Lauris_aa Posted April 20, 2022 Report Share Posted April 20, 2022 Hi! I just received a kiln. It looks old it’s a paragon model M-13. Does anyone have any tips on how to work it, what type of clay etc. I’m pretty new to ceramics so any feedback is appreciated! The metal tag says model M-14 seria l14766 volts 115230 watts 3000 max temp 2100 Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick White Posted April 20, 2022 Report Share Posted April 20, 2022 I'm not finding any references to that model number for Paragon kilns. Can you post a picture of the electrical rating plate, and maybe a general picture of the kiln, so we can figure out what to do with it. The voltage number is 115/230, meaning it has both 230V parts and 115V parts, which will require a specific wiring configuration to be installed by your electrician. It only generates 3,000 watts of heat, which isn't much. If the kiln is small, it is enough to reach a maximum of 2100℉, or about cone 1or 2 when everything is in perfect condition. Under ordinary usage, you should expect this kiln to be only for low-fire earthenware clay bodies and glazes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauris_aa Posted April 20, 2022 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2022 @Dick White the inside dimensions are 13 x 13 x 13.5 here are the pictures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick White Posted April 20, 2022 Report Share Posted April 20, 2022 That's an old one! That the label identifies Paragon as being in Dallas with no zip code suggests it is prior to 1963 when zip codes were initiated. No wonder there is no mention of it in the current realm. The two power cords suggest it only works when both are plugged into a pair of ordinary outlets that are wired to opposing sides of the split phase household power. Without taking it apart to figure out the wiring, (because there is no available diagram on the Paragon website), it's hard say exactly how those double-throw switches actually work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauris_aa Posted April 20, 2022 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2022 @Dick White do you have any idea what type of clay to use? So I can do some trial and error? Thank you for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick White Posted April 21, 2022 Report Share Posted April 21, 2022 3 hours ago, Lauris_aa said: @Dick White do you have any idea what type of clay to use? So I can do some trial and error? Thank you for your help! 4 hours ago, Dick White said: Under ordinary usage, you should expect this kiln to be only for low-fire earthenware clay bodies and glazes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted April 21, 2022 Report Share Posted April 21, 2022 The two cords would have to be plugged into outlets that are on separate circuits, so it's not any more convenient than a 240 volt circuit. At 230 volts it pulls 13 amps, so on household 240 volt service it'll be closer to 14 amps, which means it should be on 20 amp circuits to meet code. And speaking of code, I would check with a licensed electrician to see if this two plug configuration meets modern codes. If it was a true 240 volt system it definitely wouldn't, but what you've got in that kiln is actually two separate 120 volt systems so I'm not sure. The biggest issue is that if there's a problem and one circuit blows, the other circuit would keep going, which wouldn't be a good thing. Lots of maybes with this kiln. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauris_aa Posted April 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2022 @Dick White @neilestrick thank you so much for your help!! I appreciate you guys! My ex is an electrician so I’ll get him to look at it! Also u found the very old manual. Here are some pictures. Is there such thing as a kiln for residential homes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted April 24, 2022 Report Share Posted April 24, 2022 Paragon is still around call them with the kiln numbers and talk story wityn them about the two circuits .They are in Texas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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