Lampwork Etc.

Lampwork Etc. (http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/index.php)
-   Tips, Techniques, and Questions (http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=29)
-   -   # of beads in kiln (http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15868)

Full Circle 2006-03-05 8:03am

# of beads in kiln
 
I'm sure part of this depends on the size of the kiln. But because of some bad experiences in the past I am super careful about my beads touching other beads etc. in the kiln.

Do you just cram as many beads as you can make in the kiln or do you feel limited by kiln size? and touching beads???????

IF-Designs 2006-03-05 8:19am

well i have a brick hat has these lil plates cemented on it with kiln glue. The plate things have holes and I can put my mandrels in it and tack lots of beads in my kiln without them touching. I do however have a double tall jenn Ken bead annealer / fuser so I have a lil more options when stacking stuff up. I dont let my stuff touch either ;)

Lisi 2006-03-05 8:31am

You can get a lot of them in there, and this is how I do it - here's a tutorial I did on Wetcanvas! a while back:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251133

I've changed a few things since then, esp. after I was having trouble with some of the transparent frits. For better protection against little marks, I cut up small pieces (about 2x3") of fiber blanket, and separated them so they were a thinner layer. I used these to separate the beads in layers over on the side when they come off the rack.

Then, here recently, another problem came up - some were sticking to the blanket or getting marks on them from leaning up against the kiln wall. I figured out that maybe my kiln is running hotter than it says on the controller. This is a common problem from what I've read. So I adjusted my kiln down 10 degrees (did that twice), and the problem is solved. Instead of garaging all day at 968, I go with 950 and then ramp up to 968 for 45 minutes to anneal.

chrisdd 2006-03-05 9:10am

I have a kiln rack that is narrower than the interior of my kiln and leaves a gap on 1 side between the rack and the wall. I put my beads into the kiln on the rack, not touching any other beads. As I fill the rack I move the beads to the gap and place them on the floor of the kiln and stack them (as long as the beads have been in the kiln for at least 10 minutes). I have never (knock wood) had beads stick together or dent each other.

alexm 2006-03-05 9:13am

I can cram over 150 beads in my kiln. What I do is put fresh beads on a kiln rack making sure they don't touch each other until they cool and harden. Then I move them into a pile. Once the beads harden they can touch each other without harm.

Full Circle 2006-03-05 9:59am

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexm
I can cram over 150 beads in my kiln. What I do is put fresh beads on a kiln rack making sure they don't touch each other until they cool and harden. Then I move them into a pile. Once the beads harden they can touch each other without harm.

Quote:

I have a kiln rack that is narrower than the interior of my kiln and leaves a gap on 1 side between the rack and the wall. I put my beads into the kiln on the rack, not touching any other beads. As I fill the rack I move the beads to the gap and place them on the floor of the kiln and stack them (as long as the beads have been in the kiln for at least 10 minutes). I have never (knock wood) had beads stick together or dent each other.
That's the answere I was hoping for!!! Thanks for the info. and I'll certainly look at the wetcanvas tutorial as well


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 1:37pm.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.