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Paragon Super Dragon Kiln

List Price $8950.00

Dogwood Ceramic Supply's Discounted Price $5700.00

    The Paragon Super Dragon Kiln is the big brother of the Paragon Dragon Kiln.  The Paragon Super Dragon is the really BIG Brother of the Dragon.  The kiln door on the Paragon Super Dragon is a floating system that required four spring door latches, and SIX hinge assemblies to fasten the door to the kiln frame.  Unlike the Dragon, who has a choice of kiln stands, the Super Dragon comes standard with a built-in stand that is necessary to support the weight of the heavy door.  Even though the door weighs well over 250 lbs the door moves with just fingertip pressure.  The level of attention to the door and mounting hardware is carried out throughout the entire kiln.

    "I couldn't find a kiln large enough for my pots", and the Dragon Master at Dogwood Ceramic Supply "got me in touch with Paragon, and they made two Super Dragons for me.  They are just the right size kilns for my pots.  I am completely satisfied with their performance."              Brian Courtney of Donavisa's Pottery Designs Slidell, Louisiana.

    The features listed below are based upon the Paragon Super Dragon Kilns sold to Brian Courtney.  Your Paragon Super Dragon can be made to any possible configuration.  Need a taller kiln?  Not a problem.  Need a wider kiln?  Not a problem.  The floating door system developed by Paragon means virtually any kiln configuration is possible.  For additional information on how Paragon can make a Super Dragon work for your studio just contact the Dragon Master at Dogwood Ceramic Supply.

Paragon Super Dragon Kiln Features:

• Cone 10, 2350°F
• 15 cubic foot interior: 27" wide x 27" deep x 35¾" tall
• 3" insulating firebrick and 1" non-organic block insulation in walls, door, and top.  4" total thickness
• 4 ½" thick firebrick bottom
• Exterior case temperature at Cone 10 is only 170°F (compared to 400-500°F for many standard round kilns)
• Proportional power elements for even heating
• Sentry 2.0 12-Key Digital Controller with programmed cool-down and full range of user programmable firing options
• 21,600 watts of power.  Requires #2 wire, direct service, 125 amp circuit breaker.
• Long-lasting mercury relays
• Single Zone K Type Thermocouple temperature sensor and control
• Available in 200, 208, 220, 240, 480v, 1 & 3 phase power options
• This kiln will NOT fit through any standard doorway.  Rollup garage door access recommended.
• Shipping weight 1500 lbs.
• Kiln weight, approximately 1265 lbs.

Paragon Super Dragon Kiln Options:

• Furniture Kit
  • 1 C-30 Shelf (22" x 22" x 1" thick)
  • 4 C-30H 1/2 Shelves (22" x 11" x 1" thick)
  • 1 ½” wide Square Posts, 8 of each: 4”, 6” and 8" lengths
  • 1 lb. Bag Kiln Wash
  • Furniture Kit Shipping Weight: 128 lbs.
• Orton Vent Master down draft ventilation system
• Auxiliary Output to control Orton KilnVent
• S Type Thermocouple temperature sensor and control
• 3 Zone K Type or S Type Thermocouple temperature sensor and control
• APM Elements

Prices valid until December 31, 2008.

Prices:
    $8950.00 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.  Dogwood Ceramic Supply's discounted price is $5700.00.

    All options have appropriate discounts applied from the MSRP.

    The Paragon Factory Freight Free Program also applies to any combination of Paragon Super Dragon Kiln that exceed $6000 or more at Dogwood's selling price.  Simply add the matching furniture kit and the entire kiln package will meet the requirements of Paragon Factory Freight Free Program.  The Paragon Factory Freight Free program was designed for commercial locations with a loading dock.  Additional charges for liftgate service, restricted access or limited access delivery may apply.

Options Explained:

Furniture:
    The Super Dragon uses the same furniture as the Dragon.  Dogwood Ceramic Supply recommends the customer consult with the Dragon Master to determine the appropriate furniture for your needs.  The price listed is for the standard Dragon furniture kit.

Kiln Stand:
    Included in kiln price.

Orton Vent Master:
    The Orton downdraft Vent Master is designed to remove noxious gases from a kiln during firing and exhausts the gases from the room.  For more information regarding kiln ventilation please refer to Dogwood Ceramic Supply's Orton Vent Master section on the Paragon Information page.
    Dogwood Ceramic Supply offers the Orton Vent Master with the optional Auxiliary Output (AOP).  The AOP is a factory installed power supply that is operated through the Orton Sentry 2.0 digital Controller.  By programming the Sentry 2.0 controller and powering the vent through the AOP, the Vent Master can be operated in the most energy efficient and optimum mode for each type of firing.
    Please note, the Orton Vent Master can be retrofitted to a kiln after purchase with some difficulty, but the AOP is only available as a factory installed option.
    Installation is included in the price of the Orton Vent Master with the Super Dragon.

S Type:
    S Type Thermocouples are popular with potter's and production studios due to their long life and high degree of accuracy. For more information regarding the choice of thermocouples, please refer to Dogwood Ceramic Supply's S-Type versus K-Type section on the Paragon Information page.

3 Zone Control:
    The standard configuration of the kiln uses a single thermocouple located near the middle of the kiln wall on the right hand side of the kiln as one is viewing the kiln.   The Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller computes the temperature of the kiln every second, and computes and adjusts the firing speed and temperature based upon those temperature readings.   For most customers, especially for customers using a smaller kiln, the single zone (or single thermocouple sensor) monitoring system works extremely well.  But, as kiln sizes increases, the single zone control is not always adequate.  There are instances when a kiln user, especially somebody doing large sculptural works, may have a terribly unbalanced load in the kiln.  This is especially true when the sculpture has a large heavy base and light weight top section.  In those instances, it may be desirable to monitor and adjust the temperature in multiple locations within the kiln.   It is for those customers that the option of the 3 Zone Control was added to the Orton Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller.
    3 Zone Controls work by monitoring the temperature at 3 locations on the kiln wall on the right hand side of the kiln as one is viewing the kiln.  The Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller computes the temperature from each of the 3 regions (zones), compares the temperatures, and if one region of the kiln is firing hotter (due to a lighter load of clay or kiln shelves in that region), the digital controller cuts the power to that region to allow the cooler regions to catch up.  Thus, an unbalanced kiln load is adjusted to quickly and evenly fired to same temperature throughout the kiln.
    Due to the typical usage of Super Dragons, the 3 Zone Control is strongly recommended.
    As with the Single Zone Control, the 3 Zone is available with either K-Type or S-Type Thermocouples.  If a 3 Zone Control is optioned, all 3 thermocouples must be of the same type.  Please note, 3 Zone Control can be operated as a Single Zone Control (in the event of a thermocouple failure, or if so desired), by changing a simple user accessible code on the key pad of the Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller.
    Due to wiring concerns, 3 Zone Control must be installed at the time the kiln is manufactured.

Door Element:
    Due to complex door hinge design door elements are not possible.  To minimize heat loss, the Super Dragon door has an 1" insert that seals the door against heat loss.     

Stainless Steel Exterior:
    Due to the complex door hinge assembly, stainless steel exterior is not available.

APM Elements:
    Standard kiln elements from all kiln manufacturers are made from Kanthal A1 or equivalent wire that is designed for a maximum temperature performance of Cone 10.  For must customers, the conventional element performs extremely well and is quite durable.  However, at temperatures above Cone 6, especially in the presence of some corrosive gases, the Kanthal wire may suffer some premature fatigue and failure.   Theses gases are generally found with home made glazes that are "pushing the envelope", or in industrial settings.
    APM elements are an advanced alloy produced by Kanthal that is resistant to many of the corrosive gases that could be produced from pottery glazes, is rated to perform to approximately 2700°F (much hotter than Cone 10 at 2340°F), and does not incur resistance changes over time from usage.  Bottom line, APM elements are far superior to the conventional elements.  APM elements are also relatively expensive.
    Customers that have routinely fire to Cone 10, or near Cone 10, and have experienced the need to frequently (monthly, weekly, every firing) change elements in their existing kiln may want to consider adding APM Elements to their Super Dragon.  The good news is that APM elements can be retrofitted to any kiln at any time.

   

A matched pair of Paragon's Super Dragons and Viking 28's
 Donavisa's Pottery Designs Slidell, Louisiana.

Brian Courtney at Donavisa's Pottery Designs

Unfortunately Donavisa's Pottery Designs did not survive Hurricane Katrina.
 

    Ready to buy your own Super Dragon?  Then pickup the telephone and call the Dragon Master at Dogwood Ceramic Supply.  The Dragon Master will talk you through the selection process of all of the available options and insure that your Super Dragon is equipped to meet all of your needs.  And in a few short weeks, your new Super Dragon will be delivered to your studio, ready to breath FIRE into your ceramic projects.