Fused Glass Sinks

This is the main board for discussing general techniques, tools, and processes for fusing, slumping, and related kiln-forming activities.

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lbailey
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Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:53 pm
Location: FL Panhandle

Fused Glass Sinks

Post by lbailey »

For those of you that have made and installed sinks (assume bathroom use), any experience with a guest or family member that has run very hot water immediately followed by cold water or the reverse? I am considering these for our home but a bit concerned about thermal shock. Seems more likely to occur on the border of two glasses with different thermal properties. (No idea which combos this would be, any reliable point of reference would be appreciated.)

I'd certainly test any sink I made before installing it but wanted to check with this group before making one.

Thanks!
JestersBaubles
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Re: Fused Glass Sinks

Post by JestersBaubles »

Yes, you do have to consider thermal shock.

You may want to contact Lisa Vogt and ask for her comments. She's the fused glass sink Queen (well, OK, she teaches classes, has videos, and has done a lot of sinks).

Dana
lbailey
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Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:53 pm
Location: FL Panhandle

Re: Fused Glass Sinks

Post by lbailey »

Yeah, I have one of her instructional DVDs, no real details re: thermal shock. Also found a commercial outfit that sells them for custom homes, no details there either.

Was hoping this group (which I trust a lot), might have some objective data or experience.

Thanks
Brad Walker
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Re: Fused Glass Sinks

Post by Brad Walker »

I have been told by Bullseye that Lani and Dan replace the sinks in their bathrooms every few years due to thermal shock. They're wonderful for a seldom used room such as a foyer bath, but don't stand up well to everyday shaving and hot/cold water situations.

The cheap ones from China are often tempered, which is a differently animal altogether
lbailey
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:53 pm
Location: FL Panhandle

Re: Fused Glass Sinks

Post by lbailey »

That's the type of info I was looking for, thanks Brad.
JestersBaubles
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Re: Fused Glass Sinks

Post by JestersBaubles »

lbailey wrote:Yeah, I have one of her instructional DVDs, no real details re: thermal shock. Also found a commercial outfit that sells them for custom homes, no details there either.
Thanks
Lisa's very generous with her knowledge, and I'm sure would have been glad to talk with you. I've talked with her about sinks and yes, she said they were susceptible to thermal shock. But I thought it would be better for you to "go to the source", rather than me to convey 2nd hand info.

Dana W.
lbailey
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:53 pm
Location: FL Panhandle

Re: Fused Glass Sinks

Post by lbailey »

Thanks Dana. I'll probably try one and see how it goes. Besides, I'd probably get a little tired of how one looks after a while so when it gets shocked it'd be fun to come up with a new design .....
Mel Archer
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Re: Fused Glass Sinks

Post by Mel Archer »

Yes, the glass sinks will break with the thermal shock. You can have a thermostatic mixing valve installed on the hot water side, inside the cabinet or wall and set it so that the "hot" is really lukewarm. See www.watts.com for more info. We always had them installed when there was going to be a glass sink
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