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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Paragon kiln. We are confident that the kiln will give you many years of relax-
ation and creative enjoyment—provided you read and follow the manuals. Though you may be excited to
fire your kiln, first read the manuals that came with your kiln. The more you know about your kiln, the
more you will enjoy it.
This manual covers the kiln switches and the Orton Auto-Cone® automatic shutoff. Before you read this
manual, read "Paragon Ceramic Kiln Instruction and Service Manual" and "Safe Installation of the Elec-
tric Kiln," which are also shipped with your new kiln. Please contact the factory if you do not have copies.
You can also download them at www.paragonweb.com. Select "Support" and then "Instruction Manuals"
from the drop menu. The manuals are listed alphabetically.
Also, go to www.paragonweb.com and select "Products," then "Books & DVDs" from the drop menu. The
books we recommend will enhance your kiln experience.
At www.paragonweb.com you will also find online videos for many of the procedures shown in this
manual. As you read each section, you can go online to watch an actual demonstration from your
computer.
Throughout the manual you will find photos of the Dawson Kiln Sitter®. These photos also apply to the
Orton Auto-Cone, which has replaced the Dawson Kiln Sitter. (Orton, the company that makes pyro-
metric cones, began making the Auto-Cone in 2009.) The Auto-Cone is Orton’s version of the Kiln
Sitter. To avoid confusion, we refer to the Auto-Cone as the Kiln Sitter throughout this manual.
Even though your Paragon kiln has an Orton Auto-Cone automatic shut-off, check the kiln at the ex-
pected shut-off time. The Kiln Sitter is reliable, but since it is a mechanical device, it can malfunction
and overfire the kiln. The warranty on your kiln does not cover damage from overfiring, regardless of the
circumstances. It is the operator’s responsibility to make sure the kiln turns off when the firing is com-
pleted. Never leave your kiln unattended near the end of the firing.
Check your new kiln frequently during the first few firings and note the color change inside the kiln. After
awhile you can learn to estimate, with considerable accuracy, when the kiln is about to shut off just by ob-
serving the color.
If you call us about your kiln, please have the model number, part
number (P/N), and voltage from the kiln's electrical data plate handy.
(The plate is attached to the side of the switch box.) Write that infor-
mation on the cover of the manual for quick reference.
Do not be concerned that your kiln makes a clicking sound during
firing. Infinite control switches click as they cycle on and off until
turned to high. The sound is normal.
Special thanks to Mel Jacobson for reading the manuscript and offering suggestions. Feel free to send
comments about this manual to [email protected].
©2010, by Paragon Industries, L.P. IM-239/12-09
2011 South Town East Blvd.
Mesquite,Texas 75149-1122
Toll Free: 800-876-4328
972/288-7557
Toll Free Fax: 888-222-6450
Fax: 972-222-0646
[email protected]
www.paragonweb.com
