Cost of Paragon SC2?

[sparrow]

Sorry to butt in, but because nobody replied to my message about kilns.....does anybody use their SC2 for fusing/slumping/PMC as well? I know I'd want to try that sooner or later.....*sigh* why can't I just have one obsession? 

[Mary]

Not PMC, but I've done fused cabs, and I slump in mine too. It's a good wee kiln!

[sparrow]

Cool.......better start saving. I'll have to go down the drastic route of paying for it with whatever money I get for selling beads and jewellery, so it'll be some time

[Vicki]

I've fired PMC in my SC2, just the once, but it counts

[sparrow]

  I know I could fire it with my torch, but that sounds scary

[turnedlight]

I do pmc on my gas stove top - I won't even bother putting it in the kiln, it's so easy.

[sparrow]

Hmmmmmm.....does it work with electric cookers too?  There is, strangely, a 'microwave kiln' on ebay at the moment, which looks very tempting (not for beads, though!)

[GlassOcean]

I saw that Sabine while I was looking for an SC2!

[Carrie-Jane]

Hi all,
I am also sorry for butting in too!

However I am saving up for a kiln and am looking at the Paragon Bluebird and the SC2. I was thinking of the Bluebird for the space it seems to offer for getting loads of beads in to batch anneal. I know people also get loads in their SC2, but I can't imagine how people stack the mandrels/beads in their kilns.  Does anyone have any photos of their SC2 or bluebird loaded and ready to go?

I might be persuaded to get the SC2 over the bluebird if I can visualize how I would use it.

Thanks

Carrie

[Mary]

This isn't quite loaded up, but you get the idea. It's perforated steel, bent to shape. I can get two rows of beads unless i'm doing big stuff, and once they've been in there a bit I can just pile them up on one side, if I need more space (unless they are fritty or rubino, they can stick).

Oops, Photobucket's not available at the mo, I'll come back to add the picture!

[Carrie-Jane]

Thanks for trying to upload the photo Mary, it should really help me see how the kilns are used.

DD and I are off to "Gym Tots" for 2 year olds, our first time. Should be a riot!
Will be back online early afternoon. (If I am not asleep from running round a Gym!)

[glassworks]

the bluebird has far more space for beads and has two bead doors.. the new bluebird xl is firebrick lined and can do fusing and slumping - but it is lower inside than either the sc2 or the sc3.. to be fair, and in our opinion, the price difference between the sc2 and the sc3 is quite low - and our advice has been to push a little for the sc3 if possible as the greater size and volume of the chamber is much more stable temperature wise as well as being able to take larger pieces..

the caldera with a bead collar is also a very cost effective way to do both fusing/slumping and bead annealing - and has the benefit of being a top loader - and also the base is separate so you can place your items and drop the kiln down over the top.. i can post pics if anyone thinks they will help?..

[Mary]

Have fun Carrie-Jane!

[sparrow]

Hi Q,

yes, please, whenever you're not too busy with the crowd in your barn As I said in my other post on the other thread, I'd rather save a bit longer and get one that'll do everything I want...........sooooooo.....SC3 or Caldera with bead collar (mental note).....will go hunting for prices!

[Mary]

Okay, here's mine!