Ultralite: Alternative Firing Methods for Silver Clay

[@sundogstudioArt]

Pam, I can’t thank you enough. Received the Ultralight for Valentines Day from my Very DH. I went to the JEC website, but found the directions confusing/contradictory. Your instructions are crystal clear and I am firing pieces today.

[@PamEast]

So glad this was helpful!

[@brendanfaulkner6090]

Thank you Pam, that was very informative.

[@PamEast]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisanormand8994]

Pam I’m firing for the first time with the Ultralite Studio Beehive Kiln using Art Clay silver. You said to keep the temperature to the highest heat for this clay for 35 minutes. I want to be sure I heard you correctly. Also I have 2 pieces. One is being fired for the first time and the second one was fired before but now has an addition. Can I fire them at the same time, same temperature and same length of time?

[@PamEast]

Yes! Pre-heat with the lid ON for 35 minutes. Then fire with the lid OFF for 35 minutes. If both pieces fit, they can both be fired at the same time. The piece that has already been fired will not be harmed by the additional firing time. You still need the full 35 minutes for the unfired addition. Have fun!

[@Momcat6]

This was so helpful,thank you!

[@PamEast]

You're so welcome!

[@sanjuanwin]

Thank you! Just ordering!

[@PamEast]

Hope you like it!

[@tlojewelrylove]

Thanks for this awesome demo.👍 My jewelry making hobby has turned out to be a rather expensive hobby so I've not YET worked with precious metal clays but it is DEFINITELY on my list of to-do's. Those little kilns look like a really nice piece of equipment to add to one's jewelry making tools. I've seen some cool tutorials on fusing dichroic glass in a microwave kiln. Does this little kiln get hot enough to melt glass? Thanks for sharing! 👍 Btw, I saw your other video on colorful patinas using LOS + Ammonia and can't wait to try it. The purples and blues are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! 😍❤❤❤

[@PamEast]

So glad you are enjoying the videos! I love this little kiln. I've never tried fusing glass in it but I think you could. It definitely gets hot enough! You would want to use an external controller and a portable pyrometer to figure out the dial settings. you'd still need to cool it down in stages to avoid thermal shot. I may need to add this to my list of experiments. lol

[@wannabeSam96]

Thank you for the clear instructions! Can you fire a non flat piece in a kiln like this? If there are only a few points of contact with the hot surface, will it still fire alright?

[@PamEast]

Yes, it will still fire ok, although you may need to put the lid on during firing. And maybe give it a few more minutes to get to temperature after putting the piece in.

[@gypsyjanes]

Hi Pam, what temperature control model is that ? Is it the 120volt or 240 volt? I’m a jeweler and tired of buying silver charms ( boring) and would like to produce my own. Does it matter what voltage controller you use? Thanks so much for your videos! They’re awesome!

[@PamEast]

Hi Jane, it's a 120v controller. I just plugged it right into the household outlet. Glad you're enjoying the videos and have fun with the charms!

[@juliemigliorato409]

Mine did not come with a temperature controller just plug it straight into an outlet? Can I use a extension cord? I have the smaller model of the two.

[@simonenz3889]

Thanks. Great instructions.

[@PamEast]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mohangsk3759]

Does it operate at 120 V or 240 V ?

[@sherrys.2259]

Sweet lady. Thank you.

[@PamEast]

You are so welcome!

[@jessicagrill425]

Can you fire glass fusing in this kiln?

[@PamEast]

I have not tried it myself, but since it gets to 1500F I would think yes?

[@beclifford2106]

If I want to fire base metal clays, what the least expensive way to do that, assuming it has to be a kiln, or can you use a torch? Love your videos! I have been binge watching them all the last few weeks! Thank you for sharing your talents!

[@PamEast]

Base metal clays really require a kiln. You need to create an oxygen reduction atmosphere to prevent fire scale. That's done by burying the pieces in activated carbon which absorbs the surrounding oxygen. There is really no effective way to heat that other than in a kiln. Some base metal clay brands will claim you can fire them with a torch, but I've found the results to be poor.

[@ritahenry8002]

Pam, I love all your videos. I can't seem to find one that gives instructions for the bails that you show on these pieces. I'd love to know how to do those. Can you point me in the right direction? Also, I just purchased Art Clay Copper. But then learned that I can't fire that in the beehive kiln. Is that correct?

[@PamEast]

I don't really have an instructional video for the bail. I do have a short that sort of gives you the idea here: kzbin.infoMe5tV_eXufU You are correct that copper cannot be fired in the beehive. You need a regular kiln for that.

[@denisehoban9710]

Hi Pam, Always love your videos! I am going to order this!!! Question through - I want to get a domed effect on circle piece. Any advise on how I could do that? I have been torch firing, and when I try to dome with a hammer after my torch firing, I consistently get cracks. So, I'm hoping I can fire with something underneath to hold the shape. Is that possible?

[@PamEast]

I really don't recommend adding anything under the piece since that will block the heat. If you're getting cracking when doming your pieces are likely underfired. Firing for longer in the the ultralight should help with that. Also, are you using a dapping block and punch? It's a more supported way to dome a piece and results in fewer problems. This is a good video to watch. I recommend the wood blocks over the steel. less damage to the face of the piece. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3fYZot5bMmCp68

[@jennylynsparrow8117]

Hello Pam, I am going to start working with bronze and copper metal clay. Could you please tell me if your ultralight kiln is still your favorite? thank you! JennyLyn.🌷

[@PamEast]

I love the little Ultralite and it's good for many things, but unfortunately not base metal clays. you really need a kiln for that. base metal clays have to be fired in carbon and that cannot be done in the ultralite

[@jennylynsparrow8117]

@@PamEast do you have a video for working with these clays? And maybe a suggestion for my kiln. Again thank you!🌹

[@PamEast]

@@jennylynsparrow8117 I don't yet have any videos for this yet. it's on my "to do" list. Make sure you're subscribed to the channel so you get a notification when I film.

[@euvid1]

I have the Bee Hive Ultra Lite Kiln. According to their instructions COver it for 35 minutes for 35 minutes. THen adjust dial to desired temp.. However it says if you are firing metal clay using the temp controller FIRE WITH LID ON. Your instructions are to uncover it when firing after the 35 minutes. ANy thoughts on it would be appreciated. THank you EUdice G

[@PamEast]

The firing instructions differ for the beehive vs the studio model, and for plugging into the wall vs. using a temperature controller. To keep things simple, I chose to show one firing that works for all of them. The dial controllers are notoriously inaccurate IMO. Things tend not to get sintered properly if you use it to turn the temp down. Or conversely, it doesn't behave as it should, and things melt when you leave the lid on. I prefer one "no fail" firing procedure

[@euvid1]

@@PamEast it would be good if you mentioned it in the video that people shouldn't cover it even though the manufacturers instructions say so. On Cool tools site they give instructions but don't seem too thrilled with it when firing more than 1 piece. I bought an Evenheat Kingpin 88 kiln from Soul Ceramics for around $700 with a $25 discount for first time buyers. It is 8"x8"x6" inside the chamber and has 18 preset programs for most clays and 4 custom programs.

[@rhoder2]

Hi Pam. Do you think the controllers are still inaccurate? I just bought this kiln and want to fire EZ960

[@emilydavis408]

Hello, i was wondering if you can use the ultrlight kiln to finish glass beads after being made?

[@PamEast]

Interesting question! Annealing is pretty tricky. You need to be able to hold the temperature at around 1000 degrees. While you can buy a control device that lets you turn down the heat, you'd have to have some sort of pyrometer and monitor it constantly. I don't think it's a great solution for bead annealing.

[@MashaVereshchenko]

What controller do you recommend? Do you have a link for one? We’re trying to buy two of those kilns, but don’t want to buy the wrong controller.

[@PamEast]

All you need is an inexpensive rehostat. This is the one I use. amzn.to/3OwkEaU

[@euvid1]

You show that it should not be used with base metal clay. WHat are they exactly? THanks Eudice G

[@PamEast]

Base metal clays, such as copper and bronze, require firing in carbon to eliminate problems with oxidation. That cannot be done in an ultralite.

[@euvid1]

Thank you. EUdice G. So much to learn

[@alansamons5423]

Hi Pam. Long time!!! Do you know if I can fire FYI in a beehive? For some reason I have two beehives (the AMACO type). Great for enamel, but I've been too timid to fire silver in them just in case hours of work end up a molten puddle of silver.

[@PamEast]

Assuming you are using fine silver, and not sterling, it should be fine. The melting point of fine silver is 1761F. the top temp for the little beehive kilns is usually 1400 to 1600 depending on the brand/model. I've never seen one fire over 1600. I'm not sure what your hold time would be for FYI silver, since it's not a brand I've used. Good luck!

[@jaquelinevargas4105]

Can you fire porcelain or other earth ware clays in it?

[@PamEast]

Sadly, no. This isn't suitable for long ceramic firings. and it doesn't really get hot enough anyway.

[@ALuckyLassIAm]

Regarding metal clay, do these numbers and times apply to brass as well? Thank you I love your videos !!

[@PamEast]

Glad you enjoy the videos! Bronze clay requires firing in carbon and does not fire well in an ultralight. Sorry!

[@kristiecsu]

I’d love to hear if it works for the Sterling One-Fire ™ clay. It doesn’t require ramping or carbon, so I’d think so? But before I buy I want to make sure.

[@PamEast]

PMC Sterling One-Fire fires at 1600 to 1650. The ultralite fires at about 1500, so it's not really the best choice in this case.

[@rhoder2]

This is very informative! Can you fire sterling silver with the pro?

[@PamEast]

Any metal clay that requires carbon or temperatures over 1600 are not recommended for this device.

[@veronicawatson2525]

What about when you use pmc metal syringe how long do i fire on a mini burner stove for how many minutes?

[@PamEast]

When you say "mini burner stove" I assume you mean the Ultralite? If so, just fire the same as described in the video. It might not need that long a firing, but it won't hurt it.

[@victoriaharrison-sewell6717]

Thank you for this greatly informative video. As a 'rookie' on PMC clay I have been watching, & reading a lot, though not actually made anything yet. The reason is cost. I cannot afford a kiln. Watching your video with those small bench top kilns looked great.. Please could I ask you the price, & where you purchased them from? Thank you..

[@PamEast]

The ultralite is a great intro kiln! You can find all the pricing and such here: ultralitekiln.com/shop

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thank you.

[@PamEast]

You're welcome!

[@aumi.jewels]

Can I use bronze clay or copper clay and how long????? Plz help

[@PamEast]

The ultralite is not suitable for basemetals such as copper or bronze. I recommend it only for .999 silver clays, enameling and keum-boo

[@leengin]

I do not have the studio model. I have the beehive 1550f model. How long to I need to fire my PMC3 piece to get the optimal strength and what temperature control setting should I use? Thank you in advance.

[@PamEast]

The 1550 model is not that much different than the studio model. To be on the safe side, add another 10 minutes but other than that use all the same directions. Enjoy!

[@ambervisions]

​@@PamEast I have the smaller beehive kiln. Do I have to use a temp control or will it work fine without it? I'm firing pmc3

[@sharonmorris5245]

Can you get these kilns in the UK

[@PamEast]

Yes you can! The beehive model has now been discontinued, but they are still making and distributing the Studio model. It was better anyway. metalclay.co.uk is a certified retailer

[@The2buttercup1]

can copper clay be fired in this kiln? The copper clay says it can be fired on an open shelf.

[@PamEast]

The ultralite does not get hot enough to fire copper clay. Sorry!

[@cshigenaka]

Where can you buy one of these firing Kilns?

[@PamEast]

Here is a list of certified retailers jecproducts.com/certified-retailers

[@myacct9457]

With any pmc kiln, are there any odors or fumes during firing of any metal clay?

[@PamEast]

Burnout from metal clay is minimal. The amount of binder is tiny and is generally cellulose based (like burning paper). I've never noticed any odors.

[@pattifriend6676]

THANK YOU!!

[@PamEast]

You're welcome!

[@ValFredericks]

Thank you so much, Pam! It's been hard to find info on firing in my beehive, so I appreciate it. I am also interested in fusing glass cabs to set in my pendants in it but haven't tried it yet. Anyway - JEC's instructions say 10-20 minutes (for PMC3) and I have been firing for 20 minutes, which seems to be fine so far, as 10 minutes does not seem enough. Now I am wondering if it's better if I go to 35. What are your thoughts about that? Thanks, Valerie

[@euvid1]

Go to their website. It has info on how to use it with all of the metal clays. Eudice G

[@mewmew1132]

Can you keum boo it right after you polish it?

[@PamEast]

I find it's better to apply keumboo after you fire it, but before you polish it. If you have already polished something and wish to keumboo it, hit it with a torch long enough to remove any polishes and make the surface slightly whitish again. It will adhere better this way.

[@myacct9457]

Do you / can you fire the silver clay with gems stones in the design?

[@PamEast]

It depends on the gemstone. For CZs, Spinel, Sapphires and other high heat tolerant stones, yes you can fire them right in place. Other stones, such as amethyst, citrine, and other less heat safe stones have to be set after firing. For a better overview of what can be fired in place and what can't, Cooltools.us has some great hand outs. www.cooltools.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CTP-338