Bead Door sizes

Pat from Canvey · September 03, 2009, 11:48:08 AM

Are there any kilns which have a bead door bigger than the Paragon SC2. If I make a large rose for example, I have to put it through the opened door very quickly as it won't fit through the bead door.

Trudi · September 03, 2009, 12:02:27 PM

I guess I Paragon Bluebird or a maxi would be bigger - but they are much bigger kilns then the SC2.

Sulis (Hazel) · September 03, 2009, 12:08:13 PM

Hi Pat. I have a MAXine and they are superb for door size relative to kiln space. But as they are made purely for annealing and designed for lampworking, I guess that's why. I've never seen a smaller kiln with a larger bead door

Hazel xxxx

Carol · September 03, 2009, 12:37:19 PM

I've got an SC2 with bead door and have been having the same problem with large hollows

Guess I'll have to start saving again $:-\$

Trudi · September 03, 2009, 12:53:10 PM

Quote from: strawackie on September 03, 2009, 12:37:19 PM
I've got an SC2 with bead door and have been having the same problem with large hollows
Guess I'll have to start saving again $:-\$

Crikey - how big are your hollows???

Carol · September 03, 2009, 01:00:30 PM

Quote from: Trudi on September 03, 2009, 12:53:10 PM
Crikey - how big are your hollows???

Well they're getting bigger as I practice......

The problem is the door rack - I made a biggie the other day but it wouldn't fit over the rack, I had to pull it out with some long tweezers while trying to keep the bead warm. Perhaps I'd be cheaper to get a rack for inside the kiln instead!!

Pat from Canvey · September 03, 2009, 06:46:32 PM

Get yourself some kiln gloves if you want to try putting your large hollows directly into the kiln and not through the bead door. If you only take a few seconds to open the door it works well. I'm used to opening my big ceramic kiln door when I was doing glass combing and pot melts. I did make sure I was wearing more protective clothing and glasses though. For glass combing and melts, the kiln is set to go to 930 deg cent.

Carol · September 03, 2009, 06:51:29 PM

Sounds like a very sensible solution Pat. Thanks!

Mand · September 03, 2009, 07:06:58 PM

Quote from: Pat from Canvey on September 03, 2009, 06:46:32 PM
For glass combing and melts, the kiln is set to go to 930 deg cent.

Blimey!

I should think that would singe your nostril hairs!

Mary · September 03, 2009, 07:13:22 PM

I took my door rack off almost straight away, it was such a nuisance. Get a kiln rack (I made my own) and you'll find it much easier!