How To Change The Door On A Paragon SC2 Or SC3.

If you originally bought a plain door SC2 or SC3, you might want to change it for a bead-door version or a window version. The new door will arrive undrilled, so getting it correctly aligned before making new holes is important. Although the video shows drilling with the door in place, it's easier to mark the screw positions with a pencil and drill the door away from the kiln.

The hinge is screwed to the case and to the door. Usually, you'll only need to remove the screws holding the door to the hinge, although loosening the case-screws will allow just enough movement to re-align the door if necessary. However, you might need to adjust the ball catch or lever latch afterwards. The SC2-SC3 hard-to-adjust ball catch, in the second photo, is US-International. The SC2-SC3 easy-to-adjust lever latch, in the third photo, is a Cherry Heaven modification.

Be careful drilling new holes. If they're slightly in the wrong place you won't be able to drill a new one just 1mm away: you'll end up with an oval hole and the screws will never tighten. Also, when drilling sheet metal, the drill will suddenly break through the last bit. So make sure that you restrain the drill.

All the US-International SC series kiln doors have a ball-catch and a plastic knob, as in the first photo. However, the catch is often too loose or too tight, particularly when the kiln is hot and the metal has expanded. It's easy to disturb your work whilst pushing the door catch closed or pulling it open, and you often need a free hand to hold the hot kiln steady.

Although the ball catch can be adjusted, the allowed adjustment is minimal and usually doesn't fix the problem: you might need to adjust the door hinge as well. If you adjust the catch, work over a cloth so that, if the ball falls out it won't roll away never to be seen again. It's very tiny, so better to search with a magnet than with a dustpan and brush.

All the SC series kilns sold by Cherry Heaven have an improved lever latch, and no plastic knob, as in the second photo. The lever latch has a much easier and cleaner action, and is simpler to adjust. However, in case your kiln looks slightly different, remember that manufacturers reserve the right to change products.

Don't work on your kiln on any surface that might get scratched. Unplug the kiln. In the factory, screws are put in tightly with an electric screwdriver. When removing them, use the correct-size screwdriver. As with any screw, the wrong size screwdriver can damage the head, making it difficult to remove. And, when refitting them, don't over-tighten them in case the thread strips.

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