How to Build a Glassmaking Kiln
Kilns are used in glass working to fuse glass. Building a kiln at home can save money and is also helpful because the kiln can be customized. A kiln is an insulated oven that holds heat better than a regular oven because it is insulated. When making your kiln, it is important to think about the size of the glass work pieces that you will make. The kiln will have to be deep enough and have a large enough opening to hold the pieces.
Things You'll Need
- 28 fire bricks, 2-by-4-by-9 inch
- Miter saw
- Table saw
- Safety goggles
- Cardboard
- Screws
- Pencil
- Drill
- High heat mortar
- Kiln coils
- Control box
- Face mask
- 10 inch-by-10 inch metal sheet
Instructions
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Put on protective equipment, including safety glasses and a face mask. Set the table saw to cut one inch deep. Cut a groove to the flat side of 16 bricks to place the kiln coils. Cut a corner of 16 bricks at a 45-degree angle.
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2
Lay out the pattern of the kiln on a sheet of cardboard. Place eight bricks on the cardboard and trace for the top of the kiln. Build the kiln in a temporary fashion. Start with two angled bricks with the cuts facing up and out. Put two uncut bricks down vertically along the seams of the bottom bricks. Repeat to create a side of the kiln. Drill holes will the coils will fit to the power box.
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3
Put a thin layer of mortar between each of the layers of bricks to make the structure permanently. Build the body first, allowing it to dry over night. Build the top and bottom, also allowing it to dry over night. Connect the three pieces with the mortar.
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Place the kiln on a sheet of metal. Put the control box over the drilled holes and screw in the box. Attach the green wire from the control box to one of the screws. Put the coils in the grooved marks. Attach to the control the box.
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Turn on the control box to test the kiln. The control box comes with a temperature setting. Place glass works in the kiln to fuse the glass.
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References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
