using a torch

This is the main board for discussing general techniques, tools, and processes for fusing, slumping, and related kiln-forming activities.

Moderators: Brad Walker, Tony Smith

Post Reply
ironman55
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2014 2:02 pm

using a torch

Post by ironman55 »

I was wondering if anyone has used a torch in raking to extend the rake time without having to close the kiln and wait.
Thanks in advance.
JestersBaubles
Posts: 705
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:01 am
Location: North Logan, UT
Contact:

Re: using a torch

Post by JestersBaubles »

Kilns heat quickly, why not just close the kiln and wait? :mrgreen: Seems like less trouble than torching it, plus, I would be nervous about getting a torch so close to a kiln, but that's just me.

Dana W.
Morganica
Posts: 1079
Joined: Mon May 19, 2003 6:19 pm
Location: Portland, OR
Contact:

Re: using a torch

Post by Morganica »

I don't guess it'd be a problem as long as you didn't let the glass get down past the strain point, i.e., no part of the glass got cold enough to thermal shock. But it'd be a lot of work and probably not all that much faster than just closing the kiln back up, having a cool drink and letting it come back up to temp. It'd take awhile to heat with smaller torches--you'd be fanning the torch over an area for a few minutes to put enough heat back into the glass and compensate for the heatsink (the kiln shelf) underneath. And if you had a big torch you might have to worry about thermal-shocking the kiln shelf or boiling/shifting the softer glass.

One of the things you learn about raking and other kiln manipulations, BTW, is that there's an advantage to working with the heat dissipation, in stages: You have more control over the final product. With raking, in particular, you can make a few passes, see where that's going and allow your drips to relax in, then open the kiln back up and make corrections as needed, make the next few passes.

But if you've got the equipment and you want to experiment with it a bit, go for it. Let us know what happens...
Cynthia Morgan
Marketeer, Webbist, Glassist
http://www.morganica.com/bloggery
http://www.cynthiamorgan.com

"I wrote, therefore I was." (me)
ironman55
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2014 2:02 pm

Re: using a torch

Post by ironman55 »

Thanks for the input. I guess I am just too impatient. It takes about 15 minutes or so to get back to the 1600 realm. I thought maybe a torch (Like they use in hot glass) might be more expedient. Here is a pic of my latest experiment. I figure it may take me another year to come up with what I am trying to accomplish. I love impressionist work, that is where I want to be with glass. :?
Attachments
glass raked   experiment in terror
glass raked experiment in terror
Haydo
Posts: 292
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2003 9:55 am
Location: Eimeo, Qld., Australia
Contact:

Re: using a torch

Post by Haydo »

having a cool drink and letting it come back up to temp.
That is the trick to it, getting loose. One Mojitos, two Mojitos, three Mojitos more. Unfortunately combing is off the radar for a while longer, maybe next Christmas. Anyway Ironman this game is all about patience which I've learnt time and time again but at all times a push is needed to understand the limits. I'd rather I understood better from all the failures than to have another calamity. peace, haydo
Life is like a raft, so be like a rat!...Challenging being a captain type rat though, going down with each ship and all!!
Post Reply