 = 'ACCENT GOLD FOR SILVER
'; var ki0021 = 'Accent Gold For Silver is a pure gold paint that allows you to add highlights to silver clay jewellery.
Accent Gold For Silver is applied to fired silver clay with a small brush or shaped tool. After drying, the piece is fired again to sinter the gold and bond it to the silver.
After cooling, the gold can be burnished, or given a lustre, matte, or textured finish.
'; var kh0022 = 'MANUAL
'; var ki0022 = ''; var kt0022 = 'A manual kiln costs less than an automatic kiln because it doesn\'t have a digital programmer.
You can\'t set sequences: mixes of heating, holding, and cooling segments which run automatically and then stop.
Instead, a simple rotary switch allows you to regulate the elements-on time and therefore the heating rate and final temperature.
It\'s usually a 20-100 rotary switch: on the lowest setting, the elements are on for 20% of the time; on the highest setting, the elements are on for 100% of the time.
Manual kilns often come with a separate digital pyrometer to provide accurate temperature feedback.
This helps you to regulate the heating and cooling rates, adjust the maximum temperature, and learn more about temperature-sensitive materials and processes.
CERAMICS
'; var ki0023 = ''; var kt0023 = 'Clays are formed naturally over millions of years as rocks break up into particles. They consist of hydrous aluminium silicates, and compounds such as feldspar, mica, quartz, and iron oxides.
Clays are often referred to as earthenware, porcelain, or stoneware.
Earthenware is normally red-brown, beige, or white. It\'s usually fired at about 1150°C.
Porcelain contains kaolin, known as china clay. As kaolin doesn\'t melt until 1800°C, other compounds are added. It\'s usually fired between 1250°C and 1400°C.
Stoneware is normally red-brown, beige, or grey. It\'s usually fired between 1150°C and 1300°C.
'; var kh0024 = 'FIREBRICKS
'; var ki0024 = 'Firebricks are moulded from high-temperature clays. They can include bevels, cut-outs, element grooves, joints, and rebates.
They can be cemented or fixed together, are inexpensive, durable, and stable, and, in the unlikely event of damage, can be repaired or replaced easily.
Firebricks are heavy, so heat and cool slowly and evenly, making firebrick kilns ideal for materials or processes that need a long firing sequence.
Firebrick kilns need a robust strong construction, so cost more than similar ceramic-fibre kilns.
'; var kh0025 = 'CHARCOAL
'; var ki0025 = ''; var kt0025 = 'BronzClay and CopprClay need to be fired in a stainless steel container, embedded in activated charcoal granules, and covered with a lid.
BronzClay and CopprClay fired in charcoal granules made from coconut shells have a natural colour.
BronzClay fired in charcoal granules made from coal has a colourful range of patinas.
BronzClay and CopprClay cost much less than SilverClay and are better for larger stronger pieces: Celtic or Roman designs, primitive styles, bangles, bowls, and figures.
Although you can use a small-ish kiln such as the Paragon SC-2, the long firing time makes it more economic to fire a collection of pieces at the same time in a larger kiln such as the Paragon Xpress E-12A.
Cherry Heaven worked with Paragon and MetalClay, a UK distributor and support centre for ArtClay, BronzClay, and CopprClay, to design the Xpress E-12A.
'; var kh0026 = 'TORCS
'; var ki0026 = 'The bronze torc shown in the photo is a copy of a neck adornment worn by the British or Celts as a statement of rank or wealth within the group.
In Iron Age times, it was believed to have the power to ward off evil and protect the wearer.
By Roman times, torcs had become less of a mystical item and more of a decorative fashion accessory.
PATINA
'; var ki0027 = ''; var kt0027 = 'A patina is a coating of compounds, typically carbonates, chlorides, oxides, and sulphides, which form naturally on most metals during weathering and change the surface colour and texture.
Metalworkers often add a patina as a surface decoration. For example: liver of sulphur blackens silver, and gives it an antique look.
The patina on bronze changes the colour from nearly-gold to brown, and protects it from further corrosion.
The patina on copper changes the colour from nearly-gold to green, as on The Statue of Liberty.
For antiques, a patina is everything that happens to an object over time. The nick in the leg of a chair, the scuff on a table top, the cracking of a glaze on china, the fading of paints, or the wear of a pattern on the edge of a plate: they add up to create a softer look and subtle color changes, giving each object a unique character.
'; var kh0028 = 'HALLMARK
'; var ki0028 = ''; var kt0028 = 'Current hallmarking requirements come under the UK Hallmarking Act 1973 and subsequent amendments:
It\'s an offence for anyone to apply to an unhallmarked article a description indicating that it is wholly or partly made of gold, silver, or platinum.
Hallmarks are not needed on gold under 1.00gm, silver under 7.78gm, and platinum under 0.50gm.
'; var kh0029 = 'KEUM BOO
'; var ki0029 = 'Keum-boo is a simple technique that bonds pure gold foil to another pure metal, such as silver, to produce a rich gold colour. Because the gold foil is thin, the cost of adding pure gold to your work is low.
When pure silver and pure gold are pressed together at the right temperature, the molecules mesh to create a permanent diffusion bond.
'; var kh0030 = 'THE PARAGON XPRESS E-12A
'; var ki0030 = 'The Paragon Xpress E-12A, made for Cherry Heaven, is a versatile mixed-media kiln, and ideal for BronzClay. It can use a regular 230V mains socket, it\'s large enough to do batch firings, and it\'ll be trouble-free for years.
The 1230°C firebrick firing chamber allows you to work with materials and processes that need a long firing sequence.
'; var kh0031 = 'THE KITIKI MINI-KILN
'; var ki0031 = 'The Kitiki Mini-Kiln is the most popular mini kiln in the UK. It can use a regular 230V mains socket, it\'s small enough to move on your own, it doesn\'t get hot on the outside, and it\'ll be trouble-free for years.
The 1000°C firing chamber allows you to work with many materials and processes.
'; var kh0032 = 'GRITS
'; var ki0032 = ''; var kt0032 = 'Grit is the generic name for the abrasive particles used to grind and polish.
Generally, it\'s graded silicon carbide: an angular, hard, sharp, material which fractures into smaller angular particles, making it an effective abrasive.
Grit sizes are confusing, for example: 400 grit particles are not twice the size or half the size of 200 grit particles.
'; var kh0033 = 'KILNS
'; var ki0033 = ''; var kt0033 = 'A few materials can be annealed, fired, or melted, using a butane torch or a kitchen gas ring, but it\'s more accurate, reliable, and time-efficient, to use a kiln.
Most kilns have a digital programmer, which allows you to set up sequences: mixes of heating, holding, and cooling segments which will run automatically and then stop.
A few economy models have no heat control, or a rotary controller to manually adjust the temperature.
Most people making jewellery buy the small front-opening Kitiki Mini-Kiln or one of the Paragon SC-2 variants.
They\'re often used at course venues, and in craft centres, jewellery studios, and engineering workshops, and are referred to on line and in books: so there\'s lots of useful user-based help and support.
But it\'s still important to think it through as, although you might be interested in one material or process now, you\'ll almost certainly want to experiment and diversify later.
'; var kh0034 = 'THIS PAGE
'; var ki0034 = ''; var kt0034 = 'This page is about the kiln series that you chose from the main menu. To look at other kilns, click the main-menu link below the menu bar near the top of the page, and then choose from the new menu.
To help you make an informed decision, there\'s a general introduction with pop-up photos and a comparitive table, followed by a comprehensive description of each kiln with some useful suggestions.
It\'s particularly important to read the section about shelf kits, as you\'ll want the correct one to arrive with your kiln, rather than having to order it separately later. Extra shelf kits allow you to stack your work and make better use of the firing chamber volume.
For the on-line shop, click the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page. The kiln prices include the recommended shelf kit, the legally-necessary lid or door safety switch where appropriate, UK VAT and duty, and UK mainland delivery. For other destinations, mail or call.
'; var kh0035 = 'COPPER CLAY
'; var ki0035 = 'Copper Clay is a clay-like material made from fine copper powder and harmless water-based organic binders.
As it\'s fired, the binders vapourise and the metal powder sinters, leaving solid copper.
The copper earring shown in the photo was designed and made by Cynthia Del Giudice, and has a beautiful blend of patinas created skillfully with a torch.
'; var kh0036 = 'RAMP-HOLD
'; var ki0036 = ''; var kt0036 = 'Digital programmers are made as ramp-hold or ramp-hold cone-fire.
The ramp is the progressive heating or cooling segment of the firing sequence: typically set in degrees per hour.
The hold is the steady segment where the temperature stays the same: typically set in minutes.
The Paragon Sentry digital programmer doesn\'t have any restrictive pre-set features such as single-sequence use or material-specific programmes.
Although pre-set programmes might seem useful, as you learn more you won\'t be able to experiment, or use other materials or firing sequences. So, not recommended.
'; var kh0037 = 'OVERSHOOT
'; var ki0037 = ''; var kt0037 = 'If you set your central heating to stay at 21°C, the room thermostat will continually communicate with the heating programmer to maintain the temperature.
Because of device accuracies, component wear, stop and start delays, response times, residual heat, air currents, and other factors, the actual room temperature will drift between 20°C and 22°C: but you probably won\'t notice.
In much the same way, a kiln set to 800°C will drift either side: important if you\'re working with temperature-critical materials or processes.
You\'ll see the actual temperature on the display, although even this will only be the temperature of the tip of the thermocouple.
All kilns do this, which is why you need to keep a kiln log and experiment with scraps first.
'; var kh0038 = 'DRYING CLAYS
'; var ki0038 = ''; var kt0038 = 'Glass clays and metal clays need to be dry before they\'re fired, otherwise the water vapourises and expands, and the clay cracks or bubbles.
So, let you work dry somewhere warm overnight or dry it in a kiln programmed from cool to 150°C and held for 10 minutes.
With care, you can dry it with a hair drier or a hot air gun, on a central heating radiator, or in a kitchen oven.
The most common cause of breaking or flaking is that the clay wasn\'t completely dry before firing.
New clay can be added to dry clay, if you want to change the shape or correct a mistake.
'; var kh0039 = 'THE PARAGON XPRESS E-14A
'; var ki0039 = 'The Paragon Xpress E-14A, made for Cherry Heaven, is a versatile mixed-media kiln, and ideal for glass and metal clays. It can use a regular 230V mains socket, it\'s large enough to do batch firings, and it\'ll be trouble-free for years.
The 1095°C firebrick firing chamber allows you to work with materials and processes that need a long firing sequence.
'; var kh0040 = 'CONE-FIRE
'; var ki0040 = 'Digital programmers are made as ramp-hold or ramp-hold cone-fire.
Pyrometric cones are small slender ceramic pyramids used when firing clays.
As the cone heats up, it softens and the tip bends down: a visual indication that your work has fired for the correct combination of temperature, atmosphere, and time.
Ceramics are sold with recommended firing instructions, which include the cone number.
Cones are made from controlled clay mixes. The numbers originally ranged from 1 to 10, with 1 being the coolest. However, cooler cones were introduced from 022 to 01.
The Paragon Sentry digital programmer doesn\'t have any restrictive pre-set features such as single-sequence use or material-specific programmes.
Although pre-set programmes might seem useful, as you learn more you won\'t be able to experiment, or use other materials or firing sequences. So, not recommended.
'; var kh0041 = 'TIMER
'; var ki0041 = 'Although most kilns have a built-in digital programmer, it\'s easy to wander off and forget that the programme has ended. A pocket digital timer reminds you that time\'s up.
It\'s particularly useful when using the UltraLite Kiln or the Kitiki Mini-Kiln which don\'t turn themselves off.
Set the minutes and seconds, and start the timer. After the elapsed interval, the timer beeps for 30 seconds.
'; var kh0042 = 'THE PARAGON FUSION SERIES
'; var ki0042 = 'The Paragon Fusion series kilns are glass-work kilns. To learn more, use the fusion link.
The Fusion 6, 7, 14, and 16 are table-top kilns and use a regular 230V mains socket. The Fusion 8, 10, and Ovation are floor-standing kilns and need to be wired in. They all heat to 925°C.
A 13A Fusion 8, with fewer elements, has been promoted to an innocent market: it\'s not recommended.
It takes longer to heat up, might not reach its maximum temperature, and the set temperature could change with local voltage variations.
There\'s a limit to the heat that a 13A socket can provide and sustain.
'; var kh0043 = 'THE PARAGON KM SERIES
'; var ki0043 = 'The KM series kilns are table-top knife-making kilns. The KM14D and KM24D use regular 230V mains sockets. The larger KM36D and KM45D need to be wired in.
'; var kh0044 = 'DISTRIBUTOR
'; var ki0044 = ''; var kt0044 = 'A distributor makes a substantial financial and marketing commitment to a particular manufacturer to promote their products, usually within a geographical region.
Although some distributors sell directly to customers at a recommended retail price, their prime function is to supply resellers who have made a small but regular commitment.
Distributors should understand the products, and provide technical support, spare parts, and repair options.
It\'s not the job of a distributor to try to become the main reseller and prevent real resellers from developing their businesses.
When a guild is set up to promote and support a product or service, it should benefit the guild members, not serve the commercial interests of those on the guild committee.
'; var kh0045 = 'SAFETY SWITCHES
'; var ki0045 = ''; var kt0045 = 'The elements in the Kitiki Mini-Kiln and the Paragon SC-2 are embedded in ceramic fibre, so there\'s no danger of an a electric shock.
The elements in firebrick kilns lie in recessed grooves, so need a cut-off switch. There are two common methods:
Either the door-hinge assembly activates a push-switch, or the lid-hinge assembly activates a mercury tilt-switch.
If the door is closed, the switch is on. When it\'s opened, the switch cuts off the power.
If the lid is closed, the switch is on. When it\'s opened, the liquid mercury runs away from the contacts, cutting off the power.
If the tilt-switch housing gets knocked out of alignment, the switch thinks that the lid is open, breaks the circuit, and prevents the elements turning on. However, it\'s easy to adjust.
Neither switch cuts the element current, only the relay current. Without a holding current, the relay returns to its naturally open state: a very common safety mechanism.
'; var kh0046 = 'INTERACTIVE DEMOS
'; var ki0046 = ''; var kt0046 = 'Although there are videos showing you how to use the programmer, there are also two interactive demos where you can click the keys: much like the real thing.
The first lets you set a ramp-hold or cone-fire programme on the 3-key Sentry Xpress 4.0.
The second lets you set a more complicated ramp-hold or cone-fire programme on the 12-key Sentry 2.0.
The ramp-hold demos just set three segments. However, the Sentry Xpress 4.0 can set up to eight, and the Sentry 2.0 up to twenty.
'; var kh0047 = 'THE PARAGON BLUEBIRD SERIES
'; var ki0047 = 'The Paragon BlueBird series are bead-annealing kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
The BlueBird and BlueBird Junior heat to 650°C, and the larger BlueBird XL heats to 925°C. They have two bead doors, a 20-place mandrel holder, and a comprehensive programmer.
Prices start at £639.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0048 = 'THE PARAGON CALDERA SERIES
'; var ki0048 = 'The Paragon Caldera series kilns are small ceramics kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
They all heat to 1290°C so, within the size limitation, you can work with most materials and processes. The Caldera is larger inside than the FireFly, and can accept a bead annealing collar, although this reduces the temperature to 1095°C.
Prices start at £469.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0049 = 'THE PARAGON FIREFLY SERIES
'; var ki0049 = 'The Paragon FireFly series kilns are small ceramics kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
They all heat to 1290°C so, within the size limitation, you can work with most materials and processes. The FireFly is smaller inside than the Caldera.
Prices start at £439.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0050 = 'THE PARAGON FUSION AND CS SERIES
'; var ki0050 = 'The Paragon Fusion and CS series kilns are glass-work kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
The Fusion 6, 7, 14, and 16 are floor-standing kilns and use a regular 230V mains socket. The Fusion 8, 10, and Ovation are floor-standing kilns and need to be wired in. They all heat to 925°C.
Prices start at £689.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
A 13A Fusion 8, with fewer elements, has been promoted to an innocent market: it\'s not recommended.
It takes longer to heat up, might not reach its maximum temperature, and the set temperature could change with local voltage variations.
There\'s a limit to the heat that a 13A socket can provide and sustain.
'; var kh0051 = 'THE PARAGON HOME ARTIST
'; var ki0051 = 'The Paragon Home Artist is a cylindrical kiln on wheels. To learn more, use the current link.
It heats to 1095°C, so it\'s a good general-purpose kiln, especially as it\'s 305mm in diameter.
Prices start at £919.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0052 = 'THE PARAGON KM SERIES
'; var ki0052 = 'The Paragon KM series kilns are table-top knife-making kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
The KM14D and KM24D use a regular 230V mains socket. The larger KM36D and KM45D need to be wired in.
Prices start at £1249.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0053 = 'THE KITIKI MINI-KILN
'; var ki0053 = 'The Kitiki Mini-Kiln is a low-cost jewellery-making kiln for small-scale work. To learn more, use the current link.
It heats to 1000°C, has a buit-in 4-key digital controller, and weighs just 7kg.
Prices start at £324.95 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0054 = 'THE PARAGON SC SERIES
'; var ki0054 = 'The Paragon SC series are the most popular small kilns in the UK. To learn more, use the current link.
They can use a regular 230V mains socket, they\'re small enough to move on your own, they don\'t get hot on the outside, and they\'ll be trouble-free for years.
They heat to 1095°C and have a comprehensive digital programmer, so you can work with most materials and processes.
Prices start at £549.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0055 = 'THE ULTRALITE KILN
'; var ki0055 = 'The UltraLite Kiln is the smallest kiln in the UK: about the size of a sugar bowl. To learn more, use the current link.
You can do enamelling, fuse glass, fire silver clays, and try keum boo.
Prices start at £179.95 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0056 = 'THE PARAGON XPRESS SERIES
'; var ki0056 = 'The Paragon Xpress series kilns are mixed-media kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
The Xpress E9A, E10A, E12A, E14A, and Q11A, are front-opening table-top kilns. The Xpress 1193 is a top-opening floor standing kiln. They can use a regular 230V mains socket.
The E12A is ideal for BronzClay, CopprClay, heat-treating, and other long firings.
Prices start at £619.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0057 = 'MORE
'; var ki0057 = ''; var kt0057 = 'Links to pages about Accent Gold, Art Clay, Bronze Clay, Copper Clay, Glass Clay, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, courses, kiln accessories and parts, tools, comparitive photos, repairs, on-line programmes, and interactive demonstrations. To learn more, use the current link.
'; var kh0058 = 'ELECTRIC KILNS CATALOGUE
'; var ki0058 = ''; var kt0058 = 'I\'ve provided a full description, with photos, for every kiln: so there\'s a lot to read.
It should guide beginners and remind experienced users, although I couldn\'t avoid repetition as kilns have common features. To start, use the current link, or one of the kiln links.
Although it\'s an internet resource, you can still mail or call an engineer for help: 01929 477137.
'; var kh0059 = 'THE PARAGON GL SERIES
'; var ki0059 = 'The Paragon GL series kilns are glass-work kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
The GL18, 22, and 24 are table-top kilns. The GL44, GL64, and Ovation are floor-standing kilns. They all need to be wired in. They all heat to 925°C.
Prices start at £1849.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0060 = 'THE PARAGON JANUS SERIES
'; var ki0060 = 'The Paragon Janus series kilns are ceramics and glass kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
The Janus 24 is a front-opening table-top kiln. The Janus 1613, 24, 27, and Ovation are top-opening floor-standing kilns. They all heat to 1295°C.
Prices start at £1549.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0061 = 'THE PARAGON TNF SERIES
'; var ki0061 = 'The Paragon TNF series kilns are ceramics kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
They\'re all floor-standing kilns that need to be wired in. They all heat to 1295°C.
Prices start at £1099.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0062 = 'TUMBLER PRICES
'; var ki0062 = ''; var kt0062 = 'The on-line shop prices are the total prices, so include 17.5% VAT, and insured door-to-door UK-mainland delivery.
You won\'t have to register, log on, or complete all your personal and debit card details to discover that, at the last moment, the total is more than you expected.
If you don\'t want to use your debit card, there are other contact and payment options on the shop page: use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
If the delivery address is outside the UK mainland, but still within the EU, there\'s an additional distance-related delivery charge. So mail or call first.
If the delivery address and the invoice address are both outside the EU, you don\'t pay the VAT so the prices will be 17.5% less. But there\'s an additional distance-related delivery charge. So mail or call first.
'; var kh0063 = 'TRANSFER NOW TO PARAGON KILNS?
'; var ki0063 = 'Paragon Kilns is an on-line shop for all the Paragon kilns. It includes the SC1, SC2, SC3, BlueBird, Caldera, FireFly, F, Fusion, GF, GL, Home Artist, Janus, KM, Ovation, Pearl, S, SNF, TNF, Xpress, Dragon, Iguana, Viking, and Vulcan. To transfer now, use the highlighted link.
'; var kh0064 = 'TRANSFER NOW TO ELECTRIC KILNS?
'; var ki0064 = 'Electric Kilns is an on-line shop for all the table-top kilns that can use regular single-phase 230V mains. It includes the SC-1, SC-2, SC-3, BlueBird, Caldera, FireFly, Fusion, Home Artist, KM, Xpress, Kitiki Mini-Kiln, and the UltraLite. To transfer now, use the highlighted link.
'; var kh0065 = 'THE PARAGON SC SERIES DOOR CATCH
'; var ki0065 = 'The US-made Paragon SC series doors have a ball catch. However, as the kiln gets hot and the metal expands, it\'s often either too loose or too tight.
Although it can be adjusted, it\'s still very easy to disturb your work whilst pushing the door catch closed or pulling it open, and you really need a free hand to hold the kiln.
All the SC series kilns sold by Cherry Heaven have a lever catch. It has a much easier cleaner action, and is simple to adjust: in the unlikely event that it ever needs adjusting.
'; var kh0066 = 'THE PARAGON PEARL SERIES
'; var ki0066 = 'The Paragon Pearl series kilns are glass-work kilns. To learn more, use the current link.
The Pearl 18 and 22 are table-top kilns. The Pearl 44 and 56 are floor-standing kilns. They all need to be wired in. They all heat to 925°C
Prices start at £1749.00 including UK VAT and delivery. For the on-line shop, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
'; var kh0067 = 'SAFETY
'; var ki0067 = 'The smaller kilns can use a regular mains socket. Wired-in kilns should be on their own fuse.
The elements are either embedded in ceramic fibre, or the kiln has a door or lid switch: an important safety feature. However, never get careless: kilns are hot and connected to the mains.
If you want to look through a peephole or window, wear glare-resistant glasses. If you want to pick up hot things, wear heat-resistant gloves.
If you\'re working with particulates or using power tools, wear a HEPA mask and protective eyewear
Just in case, keep a fire extinguisher near the kiln: it\'s for you, your family, your friends, and your students.
'; var kh0068 = 'RESELLING KILNS
'; var ki0068 = ''; var kt0068 = 'Cherry Heaven is a distributor for a very diverse range of products. If you have an appropriate business, reselling kilns could be a useful addition to your product catalogue.
Generally, you promote the kilns and find customers. Kilns are sent direct so that you don\'t have to receive large boxes, store them, or send them out.
Cherry Heaven will provide support, spares, and repairs. And respect your confidential customer base.
'; var kh0069 = 'DIGITAL PYROMETER
'; var ki0069 = 'A pyrometer displays temperature. It\'s very useful if your kiln doesn\'t have a digital controller or a programmer, or if you\'re learning to work with temperature-critical materials or processes.
A pyrometer isn\'t the same thing as a thermocouple: a thermocouple just responds to temperature, a pyrometer interprets the response and displays the temperature.
'; var kh0070 = 'IMAGE TRANSFER SOLUTION
'; var ki0070 = 'ITS is a liquid used to transfer paper-based images onto metal and other non-porous surfaces, including pieces made from fired Art Clay or PMC silver clay.
The original surface shows through the unprinted part of the image, creating a soft, ethereal, semi-transparent, timeless look.
The Art Clay necklace pendant shown in the photo was designed and made by Karen McGovern at BeadKeepers.
'; var kh0071 = 'HEAT-RESISTANT GLASS VIEWING-WINDOW
'; var ki0071 = 'It\'s widely believed that glass viewing-windows will cloud permanently or crack by about 925°C. The glass used in the Paragon Caldera, FireFly, SC, and Xpress series kilns has been time-tested at 1260°C.
'; var kh0072 = 'HEATING ELEMENT
'; var ki0072 = 'Usually, a heating element is a coil of wire. It\'s made of a high-temperature metal that resists the flow of electricity.
In resisting the electricity, it gets hot, just as in a toaster, convector heater, or hair drier.
There are three commonly-used electrical measurements: Volts, for example 230V, is the pushing force. Amps, for example 5A, is the amount being pushed. And Ohms, for example 60Ω, is the resistance.
They\'re related by a simple formula Volts = Amps x Ohms, usually written as V = IR.
The UK SC2 element is rated at 240V 7.27 amps, so has a resistance of around 33 ohms.
Elements don\'t last for ever, particularly at continual high temperatures. Fortunately, they\'re easy and inexpensive to replace.
'; var kh0073 = 'GLASS CLAY
'; var ki0073 = 'Glass Clay is a clay-like material made from fine glass powder and harmless water-based organic binders.
As it\'s fired, the binder vapourises and the glass powder fuses, leaving solid glass.
The glass necklace shown in the photo was designed and made by Erinn Diekman.
'; var kh0074 = 'THE COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION
'; var ki0074 = ''; var kt0074 = 'When glass is heated, it expands, and when it\'s cooled, it contracts. If it\'s constrained, it will crack.
The coefficient of expansion, or COE, for COE90 glass is 0.000009 centimetres per centimetre per °C.
When fusing glasses, other factors, such as viscosity, are important, so two COE90 might not fuse without cracking.
Glass is made from different materials and in different ways: Bullseye glass is described as COE90, Spectrum glass is described as COE96, and window glass is about COE85.
Although the expansion seems very small, it\’s enough to stop Bullseye and Spectrum fully fusing together. So, it\'s very important that you don\'t get them muddled in your studio.
'; var kh0075 = 'BINDERS
'; var ki0075 = ''; var kt0075 = 'The manufacturers of metal and glass clays research and test different combinations of binders, so they\'re naturally reluctant to tell you which one, or ones, they finally use. For example, you might not expect to find organic honey powder in the mix.
Carboxymethylcellulose, or CMC, derived from cellulose, is a non-toxic, non-allergenic, water-soluble polymer. It acts as a binder, emulsifier, thickener, and water-retainer.
It\'s used in cosmetics, detergents, foods, paints, papers, and pharmaceuticals. It\'s also been used as an appetite suppressant, as a filler.
As it\'s fired, it vapourises, releasing very small amounts of non-toxic carbon dioxide and water vapour.
'; var kh0076 = 'FUSING
'; var ki0076 = ''; var kt0076 = 'During firing, glass clays have to fuse, not melt. There\'s a difference between fusing and melting:
During fusing, the binder in the glass clay vapourises and the glass powder particles bond to make solid glass.
During melting, the glass powder particles liquify and lose their original clay-shape.
Broadly, there are four stages when glass is heated:
Separate pieces of glass tack fuse and stick together, but keep their individual shapes.
The pieces of glass fuse together and effectively become one piece, but still keep their individual shapes.
The glass softens, the edges round off, and the individual shapes progressively disappear.
The glass melts, loses its shape, and can be poured into a mould.
'; var kh0077 = 'GLASS
'; var ki0077 = ''; var kt0077 = 'Briefly, pure silicon dioxide melts at over 2300°C, so other substances are added to simplify manufacture.
Although sodium carbonate lowers the melting point to about 1500°C, it makes the glass water-soluble, so calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and aluminium oxide are added.
The resulting glass contains about 72% silicon dioxide by weight and is called soda-lime glass. This accounts for about 90% of manufactured glass.
'; var kh0078 = 'TRANSFER NOW TO THE KITIKI STUDIO?
'; var ki0078 = ''; var kt0078 = 'The Kitiki Studio currently offers jewellery-making classes, demonstrations, masterclasses, and workshops, and Art Clay Levels One and Two courses taught by Aida-certified teachers. To transfer now, use the highlighted link.
'; var kh0079 = 'TRANSFER NOW TO THE ART CLAY CLUB?
'; var ki0079 = ''; var kt0079 = 'The Art Clay Club is a free, on-line, information resource about Art Clay. It\'s not a shop.
Learn all about silver clay, slow dry clay, slow tarnish clay, water paste, oil paste, overlay paste, syringe clay, paper clay, copper clay, gold clay, gold paste, gold foil, cork clay, kilns, materials, and tools.
You don\'t have to register, log on, sign up, or remember a password. To transfer now, use the highlighted link.
'; var kh0080 = 'HEPA
'; var ki0080 = 'HEPA is an acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and is a measure of filter efficiency. HEPA filters were originally developed by the nuclear industry to remove dangerous, radioactive, particles from the air.
A HEPA filter traps 99.97 percent of dust particles that are 0.30 microns in diameter, several hundred times thinner than a hair.
HEPA isn\'t specific to any company and isn\'t regulated by any organisation. It isn\'t the highest level of filtration, as is commonly believed.
'; var kh0081 = 'POWER SUPPLIES
'; var ki0081 = ''; var kt0081 = 'Kilns made outside the UK have been re-engineered to work on a single-phase 230V-240V mains supply. They\'ve been comprehensively tested to meet the demanding UL 499 standard in the US and CE standard in the EU.
Why is UK equipment rated at 230V when the widely-held belief is that UK voltage is 240? Here\'s the story:
Before 2003, UK mains voltage was generally assumed to be 240 and European to be 220.
The EU planned to harmonise the voltage to 230 but the implementation costs were too high for no real benefit.
To appear harmonised, the nominal voltage was changed to 230, but within allowed actual limits of 207 to 253.
Despite this, UK mains voltage still has a reliable average of 240, which is used in calculations. For example:
A regular UK 240 Volt 13 Amp mains socket can deliver 240 x 13 Watts, or 3120 Watts, usually called 3.12kW.
'; var kh0082 = 'INSTRUCTIONS
'; var ki0082 = ''; var kt0082 = 'Materials come with recommended instructions. However, take classes, experiment, search the net, and ask other people. And then let your own techniques evolve.
Using your kiln successfully needs careful research and frequent tests, especially as things that work for your friends or teachers might not work in the same way for you. It\'s also very important to learn how to creatively use, and repeat, unexpected effects.
'; var kh0083 = 'TUMBLER CLEANER
'; var ki0083 = ''; var kt0083 = 'The manufacturers of tumbler cleaners research and test different combinations of chemicals, so they\'re naturally reluctant to tell you which one, or ones, they finally use. The cleaner that makes up part of the Kitiki tumbler kits is a mix of sodium compounds and detergents.
All particulates represent a health risk, however minor. If the cleaner gets in your eyes, in your mouth, or on your skin, use plenty of water and get medical attention.
It\'s important to wear a HEPA mask when mixing or using powders, especially if you do demonstrations or run classes, And, ideally, use protective eyewear. They\'re both in the on-line shop.
'; var kh0084 = 'A FREE GIFT WITH ALL KILNS
'; var ki0084 = 'We now have a manufacturing facility producing tools and tumbler parts.
As a gift when you buy a kiln, you\'ll receive a free Kitiki five-piece pliers and cutter set: bent nose, flat nose, pointed nose, and rounded nose pliers, and flush cutters.
Remember to mention it when you buy, as the gift is only for those who have read it here. This five-piece set is normally £39.50.
Learn more about the Kitiki pliers and cutter set using the accessories link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
If you would like to resell the pliers and cutters as part of your business product range, mail or call.
'; var kh0085 = 'A FREE GIFT WITH ALL TUMBLER-KITS
'; var ki0085 = 'We now have a manufacturing facility producing tools and tumbler parts.
As a gift when you buy a tumbler kit, you\'ll recieve a free pair of Kitiki pliers: bent nose, flat nose, pointed nose, or rounded nose.
Remember to mention it when you buy, as the gift is only for those who have read it here. The pliers normally cost £9.95.
If you want the complete set, and a pair of flush cutters, order them for just £27.50. This five-piece set is normally £39.50.
Learn more about the Kitiki pliers and cutter set using the accessories link below the menu bar near the top of the page.
If you would like to resell the pliers and cutters as part of your business product range, mail or call.
';