Will these directions produce a properly fused, round blank?

[Morganica]

with thin, outstretched arms is gonna be a real pain to anneal. (ask me how I know this)

Ok, how do you know this? :>)
Jim[/quote]
Waaaaaal...I can show you 2 glass sculptures with cracked arms...

[Morganica]

I don't think the single layer 1 1/2" rim is a good idea. You'll get pull in and maybe needles at edge. Both layers same dia. will give much more controlled results.

It's a good idea if you manage the heatwork properly. You *do* get pull-in, but if you can control it the pull-in gives you a very nice rolled lip all around the edge. You won't get a full, flat fuse unless the glasses are very soft--that much heatwork would probably give you holes or very thin spots first. You do need to start the process by rounding off the edges slightly with a 400-grit sandpaper. I think if you left the sharp-angled cut edge you might get some needles.

That technique produced these shapes:

These are thin glass, fired to just slightly less than a full, flat fuse. You can see in the image where the pull-in has created a very slight ridge around the pieces.