Novice looking for help with Fuseworks Craft kiln
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2019 3:13 pm
I am a novice and pretty much self taught with no convenient access to classes other than via the internet. I play with glass mosaics and fused glass using the Fuseworks microwave kiln and the new Fuseworks Craft kiln. I am hoping that there might be others on this message board who have experience with the Craft kiln and can explain to me what I am doing wrong. The kiln is a small table top model with only a timer control, so is limited in what it can do, but for small fusing projects, it works pretty well, and I can finish a project in a few hours. My frustration has been with trying to use frit and molds. The kiln comes with some pretty specific instructions for firing a mold, which I follow carefully. I use the Hi-Temp spray on stuff for mold release, and everything works well for the first use or two, but with each subsequent use, the results are more and more of a problem. I reapply the spray between each use, but sooner or later, the glass is going to stick to the mold regardless. I end up having to refire it upside down to get the glass out, and the mold ends up looking weird - like some kind of ceramic coating is now gone, and I'm afraid the mold may be ruined. I know I'm doing something wrong, but I don't know what it is. I reapply the spray between firings, I never mix COE's, and I follow the firing schedule provided with the kiln, which are: use kiln posts under the mold, fire for 5 minutes, then rest 2 minutes for 3 times to temper the mold, then fire for 7-10 minutes. Cool 2 hours, then crack open the kiln to cool for another 30-60 minutes. I'm using either 90 or 96COE frit in either a medium or fine grit. Can anyone educate me on what I'm doing wrong, and if my mold(s) are ruined or if they can be salvaged? Maybe I just can't do this kind of glass work in such an unsophisticated kiln? Thanks!! Oh, should I try to post a picture of one of the molds and its weird interior?