Search found 47 matches

by Arnold Howard
Sat May 22, 2021 8:29 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Paragon Kiln Help
Replies: 2
Views: 15178

Re: Paragon Kiln Help

Paul, do you still need assistance with the Paragon A-99B?

Arnold Howard
by Arnold Howard
Sat May 22, 2021 8:25 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Digital controllers replacement options
Replies: 1
Views: 7318

Re: Digital controllers replacement options

Yes, you can buy a controller from Skutt for your kiln. The controller requires 24 volts AC of power and 12 volt coil relays.

Arnold Howard
by Arnold Howard
Thu Jan 03, 2019 7:22 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: glass stuck on kiln floor
Replies: 8
Views: 12808

Re: glass stuck on kiln floor

Since the gouge in the floor is only 3/16", it will probably not affect the firing results. If you repaired it, you could fill in the gouge with Pyrolite, which is a filled that comes in a caulking tube. Then use a wide putty knife to smoothen the Pyrolite. I, too, am a servant of cats. Sincere...
by Arnold Howard
Thu Jan 03, 2019 10:40 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: glass stuck on kiln floor
Replies: 8
Views: 12808

Re: glass stuck on kiln floor

Yes, remove the glass from the kiln floor. If it were my kiln, I might slide a hacksaw blade under the tile and very carefully break the adhesion between the glass and the ceramic fiber floor. Try to remove as little fiber as possible. If you have enough height inside the kiln, you might want to fir...
by Arnold Howard
Mon Dec 31, 2018 10:02 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: glass stuck on kiln floor
Replies: 8
Views: 12808

Re: glass stuck on kiln floor

I would remove the glass tiles from the ceramic fiber floor before you fire the kiln again. Protect the floor from contact with glass in future firings. Thank you for your kind words about the Benchtop-16. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com ...
by Arnold Howard
Tue Oct 03, 2017 8:48 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: major heating element disaster
Replies: 3
Views: 6584

Re: major heating element disaster

When I lifted the lid unknowing that the element was stuck in glass, the element broke in two. Of course I have to make a full fuse and a fire polish fuse before Friday show. Other than replacing the element, is there any way I can still fire the kiln? Potters make emergency, temporary element repa...
by Arnold Howard
Mon Nov 28, 2016 9:22 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Fuse blows at top temp
Replies: 4
Views: 7084

Re: Fuse blows at top temp

I would use a multimeter to be sure the kiln is drawing only 14 amps.

The fuse holder may be overheating. This would be due to a loose connection somewhere near the fuse box.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
by Arnold Howard
Wed Sep 21, 2016 12:21 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Kiln shelves ground flat
Replies: 2
Views: 5396

Kiln shelves ground flat

To what extent do low spots in kiln shelves contribute to the development of fused glass bubbles? I am checking a flat-ground shelf with a steel ruler and wondered what you thought. Thanks, Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb...
by Arnold Howard
Mon Sep 19, 2016 10:02 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Kiln Pieces in Glass
Replies: 4
Views: 7198

Re: Kiln Pieces in Glass

What type of top does your kiln have? Are the white flecks coming from cracks in the top? Have you tried cleaning the top with a brush? The brush removes loose particles, which can then be vacuumed before the next firing. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward...
by Arnold Howard
Thu Mar 10, 2016 12:07 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: DTC 800
Replies: 7
Views: 11022

Re: DTC 800

Bartlett Instruments made the DTC 800. They can usually refurbish the circuit board for a nominal fee.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
by Arnold Howard
Tue Feb 02, 2016 6:18 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: kiln side elements not working
Replies: 12
Views: 15352

Re: kiln side elements not working

Deb, please be very careful with a multimeter. If you test the connections with the kiln plugged in, you will be exposed to live wires.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
by Arnold Howard
Tue Feb 02, 2016 5:25 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: kiln side elements not working
Replies: 12
Views: 15352

Re: kiln side elements not working

Deb, the problem could also be a disconnected wire. A multimeter would help determine why the elements are not turning on.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
by Arnold Howard
Tue Feb 02, 2016 11:23 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: kiln side elements not working
Replies: 12
Views: 15352

Re: kiln side elements not working

I agree that the relay has probably failed. A relay is a switch that turns on the elements. The temperature controller turns on the relays. The heating elements in a glass kiln rarely fail. It is almost always a relay. The exception is the elements in crucible kilns. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon...
by Arnold Howard
Wed Dec 23, 2015 1:16 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: What's latest word on kiln use & pacemakers?
Replies: 6
Views: 8580

Re: What's latest word on kiln use & pacemakers?

The elements do not produce electromagnetic interference when they are turned off. This is true of even hot elements. The relays can produce a signal when they are clicking, or turned on. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
by Arnold Howard
Wed Dec 23, 2015 11:12 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: What's latest word on kiln use & pacemakers?
Replies: 6
Views: 8580

Re: What's latest word on kiln use & pacemakers?

If you are not sure about the safety of your pacemaker around your kiln, then turn off the kiln when you visually check the glass. Turn the kiln back on a few seconds later after you've checked the glass. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com /...
by Arnold Howard
Sun Nov 22, 2015 2:26 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: FTC Error Message on Paragon Kiln
Replies: 2
Views: 5912

Re: FTC Error Message on Paragon Kiln

The Dragon cannot cool at a rate of 300 degrees F per hour, because the walls are thick. (An inch of block insulation is mounted behind the 3" firebricks.) The error code indicates that you programmed a cooling rate that is faster than the kiln is capable of reaching. The error code is merely t...
by Arnold Howard
Thu Oct 01, 2015 8:23 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Can I use this kiln for glass?
Replies: 9
Views: 15588

Re: Can I use this kiln for glass?

You can open the door 1/4" as the glass turns orange. Watch the glass a few seconds at a time as it begins to fuse. You will know exactly when the glass has finished fusing.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
by Arnold Howard
Tue Sep 29, 2015 12:56 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Can I use this kiln for glass?
Replies: 9
Views: 15588

Re: Can I use this kiln for glass?

I agree that it would be helpful to watch the glass as it fuses. Yes, you can install a window. Here are instructions: http://www.paragonweb.com/ManualInfo.cfm?CID=130 Be sure to wear green #3 firing safety glasses when you look through the window. Please let me know if you have questions. Sincerely...
by Arnold Howard
Tue Sep 29, 2015 8:34 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Can I use this kiln for glass?
Replies: 9
Views: 15588

Re: Can I use this kiln for glass?

Thanks Valerie! I agree that the kiln can fuse glass. I would run test firings to determine if the area near the front is cooler than the rest of the firing chamber. If so, place pieces near the front that are designed for a lighter fuse. Place pieces toward the back that need a fuller fuse. Sincere...
by Arnold Howard
Tue Sep 02, 2014 12:11 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Kiln element dropping dust
Replies: 17
Views: 24594

Re: Kiln element dropping dust

Meanwhile here are a few photos; this just doesn't seem like it should be normal for a new kiln lid. It is difficult to tell from the photos, but it appears that the kiln cement patches have been applied too thick. The coating must be very thin, or it will form little cracks and flake right off. Th...