WarmGlass.com

Need info: I currently fire in a ceramic kiln with side elements only and to do a full fuse without bubbles, the entire process takes almost 24 hours. I am considering purchasing a Glass Kiln. I have been told you can complete a full fuse in 4 hours. I am specifically interested in the Paragon Fusion 7. Could any of you please share with me your experience with respect to the amount of time required to fuse??? Thanks you so much, Cathy

I fuse in both types. Currently I have a Paragon GL22 front loader with thel elements in the roof, and an L&L medium sized ceramic with side elements. The trick isn't so much where the elements are but remembering that glass likes to be heated evenly. Go too fast in either kiln and it ain't pretty.

The Paragon typically is referred to as a glass fusing kiln because the elements are in the top and allow a more uniform heating of the glass. But don't be misled here; even with top elements you have to respect your medium. Go too fast and it still ain't pretty.

I tell my students to choose a kiln based on what kind of work they plan to do, and if that leads them to a glass kiln, well, that's fine.

You asked about firing times. I have a piece in the Paragon even as we speak that is three layers thick, 11 1/2" round and started it's life as a "Pot melt." After it was "Potted" I did some raking to distribute the colors as I wanted them and added a rock, which many people on this board will tell you can't be done. Today I'm firing on a border, round, three layers of clear and white. This last firing took just under four hours to hit 1500, or full fuse for Spectrum series 96 in my kiln. The problem with the rocks is cooling; it probably won't be out until mid morning tomorrow. Then, it gets to go back in to be slumped.

Hope this helps and I am sure you will get lots of other advice. If you need further confused guidance, there's plenty of us who can provide it.

CU
Jerry