Tips on how to avoid this mistake?

[krccpht]

I've been fusing small cabochons for earrings in my microwave kiln. Some come out pretty much perfect, but sometimes they don't. I am wondering if the problem lies in the size of the glass pieces, or the placement of the pieces prior to fusing? I have a hard time getting uniform shapes and sizes. For now I'm just using to rulers and grid paper to try and make them pretty close to shape and size.

Mostly I'm using dichroic on black base capped with clear. I shape them both as close to a square as I can get them, although sometimes they are more of a rectangular shape (could this be the problem?). I place the clear glass on top staggered/diagonal, as I saw in a youtube video.

Sometimes there is an area along a side of a completed piece that is nothing but clear, and sometimes there is an area along a side of a completed piece that the dichroic has taken over. The picture seen here demonstrates both of these problems. Do you think it's a size, shape, or placement problem? Any ideas, tips, or recommended links to help me do this better and more consistently? Do a lot of people use the morton glass system to help make consistent pieces?

[DonMcClennen]

I would think producing pieces in those Micro wave cookers is pretty much a crap shoot. You have little control other than how you place your glass sandwich inside.
..at least the amount of waste is minimal.

[krccpht]

Thanks for your reply. I do get a lot of good ones, that's for sure. I got the microwave kiln because this is my first time ever making anything like this before and I wanted to be sure I'd enjoy it. Well, I have a "real" kiln ordered but it won't be here for a few weeks probably!

[Brad Walker]

Rectangular or odd-shaped pieces won't work as well as square ones.

Also, you might try cutting a strip (say 1/4" to 3/8"), then nipping the strip into squares using tile nippers or a cutter. That can help you make more uniform pieces.

If the pieces are small enough (around 1/4") you can get them to round up without stacking diagonally. That will avoid the off balance look in your photo.

[krccpht]

Thanks for the tip Brad, I will try your tips!

[Stephen Richard]

You could also try capping with a clear piece that is slightly (1-2MM) larger than the dichroic (not diagonal). This will increase the lens effect, but may often leave a clear edge all the way around. If this is going to be placed on another piece, it will not be noticeable.