WarmGlass.com

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!

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.

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.

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.

You will find the following you tube video very helpful.

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