Glass fusion- advice please

[AmyDave]

My husband and I do lots of crafts at home and have just started candle making.
But we are both very interested in starting glass fusion.

Can anyone give us an idea of everything we need and rough sort of costs so we don't make wrong purchases?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

[mizgeorge]

I wonder if you might have watched Kirstie this week ;)

To start off, you need a kiln (a big one to make bowls!). Something big enough to make coasters will cost in the region of £600, and from there they just go up and up. Then you need cutting equipment, kiln supplies, slumping moulds and a big budget for glass. You'll also need to spend some time getting to grips with glass compatibility issues, understanding firing schedules and learning how hot glass behaves. You could start by looking at http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/ or have a wander round http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php (where several others have asked the same questions this week). I'm not sure where you are, but it might be worth having a taster session with a fuser to find out a bit more?

(ps. It's fusing, not fusion, which might make searching a bit easier!)

[AmyDave]

Thanks for the info...:)

[annnoble]

Also a good place to find tutorials is www.warmglass.com

[AmyDave]

Where do I start? I am not sure on kilns or whever to buy one of the microwave kits...Can anyone help, I have found these 2.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160511430936&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/R-11-900C-MUFFLE-KILN-CLAY-GLASS-ENAMEL-WORKS-/230554252678?pt=UK_Crafts_JewelleryMaking_GL&hash=item35ae1ab586

Thanks :)

[mizgeorge]

What is it that you're hoping to make?

[AmyDave]

I don't really know, just wanted to get one have a play and see what I came up with.

I gather the microwave kilns are only really for making small things like pendants etc..

Ideally I would love a big enough kiln to make large pieces...I just don't have a few hundred pounds for the kiln.

So I guess things coaster sized?

I would love a ceramic kiln so I get more use but the amount of kilns out there all differents sizes and prices I am getting slightly confused!

So...if it doesn't cost the earth I would like a kiln to do small bowls/plates/coasters etc. And for it to be ok for glass and ceramic.

I thought the best thing was to start small (kiln) and if I enjoy it go up to bigger kilns.
Amy :)

[mizgeorge]

If you want to be able to do proper fusing, you really need a kiln with a controller - you could look at some of the paragon models, or a skutt firebox, or for more serious stuff, take a look at some of kilncare's hobbyfuser range.

I'm not sure where you are, but it might well be worth your while having a taster session with someone with a decent setup to get a feel for what you might need. The sort of kiln you realistically need would start at no less than £600, and they just go up and up from there.

The little muffle kilns and microwave thing will just about do pendants, but that's about it.

[AmyDave]

Thankyou for your advice...I think a bigger kiln will have to wait!

Are the microwave kilns any good as I have heard mixed things about them?