making consistant small oval cabs

[Chelseaglass]

Without using a mold, how can I obtain consistant almond sized oval/ovoid shapes? I have tried stacking small rectangles but get rounded corner rectangles as a result. No problem obtaining round cabs with the spiral stack method but the oval shapes have been hit or miss--mainly miss.

[Brad Walker]

I would try firing a few degrees higher than you currently are. If that doesn't work, try nipping off the corners of the rectangles before you fire. But if the rectangles are fairly small, a higher fusing temperature should do the job.

Also, experiment with one layer vs. two (and maybe even three) to see which works best for you.

[Brock]

Start with oval blanks . . .

[Chelseaglass]

Brock,

I was trying to find a quicker way! Thanks--I used to cut small circles for the cabs until I realized the staggered stack and fire method, but will cut shapes for the next batch.

The pieces I am firing are 4-6 layers thick.

[Morganica]

You can also try cutting elongated diamonds and nip off the extremely angled corners. One thing: Different colors can give different results with the same schedule (unless you just nuke the heck out it). If you're noticing that some colors give a great oval result and others don't, boosting the schedule as Brad describes will probably solve the problem.

[twin vision glass]

Make a fused panel of glass the thickness you want. Get it water jet cut . It is PERFECT and will fit into any silver form or setting. Fire Polish if you desire it as well.
Les

[Barry Kaiser]

Another method is to fuse to approximate size and then grind to size and shape. We have a 6 wheel rotary grinder which makes short work of this process.

Barry

[Dolores]

If you need absolute consistancy as well as high volume, get the blanks waterjet cut. What you save in time, angst, and energy more than covers the cost.

DOLORES