The Paragon SC-series are front-loading, ceramic fiber kilns used for silver clay, glass, and enameling projects.

Loading the SC-Series Jewelry Kiln

Always protect the firing chamber by firing your pieces on a shelf or in a bowl. Do not place the pieces directly on the bottom of the firing chamber.

Types of shelves and containers

Fiber Shelf: Place the standard fiber shelf directly onto the kiln bottom. This shelf is used to support silver and gold clay. Fire only silver or gold clay on the fiber shelf—never ceramics, enameling or glass. Do not coat the fiber shelf with glass separator or kiln wash.

Fireclay Shelf: Ceramic fireclay shelves, available from Paragon, protect the firing chamber bottom and provide a smooth surface. Use a ceramic shelf in your jewelry kiln to fire ceramics, glass, and enameling.

Insulating Firebrick Piece: Insulating firebricks are porous, light-weight, and can be shaped to support delicate silver clay designs. Carve the firebrick with a knife or hacksaw.

Ceramic Bowl: You can purchase an unglazed, small ceramic bisque bowl from a ceramic supply store. The bowl will last through many firings. Use it to hold alumina hydrate. You can also shape hot glass by slumping it into the bowl.

Ceramic shelves and bowls and insulating firebricks may slow the firing. They absorb more heat than the ceramic fiber shelf. They also cool more slowly than the fiber shelf.

For more instructions on the SC-series kilns, visit www.paragonweb.com, and click on "Manuals." You can download the entire 19 page manual free of charge.

Copyright 2002, by Paragon Industries, Inc.