Kiln Product Information and Usage Guide

Congratulations on your purchase of the Ultra Lite Beehive Fine Jewelry Kiln. This kiln was developed for fine metals Granulation and Enameling.
A new addition to the line for purchase is a Ceramic Insert allowing you to fire Precious Metal Clays.

· The firing surface is 3" in diameter by 1 ½" high the element produces a working temperature of 1550o F.
· The kiln body consists of a high insulation ceramic fiber.
· Recommended for professional adult use only.

PREPARING THE ULTRA-LITE KILN FOR USE

· Use no longer than a 6'extension cord with a minimum of 16 gauge wire with the Kiln.
· Plug kiln into a 120V outlet. Leave the kiln uncovered for 30 minutes, and then place the cover on for 15 minutes prior to first use.
· After initial fire-up, recommended pre-heat time with the lid on is 45 minutes.
· When using kiln, provide adequate air space above and on all sides for air circulation. On surfaces where heat may cause a problem, an insulated hot plate is recommended.
· Do not let cord touch hot surfaces.

EXTENSION CORD USE

If you are going need a longer cord use a 14 gauge up to 15' or a 12 gauge up to 25' this is important due to potential voltage drop. Lower voltage will cause the Kiln to maintain a lower temperature.

If an extension cord is used it should be arranged so that it will not be tripped over accidentally.

FIRING METAL CLAY

Revised 4/21/10

Drying Metal Clay: Pieces should be completely dry before firing. To dry place a Ceramic Insert on the top of the Kiln cover while the Kiln is on. This provides a heated surface that will help your pieces dry quickly and thoroughly (Dries pieces in approximately 10 Minutes). Remove insert from the top prior to firing, leaving the insert on the top will lower kiln temperature.

Using the Temperature Control: Place one Insert on the heating element then cover the kiln and preheat by setting the controller to 100% for 30 minutes then set the dial to the desired temperature:

" High fire Metal Clay 85% = 1490 F (Fire for 35 Minutes)

" Low fire Metal Clay 65%. = 1290 F (Fire for 25 minutes)

Firing: Place the dried Metal Clay on the insert allow for the small amount of smoke and flame to go out before covering. Keep covered for the required firing time, the piece should glow orange red (Salmon color)

Using the temperature control will greatly prolong your element life by operating the Kiln at a lower temperature.

CARE OF KILN

If any metals or materials fall into the kiln, unplug and allow the Kiln to cool, then simply turn the kiln upside-down.
Store in a dust proof container in a dry location.

Enameling with the UltraLite Kiln

1. Apply Klyr-Fire to your finished silver piece.
2. Before Klyr-Fire dries, sift your enamels on to your piece.
3. Place a Ceramic Insert on the Kiln cover and set your enamel on top.
4. Let dry for two or three minutes.
5. Now transfer your dry enamel piece into the kiln.
6. Replace the cover.
7. Fire for three to five minutes.
During the firing process the enamel will go through several different stages:
First a Grainy, sandy, black appearance, Then Orange peel appearance, Finally Glossy mature glass
8. If you need to layer your enamels bring the firing to the Orange peel appearance and allow it to cool between firings.
Cooling:
Set your hot enameled piece on the ceramic cooling tile. Do not put it in water. Allow your enamel to cool slowly.
Your final firing will bring your glass to the mature state for a smooth glossy finish.

Fusing glass in the UltraLite Kiln

Using kiln paper on the element surface is recommended to leave a smooth finish on your glass. You simply set your glass piece inside the Kiln on the kiln paper, cover the Kiln and turn it on. It takes approximately 35 minutes to come to full temperature.

You can view the fusing process through the opening. When your piece is finished to your liking shut off the Kiln you may want to flash cool the kiln for 1 or 2 seconds by lifting the lid and quickly recovering it then simply let the Kiln cool to room temperature before uncovering.

Timing your firing to see how long it takes until the glass fuses, this will allow you to become familiar with how long the processes takes for subsequent firings.

Recommended Glass:

Wasser Glass has a thin glass line with a C.O.E. 90
Spectrum Glass has a new thin glass with a C.O.E. 96
Bullseye Glass C.O.E. 90

Firing Cork Clay with the UltraLite

Start out with the Kiln preheated; then insert your bead. I just fired a 3/4" bead with some cork clay it did smoke and flame for about 20 seconds; it's not bad. There was no real foul odor and there was minimal smoke.

You might want to fire outside or under an exhaust fan if possible. I just fired it in my garage the flame from the cork clay came out of either end of the bead about an inch and was beautiful.

To avoid the flames that can heat up the silver too quickly, which may crack a very thin silver piece. You need to use the temperature controller to fire the cork clay at 800 F for 30 minutes (You want the cork to just glow away into ash.) and then raise the temperature to the full 1500 for another 30 minutes.

Fusing Fine Gold and Silver

Quoted from Jean Reist Stark Book Classical Loop-in-Loop Chains:

The element that is most important in determining success in fusing is the ability to control the heat. The degree of heat and the amount of time it is applied must be very precise to allow a small area of metal to flow without melting the rest of the wire. For metal to run and fuse properly when the tip of the flame is applied to create the join, the link must be heated evenly throughout so that colder metal does not draw heat away from the joint; with silver, this even heating may be most easily achieved in the kiln. Equip your torch with a tip that will give a soft pointed flame; the size of the tip may depend on the gauge of the wire.

Using the UltraLite Kiln

Turn on the kiln until heated to redness.
Put your chain link in the kiln and cover for approximatly 30 seconds to a minute (If the kiln seems hot leave the cover off); the time will vary depending on the gauge of the metal. It is important that the link be heated to a faintly visible orange, but if left too long might melt.
Turn on the torch, adjust the flame, and direct the tip of the flame to a point directly in front of the join. There will be a little bright flash and the metal will appear silvery and liquid; remove the torch IMMEDIATELY.
The fusing can also be accomplished by moving the tip of the flame back and forth over the join so that both sides are evenly heated, then directing the tip to join for a split second until the metal runs and fills the gap. Either technique requires a very light hand with the flame.