anoher kiln crisis

[mindy23]

Hello!

I have found myself with another burnt out element.  THe 2nd in 2years,not sure what i am doing that stresses them out so much, but, now iam certainly stressed out with a fair approaching and no kiln for 2 weeks.  My question is, does anyone know of anywhere other than paragon kilns, kiln care,creative glass...that stock replacements?  I have 2 dead kilns now so a replacement for either would be miraculous!  I have an sc2 and a blubird xl/.   I know its a long shot but i have to try!  Kiln care have offered to make an element up for the bluebid but i need to send them the old element, i am still hopeful (stpidly probably) of finding one somewere.  Any ideas?

Mindyxx

[June]

Oh no! How frustrating.  Sorry to hear that Mindy, they must be blown away with your beautiful beads.      That's no help whatsoever but could you borrow a bit of kiln space with somebody near you in the short term?   

[Trudi]

have you tried Cherry Heaven?

http://www.cherryheaven.co.uk/kiln.htm

If want to batch I can anneal some for you!

[mindy23]

Hi June



Most of the things i make are pressed or fairly big so the batch annealing thingy sort of scares me a bit! Its crazy but I feel absolutely lost,i make beads every day and the thought of not making them sends a cold shiver up my spine!  THey are definatey what keeps me sane. I think that kilncare are going to be my best option but i just wanted to ask anyways.  Sometimes i manage to miss the obvious and often, people on here are very clued up about sources for stuf.  THanks for the response tho, it made me laugh.

[mindy23]

Hi Trudi

Sorry,your post came in whilst i was typing.  I have treid cherry heaven, they can order me one from the us but it would be 2 weeks.  THank you fr the kind offer of batch annealing.  I am hoping that i will  be able to sort out something but its very kind of you to offer.  I'm not sure if the things i make would survive,  I have a fibre blanket but most stuff that goes in there comes out in 2 (or more) pieces!  Thanks tho.
Mindyx

[sea-thistle]

Why don't you contact Paragon kilns directly? You could ring them using a cheap call line!! I have phoned the USA before and it cost me 1p per minute!!

[mindy23]

I've spoken with them in the us twice this week as the kiln has been behaving oddly for a couple of days. THey are very helpful but there is still a wait for the parts.  I spoke with cherry heaven and they have a delivery every 2 weeks from paragon but they have just recieved a delivery.  Lee from kilncare has however saved the day and is going to make an element or me tommorrow.  I just have to zip the old one over to him super quick today and he will try and get the new one made tommorrow and back out int he post !!!!!!.  I'm really relieved to say the least!!  THanks for the suggestions tho, I'm greatful for the responses.  Every time i have a catastrophe, i always manage to over complicate it .  When my huband spoke with Lee earlier, we never asked how long it would take and me being a panicker, i asumed it would take ages to custom make an element.  I awlays miss the obvious and go staright fo the worse case scenario!  I use my kiln every day which is why i guess i have gone through the elemnts twice.  The sc2 is so pricey for replacements , i always meant to get it fixed though so i would have an emergency kiln.  Lee is going to make me 2 elements so i will have an emergency back up.  THank goodness for that.  I can breath a sigh of relief!  I need to add that the keyboard on my computer is also on the blink so sorry for the attrocious typing, it has a mind of its own....

Mindyxx

[julieHB]

Yay - Lee to the rescue - again 

Glad you'll get it sorted quickly, Mindy!!

[June]

Glad you are getting it sorted quickly.  It is very annoying when you can't get on!   

[Pegasus]

Mindy, I have an SC2 with a window (but no bead door) and mandrels cut to size so they fit inside and a mesh bead rack that you can borrow as a back up. You are welcome to use it and I'm sure it could be sent to you quickly if needed. Let me know if you need it, I can post it to you urgently.
Bev
XXX

[LittleHen]

Glad to hear it's all getting sorted quickly. I was going to offer to send my SC3 up to you as it's going to be unused for a while. Any extended problems let me know and I'll send it via parcel force.
Jessie

[sea-thistle]

I am glad you have got the kiln problem sorted out!! My SC2  is 6 years old but has a low mileage!! lol

[Lee - Kilncare]

Mindy, your elements are done and will be with you before 12 tomorrow.

Cheers

[Kaz]

Lee do you wear your underpants under or over your tights???
Flash - we've only got 15 hours to save the kiln........
You are a star though - and your dad too!
Kazx

[Lee - Kilncare]