Hi there,

I just ordered and received an Ultra Lite Kiln. The directions seem a little "light" so I thought I'd ask for tips on the best way to use one, if anyone has experiences that want to share. I'm sure once I get started with it, I'll figure it out, but thought I would ask anyways...

:-)

Nancy

Did you get the little ceramic inserts? I haven't used it just know from my research that you need them.[:I]
Vicki

I use this kiln, but I form and dry my pendants on a zip lock bag before moving them to the ceramic insert. When i peel back the plastic, I'm sure the item is completely dry and ready to be fired. This is a lot easier than trying to scrape the unfired PMC item off of another surface. Just follow the directions step by step because they're not entirely intuitive. I fire my kiln up in the garage for 35 minutes and then use the hamburger-like tool to put the round ceramic insert on top of the burner. Depending on the size, I leave the kiln on for up to two hours. Then, I unplug the kiln and wait for 1/2 hour before removing my jewelry item and finishing it with a pickle bath or file work.

The PMC might flame up for a minute or so. Just blow it out or let it burn out.

I have been using the Ultra lite kiln for PMC and it works great. I want to try enameling. For PMC, you leave the cover off. Do I do this with enameling also?

Julie

Like Linda, I use the kiln when I have pieces that are too big for simple torching - or I have multiple pieces that need firing - or they have stones that won't take the heat of torching (ah...torching...my favorite method.....much faster, immediate gratification!).

I use mine in my house, on my stove. I put my soderlite board on my gas burner, then put the kiln on top of that. You DO need the ceramic inserts....and as Linda pointed out, you need to make sure your PMC is completely dry (that is true for any firing methods!).
It is not a big deal when it flames....you get bigger flames from torching :~). Just let it burn out (I put on my stove vent for a while).

I too, let it 'pre warm' for 30 mintues and then usually let it go for two hours.....but I keep my eye on it. You definitely DON'T want to put on the cover (the kiln will get too hot and melt your piece).

If your pieces don't have stones in them, you can quench them in water right away, after you unplug. If my pieces have stones, I remove them from the kiln, but lay them on the soderlite board to cool naturally.

Pretty simple! Have fun!!!

DG
Dragon Skin Designs
http://www.dragonskindesigns.com