Kilns

[N2O]

Hello,
I am very much a beginner at PMC and wish to begin making jewelry that is fired.  I want to purchase a kiln that will allow me to expand mediums as I learn (ie: glass fusing, dicronic beads (sp?), etc.).  Do you have any suggestions and ideas as to what is a reasonable price....thanks for you help!    

[Metalman]

The metal clay kilns [variously made by Paragon, Sierra, Skutt & others] mostly fire up to 1700°F.  This works for small scale glass fusing, and you can get them with a 'bead door' if you wish.
The Paragon Caldera Kiln is more versatile if you will want to do small-scale ceramics since it fires to 2350°F [I think, check on this]
We can special order equipment like this if you wish

[N2O]

Thank you Metalman.  I am really not into ceramics but would like to be able to expand to enamels, fusing glass (I think that is the right term) and maybe dicronic (sp?) glass.  It seems that there is so much out there I am just scratching the surface and want to get a kiln that will allow me to expand what I can do with the experience I gain   '>   Does that make sense?  

What is the benefit of a 'bead door'?  Is there a benefit to top loading vs. front loading?  Keeping in mind that I am not the most graceful child my mother raised, I want to purchse the one that will decrease my ability to burn the tar out of myself.  Thanks again, I really appreciate this forum!  Neoma  

[Metalman]

For you, the metal clay kilns [variously made by Paragon, Sierra, Skutt & others]  which mostly fire up to 1700°F should be fine.
I would go for the front loading.

A bead door allows you to have the kiln on and insert beads that need heating as you work on them. This is a lampworking or glass beadmaking activity. This is where you manipulate the glass on a metal mandrel in a torch flame and shape and add colors.

As far as burn hazard - I  think the front loader gives you better access and control

[Polly]

We now stock a select line of Paragon kilns, that are ideal for glass bead makers, firing metal clays, etc.

Here is our full line of kilns and firing supplies.

#69-450 Caldera kiln with glass window is a top-loading digitally-controlled kiln which fires ceramics, porcelain, chain, glass and metal clay.

#69-460 SC-2 kiln with bead door fires silver clay, china paint, enamels and glass, and has a digital controller.

#69-470 Paragon Xpress-E10A kiln is designed for enameling, metal clay, china painting, glass and low-fire ceramics. It includes a digital controller.

Scroll down in the product details page of each kiln for much more information about the controllers, size, and shipping information.