Refusing a smashed work

[Michelle Schouten]

Brad, I’ve just emailed three photos of a smashed, glass canoe I made many years ago. The owner would like it repaired. Is it possible to refuse all the pieces onto a clear sheet? Will I need to help the pieces join by boxing it in or going into the kiln with a wooden tool when hot and fusing?
Anyone with any experience in this, your words would be much appreciated. Michelle

[Brad Walker]

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[Brad Walker]

To keep them from spreading out, you would have to fit everything together and dam, then fire to full fuse.

If you want to comb or rake them, you'd have to go hotter than a full fuse (1650 to 1700F) and reach in with a combing rod (not a wooden tool, needs to have a metal tip).

Whichever you do, the piece will look different after the firing. If you don't comb, the lines where the breaks occurred will probably be visible (though it should heal).

When you refire, make sure you anneal a bit longer than you normally would for the given thickness.

[Michelle Schouten]

Success. Thanks for the support

[Brad Walker]

Thanks for sharing. Glad it worked out. Nice piece.