Information
The Shop has one Fuseworks Craft Glass Fusion Kiln. This kiln can fuse, slump, and mold glass by reaching temperatures up to 1400ºF.
The interior of the kiln is 8" in diameter and your project needs to fit centered on the shelf with at least 5/8" allowance on all sides. Projects cannot exceed 6" in diameter.
The Kiln is operated by a single dial on the right hand side that goes all the way to 30 minutes. You should never exceed more than 15 minutes at a time. The kiln must be finished firing and unplugged 30 minutes prior to The Shop closing. Glass pieces can be picked up the next Open Shop day.
Glass Fusion Kiln Certification Class
Only patrons 18 years and older with a library card in good standing can operate the Glass Kiln and are required to be certified before booking use. Certification classes are offered in person and you can visit The Shop Events Calendar to register.
Glass Fusion
Glass fusion involves heating glass to extreme temperatures to get it to melt together in three different kinds of fuses: Tack Fuse, Contour Fuse, and Full Fuse. Details and timelines for each type of fuse can be seen below:
Staff must be notified before you plan on firing the kiln. All molds should have a good spray of mold release on them and be on kiln stilts before being utilized.
When the timer ends after firing, put on your heat protective gloves and safety glasses before you open the lid to check your project. You can continue firing your piece in 1-2 minute increments afterwards.
Materials
- Glass is rated by COE (Coefficient of Expansion). Glass of the same COE will expand and contract at a similar rate as it is heated and cooled in the kiln.
- 96 COE is required for kiln use.
- Mixing glass of different COEs can ruin your project. 2 layers is the maximum you can stack.
- When glass melts into a more liquid state it will naturally want to pool to a consistent thickness of 1/4". Sometimes this can result in a distortion of thickness when a full fuse is attempted.
Types of Glass
Sheet glass
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Dichroic Glass
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Frit
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Stringers| What The Shop Provides for free | Not Provided |
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Glass Cutting Tools
All glass needs to be cut in the Little Shop either in the designated plastic tubs or dedication workstation to help keep surfaces free of glass shards. Never use your hand to sweep glass off of a surface, instead use a hand broom or wet rag.
| Protective Gloves and Safety Glasses | Protective gloves are available for those who want extra protection for their hands. Safety glasses are required. |
| Nippers | Nippers have two cutting wheels that apply pressure to both sides of the glass and breaking them with ease. These are great for small pieces of glass like stringers or small pieces that can be nipped off sheet glass. |
| Running Pliers | These are used after you score with the pistol grip scoring tool. The running pliers apply an upward pressure along the sore line encouraging a crack along that line. |
| Breaking Pliers | These can be used to break off narrow bits of glass after you score it with the pistol grip scoring tool. |
| Pistol Grip Scoring Tool | This tool has a tiny wheel that scores glass to make more intricate cuts. To have more control over your score line utilize a silicone mat to rest your glass on and use a metal ruler with cork backing. Make sure to score away from your body. |
Places to Buy Glass
Please make sure to purchase only 96 COE.