First trial pieces

[Kev]

Ok fellow fusers..help me out here. I don't want to give any incorrect information as I have not really worked that much with single layer glass.  

Here's my thought..please correct me if I'm wrong.

Since the glass is only single layer, I would think that you could ramp up faster as you have less volume of glass to heat.

When you say you can only ramp down 400 degrees per hour, do you mean that is all you can program it to do, or that is all the kiln will  physically cool in an hour? Setting it to 9999 will allow the  kiln to cool as fast as it physically can....and that would be different from kiln to kiln, and, I would assume the mass of the project inside trying to cool would change the rate of cooling as well.  

I suspect your glass would slump before 1300 degrees..typically 1200-1250 usually will do it, though I have had some pieces slump at 1130...so it's just a matter of experimenting and getting to know your kiln and the glass your using.

I would include an annealing segment in any schedule, which is not present in the schedule you posted.  Then just play with the other segments and see what you can get away with and yet get the results you want.

I'm still learning myself, and have a long way to go with it, but whether you produce a failure, a quirky piece, of a real beauty....it's all a learning experience.

[Kev]

Here are some links with great information from the glass sources themselves.


http://www.system96.com/

http://www.bullseyeglass.com/education/


A good reference book is always good to have on hand as well....check out "Contemporary Fused Glass" by Brad Walker. This is a very well received book and to many it's like a bible for fusers.  You can order it directly from the forum Warmglass.com. That forum also is a great resource for fusers..check it out....

http://www.warmglass.com/basic.htm

[gws732]

Kev, I can program it to do whatever but it does not cool any faster than that per hour. Should I do the piecies over and include an annealing stage or is that possible? I am going to play with it a lot more and see what I can get away with. I really have not had a lot of time lately but hope to have more in couple of weeks. I will get the book and read more. I think we all have to start somewhere and never get through learning each and every day. I think i will try your schedule next and see what happens in my kiln. I always apperciate all the help I can get and need lots of it. Thanks you so much for the help.

[Kev]

Hey there,

I understand about the not enough time thing, I think many of us here have that problem.

You might try putting the previous pieces back into the kiln and taking it up to the slumping temp with no hold and then allow it to ramp down per the schedule with the anneal segment in it. I would think that this would correct any potential problem that may be present in them now.

Try it first with the one you like the least and see how it goes. If all goes well, then do the other piece.

Even when I program 9999 degrees, mine too only cools as fast as the kiln itself will allow, but using that as a the programmed segment, will allow it to cool as fast as it can and not be hampered by a temp I enter that might be slower then the kiln can actually cool. I think it's a pretty standard entry to make ...you will also see it listed in programs as AFAP (as fast as possible).

I certainly do not have all the answers or knowledge, buy more than eager to assist when I can.

[gws732]

I had already decided that might be the thing to do. As for my least fav piece, I have liked them all but guess I will start with the piece I did last as it was my least fav color.
It is a good thing we all have each other on this forum to learn from.
I will post results as soon as I can do another trial piece.

[Kev]

Great!

Yes I agree. I have had some great help here. I've not taken any classes, so I am self taught. Thank goodness we have talented people that are free to offer help.

[ct4mom]

 Thank goodness we have talented people that are free to offer help.
[/quote]


 

[gws732]

 

[Debbie]

You really don't need to take it up to the slump temp.  Just go slow to the anneal temp, hold for 30 to 45 minutes, and then cool normally.  Your slumps on these pieces look great.  All that's missing is the anneal.  I don't post here much but I've been fusing for several years.

[Kev]

Good advice Deb! I never thought of that. See....it's great to have people chime in with thoughts and advice..got to love it!

[gws732]

Thanks Deb, it is always nice to hear from someone that has done it for a while. I like having others give me their advice on things I haven't a clue on. I read a lot about it and search on here. I haven't taken any classes either.

[Debbie]

I'm self taught too.  I've been where you are.  It always helps to research.  Brad Walker's book is what taught me a lot as well as scouring the forums.  You have a good first start.  Just remember to document each firing.  This documentation is what will help you learn how your kiln works.  I have 3 kilns now!  I had to name the darn things just to keep track.

Kev...I figured you hadn't thought of just firing to anneal temp because you had a handle on the rest.  By the way, I'm loving your work!  The pieces in the pot melt area are to die for!

[Kev]

They were a lot of fun to create. I have the large one slumped and will slump the smaller one tomorrow.  They are looking really nice in person, and the black is so glossy....but boy does it show fingerprints! I'll post pics of the both of them tomorrow evening.

[Becki]

I’m totally self taught and have been doing this for quite a few years and you’re getting some pretty good advice here.  The internet is full of information, both good and not so good, and when you’re just beginning it’s hard to know where to go to get both good and reliable information. Kev and Debbie have given you a good start. Keep reading, keep good notes and if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask. We may not have all the answers but we try our best!

[gws732]

Took care of the problem and annealing done. Now on to something else. May have other questions later. I have always believed the old saying only dumb question is the one not ask.