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Glass


5 X 5 Glass Slabs 2-08
This project was intended to help understand how glass works when dichro chunks, frit, stinger and copper foil are used on various levels of a 2 layer project.
One slab is clear, the other has a cinebar back. Each had different firing schedules. We first fired the clear slab, and then re-fired it along with the first fire of the second slab.
Both schedules are based upon directions provided by Bullseye Glass plate making tips. The first slab increased the soak time for the fusing temp, the second fusing increased both the soak time at 1250 and 1480 F by 50%.

Firing Schedule

Stage Rate Final Stage Temp Soak Time
(Deg F/Hour) (F) (hr:min)
1 600 1250 30
2 1000 1480 15
3 AFAP 960 30
4 210 700 0

For the most part this was a nice piece. The bubbles did not occur over the copper as had been expected. There were bubbles over many of the dichro chunks and other large glass inclusions.

A second piece was created and fired. In hopes of reducing the bubbles, the soak time at 1250 was increased to 45 min. The first (clear piece) was refired at the same time.

Stage Rate Final Stage Temp Soak Time
(Deg F/Hour) (F) (hr:min)
1 600 1250 45
2 1000 1480 15
3 AFAP 960 30
4 210 700 0


The bubbles are much larger for the second piece, this may be because of the arrangement of the large frit and dichro chunks. Close ups of the bubbles found on the second piece are below.


Using a Dremel tool we punctured the bubles and cleaned the edges as best we could. We then filled the holes with frit of various sizes and colors and refired the piece. Note: we used the bullseye plate firing schedule modified a bit because we have read that as you re-fire pieces the soaking time needs to be increased.

Stage Rate Final Stage Temp Soak Time
(Deg F/Hour) (F) (hr:min)
1 600 1250 30
2 1000 1480 25
3 AFAP 960 30
4 210 700 0
The "halo" around the holes is interesting. We are not sure if it was caused by poor drilling, inadequate amounts of frit or some other phenomena associated with the magic of glass.