All,
Has anyone had good results with the Paragon Firefly kiln for metal
work? I know it is a top loader rather than a side loader. Can I
still use a top loader for enameling and crucible melts, or would
that be to dangerous? I would also be interested in providing a good
home to a well-used Firely at half current retail.
Thanks,
Andrew Jonathan Fine
Has anyone had good results with the Paragon Firefly kiln for metal work?
I just looked at it. Basically enamels are fired on metal stilts on
a metal grid. A long-handled firing fork fits under the grid to
remove the enamels… The kind of kiln you are looking at is meant for
ceramics and would be dangerous to try to get the grid and enamels
out at enamel firing temp of 1450 F (said firing of small,
jewelry-sized objects generally takes 3 minutes or less). The heat
would hit you in the face, which is bad enough with a side or front
opening door. The same would be said for getting a crucible out.
Normally metal is melted with a torch in a crucible on a long handle
or in a melting kiln (tabletop model like a coffee thermos). Both of
these methods keep you out of burning range; I think trying to use a
ceramic kiln for enameling and melting metal could be dangerous.
I’ve been an enamelist for 40 years and have 5 kilns currently but
the above is my experience and maybe someone else has tried what you
are asking.