Advice for First Kiln Use

[Lindy]

Hello
I have my kiln ready to go. It is a Paragon Express 12AB (with bead door). I want to start with making beads. Do I have to have a test fire? Does it matter if I don't?
Who uses kiln was on the bottom of the kiln? Should I put some on?

I would appreciate your advice.

Thank you. Lindy

[Zeldazog]

It's usually advised with most kilns to do a test fire, to burn off an excess residue from the manufacturing process.  If it has a bung, leave this open to about 400 degrees centigrade to allow any fumes to escape (this is a one time only) - it might smell a bit, but don't worry!

Don't know about that kiln specifically, but again, usually with a firebrick kiln, I think the advice is to give the bottom of the kiln a going over with kiln wash - but that's from a fuser's point of view.  Not sure if some beady people just put a normal ceramic tile on the floor - but I would put something down, on the very unlikely off-chance that the kiln overshot - avoids melted glass stuck to the firebrick.

[julieHB]

I just use my ceramic kiln shelf with no kiln wash 

[Lindy]

Thank you for your help. I did a test fire, and yes it did stink. And then as I was keen to make some beads this afternoon I put a kiln shelf on the bottom.
The beads are in the kiln now and even though they are wonky with uneven patterns, I can't wait to see my first batch.

[Trudi]

Nice one!

I have a bog standard tile on the bottom of my kiln!

[Lindy]

Oh, I have to say Trudi, I read the old posts about kiln questions that you asked. I could not stop smiling as I was going through the same thing and needed to ask someone the same questions. Thank goodness for those old posts still on here.

[Trudi]

It's true, we all have to go through it!

perhaps we should put something on the FH wiki pages so it's there for ref!

[Lindy]

The next step now is to practise making beads. My first batch are still in the kiln but they were wonky, shape wise and pattern wise. I have been looking at lots of members websites and blogs and there are many many many fantastic and beautiful beads. I wonder how long is the improvement, practise stage? But the practise is fun. Still so many questions.