[Jewelry making - Article 00099] - Re: [Orchid] Ceramic kiln for PMC?

[E. Luther]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========


    If one wishes to spend less than $500.00 on a kiln, I recommend the
    Ultra Lite Bee Hive Kiln by JEC Products, also sold by Rio.  This is
    the same kiln that is used for granulation and enameling.  You use
    the standard Ultra Lite kiln with a ceramic insert.  It's very easy
    to use, and more consistent than torch firing. With three ceramic
    inserts, it's $150.00.  See www.jecproducts.com. 

    The problem with torch firing is that it's hard to tell if the item
    is fully cooked.  I love the Paragon SC 2 and would buy another one;
    it's computer controlled, beeps when done, and can be filled three
    shelves high.  I have used it successfully in weekend workshops with
    13 students. 

    The problem with PMC 3 is that it is significantly more expensive
    and less strong when fired if fired at the lowest temp/time (as it
    would be if fired in the "flower pot" or "Hot Pot" kiln that used
    solid alcohol fuel).  To me, it makes more sense to buy the Ultra
    Lite, at a price that is easier to swallow than the $500.00 for the
    big kiln. 

    You can fit about five pieces at a time, are spared the pain and
    wait of mailing out to a firing service, and it'll hold you until
    you realize you can't live without a big kiln. 

    (usual disclaimer.) 

Elaine Luther
Chicago area, Illinois, USA
Certified PMC Instructor
eluther AT copper.net

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________