WarmGlass.com

Well yes you got a good deal. Skutt is still making basically the same kiln - it is the only manual kiln in their glass kiln line (I can't recall the model number right now), and it is the same as the HotStart kiln with different controls. I used one for the first year I was firing glass. But it is ...

Klyrfire works as an adhesive, but it isn't a strong bond. You can pry things held with it apart (sometimes accidentally). It does the best job of not leaving any residue (in my opinion), but if I really need it to stick and not budge while I'm doing other things or moving it, then I use diluted whi...

So you're looking in the kiln and it looks just right. When you say you vent, do you mean lifting up the lid? Until the temp drops a hundred degrees or your shirt catches on fire? If that is the case then you're misreading the degree of texture left, because that certainly should stop the melt. If y...

According to my supplier, the binder fumes aren't toxic. However, like all airborne particulates perhaps something to be avoided.

Tony Smith wrote:Tin melts at 449°F. It'll make a mess.

Tony

Really? That's even lower than the melting point of lead. About the melting point of 60/40 solder. I guess I've never tried to solder a tin object.

Hey Tony! Just couldn't resist trying it, eh? I'm really surprised that the backing didn't burn right off - its just some kind of painted on coating.

I would also worry about fumes, but I think the worst fumes are when they're applying the silver to the glass - the carrier.

If they're not sticking together, then you're not going high enough. If you're watching the firing then you can probably tell when you've reached the optimum point. The powder should be a little bit glossy. If you go too high then the edges will start crawling in and distorting. You usually want to ...

That's interesting about the violet. I've never had that particular color change at all - even when flameworking. I thought it was pretty stable. However long periods of time in the kiln can do weird things. Has anyone else experienced color shifts with violet, and I assume we're talking about that ...

Perhaps the 200 lb relates to a pressure pot that comes with the compressor. I would think that any 5 HP compressor would suffice for small work. But I wouldn't pay too much as you don't know what shape it's in. A new industrial grade 5 HP compressor would sell here in Canada for maybe $1500-2000 (C...

I use Velvet Etch for float glass (light colored cream), and Etchall DipNetch (brown liquid) for beads. The velvet etch works very well on float but barely touched Bullseye glass. Haven't tried it on Spectrum.

Lynne

Good point Geri about the shape of the kiln in respect to venting. My top loading kiln can be propped open a little quite safely. In the Clamshell kiln, because the lid opening is level with the glass, the glass catches a chill quite easily. I don't prop the lid open until it is down to 250F and the...

Well, nail polish remover is acetone, sort of. I've never found any glues that nail polish remover won't work on. I actually use lacquer thinner for glues, but have got out the nail polish remover in a pinch. This must be some special kind of goo.

Lacquer thinner for anything greasy or sticky (like those nasty rubber bumpers, labels, etc) and then Sprayway. Sprayway shows up any films left from labels, etc. when you spray it on - you can see the shape of the removed label very clearly. I then take the lacquer thinner to it, and use the Sprayw...

So, have you all figured out exactly how he makes the base?

I've had no problems with baroque at dropthru temps but all the regular Spectrum can have devit problems at fusing temps. If I wanted thicker baroque for a dropthru, I would cut a circle of System 96 fusing clear and put it on top of the baroque then full fuse. I used to cap all the colors this way ...

I think it works best to keep some space between your creative, experimental work and the work that pays the bills. At least until you can command the kind of prices where it isn't an issue. I started out with a stained glass "hobby" that quickly became a business. After some years at this...

Sorry, I guess I should clarify that for the metrically challenged. Regular System 96 is 3mm and the thin is 2mm. It's weird here in Canada. When they started the metric conversion, they changed all the thicknesses of materials to metric, but not the surface area. Then the government got cold feet a...

It's 2mm so I don't think it's as thin as BE.

How about just using clay? Pretty durable, easy to carve if you let it dry up some before you start. Pattern will shrink some as it dries but this may not be a problem. Just be careful with undercuts.

That sounds like a really good safety feature. Re the timer: I put in a timer on an old manual kiln that would shut off all the power to the kiln. The timer is connected to a contact switch ahead of the kiln outlet box. Now I suppose this contact switch could also fail, but it only turns on and off ...