Firing guides are our glass fusing recipes. We follow schedules published by trusted sources to ensure we have fusing success. I’ve been fusing glass for more than 35 years. In that time, my personal firing guides have been adjusted and evolved into recipes I rely on for predictable results. Recently, taking the wise advice of a fellow fuser, (thanks Larry!) I reworked and updated my firing guides to include both 96 COE and 90 COE. Taking it one step further, I now also include Fahrenheit as well as Celsius temperatures.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I’m hard at work on a new glass fusing eBook. The following is an excerpt from my book. I hope you find it helpful and informative.
Understanding Firing Guides
A firing guide is a step-by-step schedule to fire glass of a certain size and thickness to achieve a specific result. Firing guides are carried out in steps called segments. Larger, thicker projects have more conservative firing guides with more segments. The rate per hour indicates how quickly the kiln should change temperature in an hour. Temperature is the target temperature the kiln will be taken to for a specific purpose. The hold time indicates how long the kiln will remain at a certain temperature to achieve the desired results.
Because every kiln fires differently, firing guides suggest you test fire the guide in your kiln and then adjust if needed. But they don’t give advice as to how to make those changes. I write new custom firing guides all the time. My advice is look at firing guides that have worked for you in the past. Decide what you want differently this time and then change either the target temperature or change the hold time at that temperature.
How to adjust the firing guides to achieve the results you want.
Change one thing at a time.
Change the target temperature by 5° one way or the other. Lower the temperature for a harder edge or increase it for a softer edge.
Or
Change the target temperature hold time by 5 minutes. Reduce the hold by 5 minutes for a harder finish or increase the hold by 5 minutes for a softer finish.
And
Compare firing guides. Identify similar patterns in the heating and cooling stages. Combine the segments that make sense for your artistic style, type of construction and the size of your kiln. Then write your own custom firing guide.
Take notes to build confidence and consistency into your kiln work Take before and after pictures to repeat your success and learn from your experience.
Firing Guides for 96 COE & 90 COE
These guides are based on my own experience and the glass manufacturer’s firing guides.
Kilns fire differently.
Test these guides and adjust them as needed to get the artistic results you want.
These firing guides are for 96 COE 7 90 COE projects 12 ” (30.5Cm.) in size or smaller made with 2 layers of glass plus accents.
TACK FUSE
1365°F (741°C) 96 COE
1300°F (704°C) 90 COE
CONTOUR FUSE
1425°F (774°C) 96 COE
1400°F (804°C) 90 COE
FULL FUSE
1465° (796°C) 96 COE
1480°F (804°C) 90 COE
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
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NEW Webinar
NEW Fire & Ice Webinar July 19, 2022
Hot techniques for cool projects!
NEW Fire & Ice Webinar August 4, 2022
Hot techniques for cool projects!
Get fired up for advanced design techniques that invigorate your artistic spirit. You’ve loved making all the simple projects. Now experience the thrill of breaking away from familiar shapes to create striking free-form fused glass designs.
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Beginner, intermediate and advanced fusers alike will enjoy applying the many simple, yet effective techniques I share in this in-depth, live event.
I include my custom firing guides, project patterns and materials list in PDF form.
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Fused Glass Sculptures Webinar August 23, 2022
Creating striking sculptural fused glass forms is easy when you know the professional tips and tricks!
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Enjoy the thrill of limitless possibilities.
In this in-depth webinar, you’ll learn pro tips and tricks for better glass cutting. See how to mix different fusible materials to make more elaborate designs.
You’ll be amazed how using standard slumping molds in unique ways can drastically improve the shape of your art.
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Beginner and advanced students alike will find inspiration, motivation and renewed artistic freedom from seeing the step-by-step construction of more than 5 sculptural projects in this webinar.
After this exciting webinar you’ll have the professional knowledge and increased confidence to incorporate these innovative methods in your new work.
In addition, you’ll have a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom firing guides, and a deeper understanding of sculptural glass fusing fabrication.
You’ll have the burning desire, and the cool self-confidence, to take your passion to greater heights.
Lustrous Lanterns Webinar September 1, 2022
Light up with me! Create colorful luminaries to brighten your home, office, porch, or anywhere else you’d enjoy the comforting glow of a dazzling accent light.
In this comprehensive live event, I will show you how to make 6 sparkling fused glass lanterns. You’ll learn how easily you can construct and build stunning 3-D lamps. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the many stages of construction, including pattern preparation, glass cutting, project assembly, fusing, slumping, and how to “cold fuse” the lanterns together.
You’ll also be shown how to finish the lanterns with custom, professional quality glass display bases. In addition, I’ll share how to utilize ready-made clear glass candle shelters to make fast and easy pick-me-ups. I also show several quick and simple methods for lighting your beautiful new creations. Along with detailed instruction, you’ll receive 6 full-size lantern patterns, my project-specific firing guides, and supply list.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced glass fusers alike will love the wide variety of unique shapes and elegant new patterns, custom designed to enrich any decor. Join me to rekindle your creative spark with lustrous lanterns designed to set your artistic imagination aglow.
Fused Glass Sink Workshop, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop September 13-16, 2022
You’re invited to join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Class size is limited to 3. All class materials are included with the exception of full sheets of dichroic glass!
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Students will learn how to design and cut glass for a sink that reflects their own design style. While the sink is firing, you’ll build several small, projects using a variety of advanced techniques.
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Intermediate and advanced students alike will gain valuable knowledge that they can apply immediately to push their work to an exciting, new level of sophistication. Each student will leave class with a sink, several smaller projects, process outlines, and the technical information needed to fire at home. With the professional tricks and secrets revealed, you’ll be ready to dive in and take the fused, sink plunge!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, October 18-21, 2022
Register now. Class is limited to 3 students and held in my private studio in Wesley Chapel, Florida. All class materials are included.
Sculptural fused glass is the creation of three-dimensional forms that rise above a flat plane. Artists create 3-D works by using multiple methods and techniques with complete freedom of materials and process.
You’re invited to join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
In this comprehensive class you’ll learn how to design, build and creatively display multiple stunning pieces of art that reflect your personal style.
You’ll push the boundaries glass imposes. You’ll use innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original sculptural art. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making large scale projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.
Its hard-core fusing in a nurturing, relaxed environment. You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing nonstop, for four consecutive days. You’ll also learn how to design and build custom art glass displays that enhance your original work.
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