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Purchasing a Kiln for Glass Fusing
When starting out to learn the process of glass fusing, it is important that you kiln have a few essential items. A good example of what is necessary for glass fusing is my recent visit to the local high school.
I have just recently been asked to assist an art teacher at a local school. She has a burning desire to teach glass fusing to her students. I decided that I would check out her set up and supplies.
The teacher had purchased a kiln for around $800 and had also purchased glass and other supplies for her class. I was interested to see what kiln she was planning on using to teach these 200 plus students.
The kiln was quite large, but was not suited for teaching glass fusing. The thinking is that any kiln would work for glass fusing, right? Well, that is what I had always pretty much felt until I took a look at this brand new kiln.
One of the key things you need when do the process of glass fusing is a pyrometer. What is a pyrometer and how does it help in fusing? A pyrometer tells you the temperature of the air inside a kiln. Although it does not tell you the temperature of the glass, the air temperature gives you an idea of the temperature of your glass. If you have no clue what the temperature is inside, you do not know what is happening to the glass. Every kiln is very different and unique. It might take one kiln an hour to reach a set temperature, while another kiln might take forty-five minutes to reach this same temperature. Since this kiln did not come with a pyrometer, there was no way to regulate what was happening to the glass inside the kiln.
This particular kiln also did not have a viewing window. Now most kilns do not have a viewing window, and that is not a necessity to do glass fusing. But, if there is no pyrometer, then it is important to at lease have a window so you can see what is happening inside the kiln.
Now this kiln did have a peep hole. Located on the top of the kiln was a peep hole. Since hot air rises, opening the peep hole during the firing process would allow hot air to rush towards your face.
There was also not kiln shelf inside this particular kiln. You can fire without a kiln shelf, but you still need to have air circulating around your fusing pieces. Circulating air helps to ensure that your glass is heating at an even temperature. If you don’t have a kiln shelf, try to place your items on posts so that you achieve the needed air circulation around your piece.
There was a digital control knob to operate this kiln. With a digital knob, you have to be constantly observing and watching your pieces to obtain the desired look. It requires constant monitoring and this is something that would not be possible while teaching a classroom full of students.
If there is no pyrometer, or viewing window on a kiln, then you really need a kiln sitter. A kiln sitter will monitor your kiln and is programmable for different programs. This is a desired and sometime necessary item. Without any way to monitor your glass with a pyrometer, viewing window, or kiln sitter this kiln is not suited for glass fusing.
When purchasing a kiln, it is important that you spend your money wisely. Search through all the kilns before you place an order. Kilns are expensive and necessary to accomplish glass fusing. They are one of the most expensive items you will purchase. Check out different makes and models and see what items are standard. Make sure the kiln you purchase has a pyrometer, if nothing else. This above all else is a key item when purchasing a kiln.
About the Author
Since retiring, glass fusing has become my passion. I have dedicated a web site to help others achieve the processes and procedures for this hot craft. For more information, please visit my site at Glass Fusing Made Easy
Glass Fuse
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