Use to fire small metal clay pieces, bond gold to fine silver (keum boo, Accent Gold), enamel and granulation.
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Firing Precious Metal Clay with the Ultra Lite Beehive Kiln
- Place the round Waffled Ceramic Insert, texture side down, on the heating element. Use just one insert. Do not stack the inserts.
- Cover the kiln and preheat for 45 minutes
- Remove the cover
- Place dry metal clay pieces on the insert using tweezers. Do not use your fingers. The insert will be red hot and can seriously burn you.
- The metal clay 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. The 10 volt variance can have 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.
Extending Firing Times
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.
Remember firing for a longer time with the lid off you cannot over-fire metal clay.
Warranty
This product includes a 90 day limited manufacturers warranty.
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