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Silver Clay Firing Discs are mini-ceramic kiln shelves. Fine silver pieces are placed on the disc to fire. One insert (3" in diameter) is placed on the heating element and allowed to pre-heat. Dry metal clay items are placed on the insert to fire. Fine silver clay cannot be fired without an insert.
Temperature Control is designed to lower the kiln temperature for Keum Boo and fusing fine and sterling silver. There are 3 temperature settings on the controller: 800F, 1300F, and High (1560F). The kiln has a very short cord, so the temperature controller works as the perfect extension cord as well.
Brass Keum Boo Covers are a set of 2 discs that fit over the heating elements to distribute heat evenly and regulate the temperature for the technique of keum boo. A cover is placed on the kiln and allowed to pre-heat with the kiln. The flat cover is for flat pieces, and the cover with the depression will allow you to work on dimensional items such as rings, beads, etc.
Flat Cover is placed on the heating element to raise the internal temperature to 1600F for optimum metal clay firing or for large enameled pieces. Fire with the lid off when using the flat cover to avoid going over temperature. The flat cover is also used under a firing tin to fire Accent Silver.
Power Consumption
The UltraLite plugs into a standard household outlet and draws 250 watts. Hourly cost to operate on average: 2 cents.
Kiln Location
The feet on the UltraLite Kiln are made of aluminum and can become hot enough to scorch wood during extended firing times. Use a 12" x 12" ceramic tile under the kiln to protect the table or counter surface.
Warranty
The kiln is warrantied to be free of defects in workmanship for a period of 90 days from date of shipment. Manufacturer will repair or replace any parts that become defective under normal and proper use during the specified period.
Not sure what kiln you want? We can help! Check out our resources for helping you choose the right kiln for your studio.
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Details:
Firing Precious Metal Clay with the Ultra Lite Beehive Kiln
- Place one of the Firing Discs, texture side down, on the Ultra-Like heating element. Use just one insert.
- Cover the kiln and preheat for 35 minutes.
- Remove the cover and quickly place metal clay greenware (bone-dry metal clay) on the pre-heated Firing Disc using the provided spatula or long tweezers. Do not use your fingers. The kiln will be red hot.
- The fine silver greenware 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. Using the lid increases the temperature and could melt your metal.
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, and it also varies throughout the day with loads that are placed on it, even loads in your own home. The changing voltage has 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.
Rings, Hollow Objects, Thick Pieces
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. Pieces 1/8" or thicker should be fired, turned over and fired again to assure complete sintering. Fine silver clay cannot be over-fired with the lid off.
How Much Per Load?
You can fire as many pieces as you can fit on the 3" diameter Firing Disc. No single piece should weigh more than 25 grams.
Warranty
This product includes a 90 day limited manufacturers warranty.
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