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What kiln do you recommend for enameling?

• Diana Wieler

  

  Member
   

  June 22, 2010

  Hi everyone,  I originally started out 10 months ago with a top-loading Paragon Firefly kiln, which was purchased for metal clay.  Now that I've discovered enameling -- and love it -- my original kiln isn't suitable.  Enameling with a top-loader is a real pain, and I think I'm causing stress to the kiln with all the opening and closing of the lid.  I'm careful to close it gently but the firebrick along the top now needs repair.
  
  So my question is: what kiln would you recommend for enameling that is mid-range price, and available in North America?  Does anyone here use a trinket or jewelry kiln?  Thanks once again for your advice and opinions! 
  

  Hi everyone,  I originally started out 10 months ago with a top-loading Paragon Firefly kiln, which was purchased for metal clay.  Now that I've discovered enameling -- and love it -- my original kiln isn't suitable.  Enameling with a top-loader is a real pain, and I think I'm causing stress to the kiln with all the opening and closing of the lid.  I'm careful to close it gently but the firebrick along the top now needs repair.
  
  So my question is: what kiln would you recommend for enameling that is mid-range price, and available in North America?  Does anyone here use a trinket or jewelry kiln?  Thanks once again for your advice and opinions! 
  
• Pamela (Pam) B. Wilson

  

  Member
   

  June 23, 2010

  Hi Diana, I have a Paragon XpressE-10A that I purchased 3 years ago, specifically for enamelling. It has been a great kiln and I have never had any trouble with it. There are better kilns out there but for the money, you can't beat it. Here is a link - they had the best prices when I bought mine. http://www.kilndr.com//index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_3_11&products_id=179 Good luck, Pam

  Hi Diana, I have a Paragon XpressE-10A that I purchased 3 years ago, specifically for enamelling. It has been a great kiln and I have never had any trouble with it. There are better kilns out there but for the money, you can't beat it. Here is a link - they had the best prices when I bought mine. http://www.kilndr.com//index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_3_11&products_id=179 Good luck, Pam
• Diana Wieler

  

  Member
   

  June 23, 2010

  Hi Pam, you're right -- it's a great looking kiln, and the digital control feature has a lot of charm. Actually, this is a great site! Thank you for your input.

  Hi Pam, you're right -- it's a great looking kiln, and the digital control feature has a lot of charm. Actually, this is a great site! Thank you for your input.
• Tina Carvalho

  

  Member
   

  June 23, 2010

  I agree with Pam; I got a Paragon SC2 kiln, which is a muffle kiln, for metal clay before I got into enameling. Now I want a Paragon XpressE-10A or 12A, which are highly recommended and will do for enameling, metal clay, and glass fusion. The Paragon controller is great!
  
  Aloha, Tina

  I agree with Pam; I got a Paragon SC2 kiln, which is a muffle kiln, for metal clay before I got into enameling. Now I want a Paragon XpressE-10A or 12A, which are highly recommended and will do for enameling, metal clay, and glass fusion. The Paragon controller is great! Aloha, Tina