Which Kiln?

Jemma · January 21, 2014, 01:26:27 PM

Hello, I am new to glass.
I was wondering can anyone recommend a kiln for lamp working and fusing?
Can I use the same kiln for both?
Thank you

Nicknack · January 21, 2014, 01:46:25 PM

I use a Paragon SC2 with a bead door. It's fine for both lampwork and fusing, and is a good starter kiln.

Nick

Zeldazog · January 21, 2014, 02:50:58 PM

Hi Jemma

Welcome to Frit Happens.

Take a look through the forum, you will find this subject has been discussed time and time again, pros (and cons) of the SC2, other options such as the Bead Cube, etc.

There are quite a few of the threads are on this board, but you will find people may have posted in other areas of the forum too:

http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=102.0

Dawn

Jemma · January 21, 2014, 04:09:20 PM

Thanks for the response will look though the post on the link

Thanks again

Jemma

GaysieMay · January 21, 2014, 04:40:19 PM

My advice would be go as big as your wallet and space will allow.

mel · February 27, 2014, 11:13:49 AM

I have had a paragon Caldera for years, it's big enough for lampwork and small to medium fused pieces. and with a bead collar, you can put in kiln furniture to give 2 shelves. The kiln controller is great.

Barnacle Bay · February 27, 2014, 11:49:54 AM

Quote from: mel on February 27, 2014, 11:13:49 AM
I have had a paragon Caldera for years, it's big enough for lampwork and small to medium fused pieces. and with a bead collar, you can put in kiln furniture to give 2 shelves. The kiln controller is great.

I agree with the above - its a super kiln for the price. I bought mine from:
http://www.hobbyceramicraft.co.uk/kiln_full_detail/110/Paragon_Caldera_Kiln.htm

GlassWorks · February 27, 2014, 01:48:12 PM

the caldera is great - the bead door collar also allows you to go even higher, if you have the standard caldera to start with... great for melts as well as slumping etc....

Barnacle Bay · February 27, 2014, 01:59:21 PM

It also does ceramics as its high fire 1285c

tuffnell glass · February 27, 2014, 02:03:11 PM

Hi Jemma ,
I would go for the SC2 with a bead door allowing you the flexibility to anneal beads direct from the flame , batch anneal your beads , fuse , slump and enamel as well as silver clay (with all that it has to do jacket potatoes too)

Its a super compact kiln , easy to program and use and holds its value very well if , heavens forbid you should ever want to sell it .

Best wishes ,
Martin
Tuffnell Glass