Entry Level Kiln

[bepnewt]

I'm new to all this glass melting and I'm looking for my first Kiln. This one has popped up on Craigslist:

Small Paragon Kiln

I know I would prefer having a digital controller, etc, but I don't know if I'm going to stick with Lampwork so I'm trying to minimize my initial investment until I make up my mind.

I'd like to make marbles, some beads, and small ornaments. Mostly in soft glass, maybe some Boro. If I do go to Boro, at that point I will have decided to stay with Lampwork and go a kiln more appropriate.

So, the question:
Is this Kiln usable for small marbles and beads and maybe ornaments?

Is that round thing on the door a place where I can warm a rod by opening it?

I'm aware of the other options - blanket, vermiculite + crock pot, etc. but I'd prefer to have a cheap kiln to start.

Thanks!
-BEP

[Karen P]

You could batch anneal in this one, so you'll still need to do the fiber blanket while torching. With no bead door, you won't be able to use this while you're torching unless the entire mandrel will fit inside.

[Ed_Slawson]

It is a small ceramic, or burn-out kiln. Not very suitable for beads on mandrels, or for sculptural work on punties. As a previous responder mentioned it would work for batch annealing as a last recourse. I would look for something with "doggie" doors, also known as punty doors, or bead doors. There is also a lot of height that you would not use for beads, or marbles... but you have to pay more for heating every cubic inch of volume.

[bepnewt]

Great points - both of you.

Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it.

-BEP

[echeveria]

Also a shock risk if you touch a mandrel to those elements. I would not use this for beads.