FAQ

 Sintering of Precious Metal Clays in the UltraLite is accomplished at lower temperatures due to the piece being set directly on the heating element providing for the best heat transfer. You will be able to see the piece firing thru the opening it will glow a Orange/Red or Salmon color. Follow instructions for the specific product your are firing. 

Download Firing Instructions for your specific Metal Clay product at:    www.jecproducts.com

It is always a good idea for new customers not familiar with the color of a proper sinter or the warning signs that the silver is about to melt to first try a small 1"x1/4" test strip the thickness of the pieces to be fired, The warning signs of the metal about to melt are if the silver begins to shimmer like mercury, if this happens quickly remove the lid to reduce the temperature then on the controller lower the setting one digit. To fine tune the temperature + or - 50 degrees F.  You can do the following to increase temperature move the lid backward to the backside of the tapered opening on the front of the kiln. To decrease temperature move the lid forward to the frontside edge of the tapered opening. Proper sintering of the metal should glow a salmon color, to see this may require the lights down low. Once you become familiar with the firing process it should not require repeating the tests. After firing try the thumb test, bend the test strip over your thumb if you can bend it 120 degrees without cracking or breaking it is properly sintered. If it fails test it again adding more time.

 Use the new Mica Disc engineered to fit perfectly into the kiln.      Mica Disc Link

 Keum-boo is preform with one of the brass covers in place on-top of the kiln.  The Controller will allow you to adjust the temperature up or down depending on how fast you want the Gold to fuse. 

 Annealing is preformed with the lid off simply install your wire or piece on the element and wait until it is glowing red. Use of the temperature controller to lower  temperature may be necessary for very fine wire.

 When fusing Precious metals put your piece in the kiln with the lid off. Use a handheld torch with a light sweeping motion, sweep the tip of the flame back and forth until you see the flash point of the metal quickly remove the flame.

The original UltraLite Beehive Kiln has been upgraded to the UltraLite Beehive Studio Pro Kiln. The Newly engineered Beehive Studio Pro has many improvements including a larger  3.5” element which has  more mass resulting in more available stored heat. The 240V Beehive Pro Kiln is designed for use outside the US.     Kiln  Information

To keep your kiln operating at full temperature periodically clean the underside of the kilns aluminum lid with bar keepers friend liquid cleanser.  By removing the oxidized film, it will maximize the reflective properties of the lid.