Adding a bead door to a kiln you already own
 

Has anyone added a bead door to a kiln you already own? I have an octagon shaped paragon fusing kiln that I would love to add a bead door to. I see that they sell these kilns (or one like it) with bead doors.

Looking at most of the Paragon fusing kilns I would say no you can't add a door, reason being that the elements are in the lower portion of the kiln where you would want to cut your door, also the bottoms are attached.

You could add a shelf above the elements, remove the lid and add a ring to the top and set the lid back on

This big fusing kiln has the elements in the lid. It is brick on the bottom and sides. Or that is what it looks like. I sent Paragon an email. I really want a bead door on this beast!

Most kilns are made out of IFB which can be cut with a dull butter knife! Or better yet, standard wood working tools.

One could add a hinge and then attache some additional IFB to the door. Or for a small opening use one inch thick ceramic blanket to cover the opening.

As you are doing, take a look at designs that are posted on the net from firms that make bead kilns with front loading or bead doors. i.e. toolbox kiln and others for ideas.

I have an old, small ceramic kiln that I made a bead door for:

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...-25-08_301.jpg

It's a stainless barbecue smoker box.

If you were local, we could help you out. Mike may have a solution from afar too. I can't get to him right this minute. I'd need the model name and such to be sure we are looking at the right animal. Shoot me a PM and I will see what I can come up with.

I love the BBQ mod. Great job. Very clean work. Is that a home made controller too?

Joe that is a beautiful kiln!

Pam, thanks, I will grab that information and take a picture of the kiln.

I took an interest in the controller also. How about some info on that little beasty?
PJH

I'll try to get a write-up done this weekend. Maybe a free tutorial.

What a fantastic bead door! My kiln is an old dental burnout kiln and I've been wanting to do this too. But I'd also need to have it open the regular way for enameling.
I'll be watching for your tutorial on the kiln door too! ;)

The bottom half is a second door that opens down for putting larger items in (although I really haven't used it yet).

Just posted in the Free Tutorials area some details on the modifications I did to my kiln: http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=207803

Great kiln
 

Sorry I am replying to this so many years later however it’s a great kiln and I need to make five posts so I can see more pictures!
So nice work! 😊