paragon SC2 or SC3

[lilinday]

which kiln better: Paragon SC2 or Paragon SC3
for bead annealing and fusing?

[MagpieGlass]

The SC2 and SC3 are pretty much identical except inside dimensions.

I have a SC2 which I use primarily for bead annealing, but also for some fusing, enameling PMC, etc.

If you mostly fuse and sometimes anneal beads ... you probably should look for a kiln with elements in the lid/top rather than sides. That style is better for fusing but can anneal beads also.

[chrissij]

I'm p*ssed at my SC3 right now. The element isn't replaceable. You have to replace the entire firing chamber. Paragon also refers to this repair as a "factory repair", meaning they want you to send it to them, and they put the new firing chamber in, charging labor, of course. I begged, pleaded, pleaded, and begged, told them I'd fax them all of my ASE and Volvo Factory Training certificates, and then pleaded some more before they said, "Oh, alright, we'll send you the firing chamber for $280 plus shipping."

Mike, GLASSFREEK, is sending me an element. I'm gonna' buzz a channel into the original firing chamber to wire in a typical, replaceable, and affordable element. $280+ my a$$.

[squid]

Yeah, I wouldn't buy a kiln that took that kind of $ to fix something as simple as the element.

[GLASSFREEK]

Why would you embed the element in a kiln wall, cant think of any good reason except to ROB you at a later date :)

Mike

[chrissij]

Well...it's aesthetically pleasing...kinda' looks like a white, padded room...if you've a need for that sort of room.

;)

[praxidis]

I have an SC3 that I got used. It is ok I guess but I have temperature issues with it, also no bead door (it belonged to a PMC/glass fusing friend).
It wouldn't be my first choice, now that I have researched a bit, but it does the job as long as I take its quirks into account.
Prax

[maroli]

I have a SC3 for 3 years now (with the bead door and window). I made this choice because one day I will like to try some fusing or silver clay. Until now I only used it for bead annealing. Like said Prax it does the job ... I just hope I will not have the same Chrissi's problem
Lise

[allegrafuct]

I have the SC2 and it came with the closed door. I also got it from a fuser.
I bought the door with the bead door separately (would have wanted the one with the window but it was too expensive) and then just switched out the door. I got quotes from Paragon and Rio Grande and the Paragon one was A LOT cheaper, so I recommend that.

It's been working well! I like it. I've only had it for two months though.

[WeeMary]

Chrissi, I don't know if this is the reason, but in the UK kilns have to be made so that you can't touch the elements while the kiln is switched on. They have to come with an automatic switch-off when the door is opened. Paragon's embedded elements avoid this issue because there is no way to touch the element.