ceramic and porcelain tiles as dams?

[Stephen Richard]

I've used Thinfire the same way you have described except used only one layer in front of 3mm fibre paper inside dams. Works well.

[haleybach]

I keep meaning to get a blog post of some sort written up about this, but, in regards to using fiber paper when damming...

Several times now I have cut thin strips of Papyros paper, cellophane-taped the ends together to make a long strip, wrapped it around the glass for several layers, then used a layer of fiber paper around that before damming (either with ceramic strips or using a stainless ring). By using the Papyros, the edges of the glass are much smoother so they require less coldworking. That's the one thing I don't like about damming -- the "popcorn" on the edges from the fiber paper. The edges are usually cold-worked anyway, but it requires far less work if you start with a smoother surface .

I've had good success with this so far. I would assume that ThinFire would not hold up like the Papyros does, but I haven't tried it.

Dana W.

I do it a little differently. I just glue a layer of thinfire over the fiber paper. Just a dot, not a lot. I also use a dot of glue to hold the fiber papar to my dam. This also makes it much more likely that I will be able to get extra firings out of the fiber paper because it stays stuck to the damn after it fires if I am careful. It might just be me, but fired fiber paper strips tend to fall apart if I touch them.

And I agree with what most have said, cut up a broken shelf.

[twin vision glass]

#1 Colour Bar Containment Moldsjpeg.jpg (99.91 KiB) Viewed 9739 times

I know that the idea of this thread was to talk about less expensive dams but I just thought I would share this as I have used these dams for almost 10 years and all you do it prime them and they do not thermal shock or you do not have to use fiber blanket or anything and they just slip off afterwards. Yes it is a Zircar product and some find it expensive BUT at the end of the day it is fabulous for quick set up , no bracing necessary and always the same size of glass panel every time. Just thought I would share this alternative idea.
Les

[Peter Angel]

Yes it is a Zircar product and some find it expensive BUT at the end of the day it is fabulous for quick set up , no bracing necessary and always the same size of glass panel every time. Les

Hi Les.

Thanks for sharing.

Ive had a look at the zircar products website and they have many refractory type products. Can you please tell me the name of this product?

Pete

[twin vision glass]

http://www.zrci.com/rs101.htm
This site might help out or call Zircar and let them know it is a Glass Containment Mold you would like. You must tell them that it is sooooo important to polish the bottom side completely flat and THE INSIDE) . Usually the molds they have singles of are : 19 ich x 10 inch x 1/2 inch. (the larger one you see in the photo. You can get them in different hights and I use 1 inch one and 2 inch ones and 3 inchs ones for colour bars or other things. Mike Cauda is the contact person: and let him know I totally suggested the polishing of bottom and inside or do not purchase. Other wise you will have problems. Yes the cost is above $100.00 each BUT I have had them for years. You MUST fire out first and then ALWAYS prime them every time you use them. Gentle sanding after usage. If taken care of they should just simply slide off!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah! Then slice away.
Leslie
http://www.twinvision.fusedglassartists ... rial-1.pdf

[Risa]

Here's another idea...

I've been using the interlocking stainless pieces (http://www.slumpys.com/Warm-Glass-Molds/Lock-in-Mold) for square and rectangular pieces. I line it with 3mm fiber paper and/or use Boron Nitride. No damming needed...adjustable in 1/2 inch to 1 inch increments. One time investment...from 1" x 1" to 17" x 17" (if you buy 4 extra large ones).

[Morganica]

Risa, those are nice. I like them because they'll bulk a lot less in the kiln than the mullite dams.

[twin vision glass]

Yes I agree Cynthia, but perahps it is because I hate to use fiber because of the smell and the particles that come off it and sometimes affect the glass in not great ways. The way I am working is absolutely NO mess. Hmm eh!!!! One time out put of money and then years of NO fiber. So perhaps it balances out . Hope you are well toooo Cynthia. Miss you. May be coming to Portland in the fall so will look you up again as we need a dinner out to catch up on all the wonderful things Portland has to offer. Les

[twin vision glass]

Colour Bar Bowls slumpingjpeg.jpg (95.26 KiB) Viewed 9698 times

Well no fuss no muss and no grinding. Out of mold into mold