Paragon BlueBird Bead Annealing Kiln

The BlueBird safely anneals glass beads to prevent breakage during cooling. The kiln, made in America to exacting standards, opens doorways of opportunity in beadmaking. Enjoy a full 20” of width with the 2” tall, 10” wide double doors. This kiln is ideal for busy seminar teachers. It is like having two kilns in one.

Improved Ceramic Fiber Firing Chamber

The BlueBird features new sinusoidal “wavy” elements, which are embedded close to the inner surface of the high-tech, vacuum-formed ceramic fiber top. This is an improvement over our earlier embedded coiled elements, because the “wavy” elements are mounted closer to the surface. This enables the elements to radiate heat faster for longer element life. The ceramic fiber top reduces dust inside the kiln.

The BlueBird features space-age ceramic fiber walls and bottom for fast, efficiently heating.

Mandrel Holders, Glass Rod Warmer

Insert bead mandrels into the kiln. The mandrel ends rest outside the kiln on a 3”-deep slotted stainless steel mandrel holder, cradled at two points. Adjust the height of the mandrel holders by loosening screws underneath.

We have added exciting new performance-enhancing features to the BlueBird, such as the glass rod warmer on top of the kiln. Pre-heating glass rods saves production time.

Door Latches and Rare-Earth Magnets

Side latches hold the doors closed while the kiln is heating to annealing temperature. Phenolic knobs stay cool to the touch. Rare-earth magnets hold the doors open when needed. A safety switch on the front panel turns off power to the controller when the kiln is not in use.

Sloped Panel for Easy Operation

To save table space, the Sentry Xpress digital controller is mounted under the kiln in an ergonomic, sloped panel for easy operation. The built-in base stays cool even during extended hold times. It is slotted to dissipate heat and comes with mar-proof rubber feet.

The steel base supports the kiln in two layers. The upper steel base supports and strengthens the ceramic fiber floor; the lower steel base covers the entire kiln bottom where it rests on your worktable. Electrical components are mounted to the lower base, away from the heat of the firing chamber.

Economical to Fire

The BlueBird plugs into a standard household outlet. It draws only 1500 watts and is economical to fire. The kiln ships by convenient UPS. Specially designed cartons and vacuum-formed padding assure that the kiln will arrive safely.

Deluxe Water-Base Paint

The BlueBird has a durable high temperature, water-base finish. Water-base paint produces low emissions during spraying, which creates a safer working environment for our employees and cuts down on pollution.

Digital Controller

The BlueBird’s user-friendly 3-key Sentry Xpress digital controller automatically maintains the annealing temperature that you select. The controller is packed with features but is user friendly. The kiln includes a Quick Start programming guide and a 16-page controller instruction manual, printed in color.

The Sentry Xpress 3-key controller is packed with features. It includes two modes: Single Speed and Ramp-Hold. The solid-state controller continually monitors the firing so you can spend your time productively without closely watching the kiln. The sealed controller touch pad keeps out dust and wipes clean in seconds.

You will be amazed at the convenience of digital firing. The reliable solid-state Sentry Xpress Controller continually monitors the firing so you do not need to closely watch the kiln. (Please remember, however, to check the kiln occasionally during firing and to monitor it near the expected shutoff time.)

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Features of the BlueBird

  • Digital Sentry Xpress controller
  • 2 - 10” wide x 2” high doors
  • Adjustable 3”-deep slotted stainless steel mandrel holder
  • glass rod warmer
  • Door latches hold the doors closed; rare-earth magnets hold the doors open
  • 6” deep firing chamber (measured with doors closed)
  • Ceramic fiber roof, walls, and floor
  • Embedded roof element
  • 1”-thick ceramic fiber doors
  • Mandrel holders with 20 slots
  • 1200°F maximum temperature
  • Mar-proof rubber feet
  • On-off safety switch

    • Features of the Sentry Xpress 3-key Controller on Paragon Fusion Kilns

  • Program up to 8 segments (steps) in Ramp-Hold mode.
  • Fire to a single temperature at a single speed in Single Speed mode.
  • Store up to 4 programs in Ramp-Hold mode.
  • Skip a segment in Ramp-Hold without having to stop the kiln to reprogram. (For instance, you want to skip to the annealing segment.)
  • Change the target temperature in Ramp-Hold during firing without stopping the kiln to reprogram.
  • Hold (soak) the temperature in both Single Speed and Ramp-Hold.
  • Add Hold Time during firing without having to stop the firing to reprogram.
  • Easily control both heating and cooling in Ramp-Hold.
  • Program Review lets you check the program you are about to fire.
  • Program the Temperature Alarm to sound when the kiln reaches a specific temperature. Program an alarm that will remind you to check on the kiln.
  • Temperature display throughout firing and cooling in your choice of °F or °C
  • Thermocouple Offset adjusts the thermocouple readout.
  • Set the Delay to turn on the kiln at a time that best suits your busy schedule.
  • Error Messages report mechanical problems.
  • The sealed touch pad keeps out dust and is easy to wipe clean.
  • LED Lights show whether you are in program, review, or firing mode.
  • Colorful, illustrated instruction manual. Download it from the “Additional Information” section below to review all the controller features in more detail.

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    Designed for production

    Paragon’s warranty is not affected by frequency of use. Fire your new kiln every day if you want, even in commercial settings. That will have no effect on the warranty period.

    Optional colors at no extra charge

    Brighten your studio with color! Order your kiln in one of our standard colors at no extra charge . . . berry, black, blue, hot pink, jade, navy, purple, or turquoise.

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    Specifications

    Max. Temperature

    1200F
    648C

    Amps

    13

    Phase

    1

    Watts

    1500

    Nema

    5-15R

    Breaker Size

    20

    Circuit Copper Wire Size

    14 gauge

    TUV tested to CSA and UL Standard 499

    Y

    CE

    Y

    Control Type


    Sentry Xpress 4.0 Digital 3-Key

    Voltage

    120

    Hertz

    60

    Nema Details







    Disclaimer: The specifications above assume that the kiln will be plugged into a dedicated circuit. Local electric codes supersede our recommendations.

    The pricing and electrical specifications for the above products reflect their design for use in the United States. The International versions of most models will have variations in electrical specifications and price due to consumer safety requirements or electrical regulations.

     

    Kiln Type

    Front Loading Square

    Sides

    4

    Understanding Chamber Measurements