Creating Vitrigraph Components

Creating Flow Bars

Stack glass in pattern bars kiln and tack or contour fuse the design. I use glue or scotch tape to temporarily hold glass stacks together when needed. Stack with kiln washed dams’ and line with fiber paper. I use old kiln shelves cut into strips. Block ends with dams and line with fiber paper. Cut into desired sizes. and Load vertically in pot.

Rod Pods can also be used to make components. These molds are more commonly called weave molds but flame workers know them as rod pods.

Firing Schedule: You need to adjust and test for your own kiln.

I do not full fuse my components as they will be brought to a full fuse when placed in the Vitrigraph kiln. The total amount of heat absorbed and retained by glass over a period of time is cumulative. 

Segment          Rate per hour    Temp             Hold

1      350°                  1250°            20 Minutes

2      450°        1300°            10 minutes

3      Full         900°              2-3 hours (depends on thickness)

4      100°        700°              No hold

Kiln off to room temperature

WARNING: You need to adjust and test for your own kiln

Cumulative Firings                                                                                      

 The total amount of heat absorbed and retained by glass over a period of time is cumulative. Glass can change its nature if you do multiple firings at high temperatures. When working with components, this is true. High temperature firings are considered those that go to 1540°F (838°C) or above. My component firings have been adjusted to help mitigate this issue. Multiple firings mean reducing the temperature and ramp times in subsequent firings. Annealing will need to be one and a half to two times the thickness.