Marko

brings back good memories, that is what i started out with in 1972.  it worked very well, good luck to you with it.

These old Paragon kilns are wired differently than most kilns these days. They are 120/240V, meaning some of the time the switches cause the elements to run on 120V and other times the elements use 240V. Consequently, the 4-wire plug and receptacle with a neutral is essential.  The kiln will not operate properly on a conventional 3-wire 240V circuit. As Marko notes, a 30 amp circuit is minimum, but 40 amps is maximum.  The outlet on the top of the control box is actually 120/240V, and was intended to power an extension ring if desired. Otherwise, it's not good for much else. As for digital controllers, the external wall-mount Skutt KM-1 is not suitable for this kiln. It will only work with a straight 240V 3-wire cord with no neutral. As noted, this kiln requires a neutral. The Orton AF4000 wall-mount controller can be special ordered with the 120/240V circuitry. If you are adventuresome and facile with electrical wiring, you could replace the kiln sitter mechanism with an Olympic ElectroSitter.

Something that is more like a sketch problem might have a broad reach...like, start with one cubic inch of clay and make something functional? something whimsical? something humanoid?
 
These could be quicker turnaround projects while the quarterly thing happen,
'just a thought,
-Paul

I wonder if the Admins might consider making the challenge its own section, like "In The Studio," for example! Lotsa people seem interested, so this has the potential to REALLY jam up other forum topics. It'd be a great way to keep things nice 'n tidy, not to mention easy to find!
My topic suggestion is "heritage." Like, make a piece that's about one's cultural background! We have a pretty diverse group here; could be fun!

I hope the next challenge will avoid too specific a goal.  I participated in a couple, but I just wasn't interested enough to devote time to a specific form that was narrowly defined.  And at the moment, not interested in tile, though I've made quite a few over the years.
 
I tend to find the more nebulously defined challenges more thought provoking.
 
Still, my suggestion is the albarello, or medicine jar.  It's a simple form, but can take many shapes and if we're not sticklers for authenticity, many decorative approaches.