Tristate Machinery Dismantlers Forum > WISCONSIN
> Motors and tools
> New
> Ultralite ceramic/electric beehive kiln-mint cond
Ultralite ceramic/electric beehive kiln-mint cond
ALMOST NEW ULTRALITE CERAMIC BEEHIVE KILN!For use with PMC, enamelling....Perfect for jewlery makers!I can no longer keep up with this hobby so away we go!I loved this kiln in place of the butane torch.Comes with an extra ceramic insert and all original parts.Avoid melting your artwork now!
Firing Precious Metal Clay & Don't Melt your Artwork!
* Place the round Waffled Ceramic Insert, texture side down, on the heating element. Use just one insert. Do not stack the inserts.
* Cover the kiln and preheat for 35 minutes
* Place dry metal clay pieces on the insert using tweezers. NO FINGERS PLEASE. The insert will be red hot and can seriously burn you.
* Leave the kiln uncovered for the duration of the firing. The metal clay will smoke very lightly and a gentle flame will develop as the binders burn away. Leave the pieces to sinter for at least 30 minutes.
* Do not cover during firing.
To fire additional pieces, cover the kiln and re-heat for 15 minutes.
Firing Precious Metal Clay at Maximum Temperature
Electricity in the US can vary from 110 to 120 volt. The difference in voltage is a normal variance within the A/C electrical grid system in this country. The 10 volt variance can have an effect on the maximum temperature of the kiln. If the voltage in your area is 120, the Ultra Lite will heat to a higher temperature than where the voltage is 110. Since it's best to fire metal clay at the highest possible temperature, you will want to find out if leaving the lid on will melt the metal or if it's safe.
Test a small piece of metal clay or a snippet of fine silver wire for 20 minutes in the kiln with the lid on to see if firing with the lid on will work in your area without melting it. The piece should glow orange red. If it starts to shimmer like mercury it is over heating, and you'll need to fire with the lid off. You can add the flat cover to increase the temperature while still leaving the lid off.
When firing rings or tall items such as a box, or a large bead, to insure maximum tensile strength in your piece you will need to fire your piece on one side, and then turn your piece over and re-fire. Large or very thick items will also need extended firing time. Remember firing for a longer time with the lid off you cannot over-fire metal clay.