New to glasswork, need help on a project

[Graham Taylor]

Hello,
I am new to glasswork, but have access to the appropriate kilns and other resources to get started (I think). My first project sounded easy at first, but as I began to think through how to execute, I began to realize I need some help. Essentially, I would like to re-use beer bottle glass and slump it into a ~3/4" thick cylinder. It seems like HydroCal or HydroPerm might be the best materials to cast the mold with. Any other better materials? Assuming I can cast the mold the way I would like, my problem (likely among many I haven't thought of) is proper kiln settings and releasing the cylinder afterwards. I'm assuming I won't be able to reuse the mold and would have to break the mold. But how do I do that without breaking the glass?
Any help or direction would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

[Tom Fuhrman]

Get Henry Halem's Glass Notes book. he has a large section on casting and making molds. google Glass Notes ,Henry Halem and you can buy direct from him. lots of good info.

[Marian]

Bottle glass is really hard to melt into anything, you picked a first project loaded with pitfalls for a beginner. You might want to visit a supplier of fusible glass or someone to help you through a casting. At least read lots more on this forum on casting projects. The cost of the glass is tiny compared to the amount of work you are planning.

[Morganica]

I foresee a long journey ahead.

Halem's book is a good start. I'd also suggest Kervin/Fenton's Pate de verre and kiln casting of glass. Excellent book on casting and it'll give you a bit of help with schedules as well.

[Peter Angel]

You will find the following you tube video very helpful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJLJkrivwc4