In #FusedGlass progress today. Doing everything identical to a 2013 firing, confirmed that the kiln is performing at about the same speed with the new parts. But it seems like the temp might be a bit low. The new frit balls did not get quite as dark and did not round out as much. There were two differences. The old firing was for 100 pieces, while the new had only 9 because that's tedious and I don't need 100 pieces. The volume difference is fairly insignificant. The other difference was the starting temp in the garage was 10 degrees F lower in December 2013. The weather is the one aspect that can't be controlled. 😂

Next time ... repeat the frit ball test, going higher by 10F, which is unrelated to the start temp, just the logical next step.

Asking for input from #FusedGlass or other #Kiln artists.

I had a strange result from a schedule change. I added a 15-minute hold in the middle of the schedule, but it ran only 10 minutes more than the prior run, rather than 15 minutes more. I have an idea but would really like other ideas or feedback. This is testing small pieces, so no annealing.

Small jewelry kiln, 6x6x4, firebrick, side element, clay shelf, 3 button controller.
First run AFAP to 1420F hold 15, Off. Started at 77F and ran 43 minutes. Glass red, opaline, clear. Papyros.
Second run AFAP to 1000F hold 15, AFAP to 1420F hold 15, Off. Started at 76F and ran 53 minutes. Glass clear, opaline. Thinfire.

My thoughts:
1. The extra hold at 1000F stabilized the heat and assured the shelf was hot, so it was easier and faster to get to final temp.
2. The red glass absorbed more of the heat in run one, making the run slower than the second. However, this theory doesn't seem to be able to account for 5 minutes.

Anybody?

In #FusedGlass frustration today. My brain churned through the plan overnight. The problem is the glass I need to use on this project is not compatible with the design of the project. So the design is what has to change.

Instead of firing one layer low, it needs to be two layers fired at a normal fusing temp. So the next question is what to use for the second layer to achieve the desired characteristics. Once that decision is made, the next question will be how high and how long.

So today 4 different bits went in. But the firing completion time was too fast. Did I mess up the program or do the new kiln parts have a problem that I haven't identified yet? Several hours from now I can check the program, but the waiting is hard.

I don't often post about #FusedGlass but you may start seeing more now that I have time to devote to it. Unfortunately the hot weather means focusing on fast and early firings so that they are cooling before the heat of the day. I'm mostly doing some fast test runs and expecting some failures, like yesterday.

This red test piece went in this morning. Why? I want to do a much larger piece using some glass that is very finicky about temp and time. Too little and it looks clear, too much and it becomes a dirty ivory. Just right, it glows by itself or mutes other colors with a milky look.

Since replacing some parts in the jewelry kiln a few years ago, it has fired a bit differently than before. It usually doesn't matter. My fingers are crossed for a happy outcome #today

Finally got around to assembling the shot glass.

Both of my instructors have no idea what is going to happen, LOL. I love that I can just try weird shit in class.

It's on it's own in the itty bitty kiln so if it falls all over the place, nothing else gets messed up and they have assured me that no matter what happens, it won't muck up the kiln itself.

Worst case scenario, I have some abstract art and I'm out a sheet of tekta.

#FusedGlass

Also trying some frit displacement - thank you @nora for the idea!

#FusedGlass

Finally got around to trying out my little heart molds!

One has clear + transparent red frit, the other has clear + opaque red frit, and the last is some bits from one of my puddles.

#FusedGlass