Category Archives: Microwave kiln

Undercut Your Dichro

Posted on 7 February, 2018 by chatterglass

Today’s blog is mercifully short. There’s no maths or science and it isn’t even a fantastic new discovery that will change the world. It’s more of a helpful tip to those who’ve maybe not realised there’s an answer to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Dichroic Glass, Microwave kiln | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Secrets of the Microwave Kiln

Posted on 24 October, 2016 by chatterglass

I’ve just bought my third Hot Pot Maxi microwave kiln. But, why buy yet another “toy” kiln when I already have a “proper” glass kiln of a distinctly robust and modern design? I hope to answer that question by talking … Continue reading →

Posted in Devitrification, kiln schedule, Melting Glass, Microwave kiln, temperature curve | Tagged , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Repairing a Broken Mould

Posted on 7 May, 2016 by chatterglass

Today’s chatter describes an attempt to repair a broken ceramic mould so that it can be brought back into useful service. The repair process takes time and patience but it might help you salvage a expensive broken clay mould. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiment, Microwave kiln, Money-saving ideas, Mould, Recycling, Repair | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stretch, Bend and Squiggle

Posted on 19 May, 2015 by chatterglass

If you only ever use stringers for straight lines and think that the advent of 0.5 mm diameter stringers is exciting then this blog probably isn’t for you. Ditch those straight line stringers. Get stretching, bending and squiggling. Read on! Stretch and … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiment, Microwave kiln, Money-saving ideas, Mould, Stringer | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Etching and Engraving Dichroic Glass

Posted on 30 June, 2014 by chatterglass

Whilst browsing around the Internet recently I encountered comments about etching dichroic glass. I found plenty of vague and conflicting comments about what to do and what to expect. So today’s posting is about some experiments I have been doing. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Dichroic Glass, Engraved Glass, Etched Glass, Experiment, Microwave kiln | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Use Your Glass Grinder Waste!

Posted on 23 March, 2014 by chatterglass

For many years I have been accumulating dried glass grinder waste in huge pickle jars with no clear idea about what to do with it. But now I have. But what do you do with the sloppy mess in your … Continue reading →

Posted in CMC, Drilling holes, Experiment, Frit, Melting Glass, Microwave kiln, Money-saving ideas, Recycling, Tylo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

What is High Temperature Wire?

Posted on 29 July, 2013 by chatterglass

Whether you have been using it in your microwave kiln, or your “proper” kiln, you may be be wondering what “high temperature wire” actually is. You may also be rather baffled and somewhat irritated by the high price you have … Continue reading →

Posted in High temperature wire, Inclusions, Microwave kiln, Microwaved metal, Money-saving ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Cremated Plant Inclusions

Posted on 29 July, 2013 by chatterglass

Whether you use a big kiln or a little microwave kiln you’ll have noticed that fibre paper and ceramic ropes change when fired, first by turning black and then miraculously turning white again as their organic components burn away leaving … Continue reading →

Posted in Bubbles, Experiment, Inclusions, Microwave kiln, Plant materials | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bubbles – Borax or Bicarb?

Posted on 28 July, 2013 by chatterglass

There are many products available to the glass worker that produce bubbles when used between layers of glass. Some have a specific COE, some are coloured, all seem to be rather expensive. And then there are other products that have … Continue reading →

Posted in Borax, Bubbles, Experiment, Microwave kiln, Money-saving ideas | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Lead and Solder Inclusions

Posted on 28 July, 2013 by chatterglass

In a previous posting I started to explore the use of metal wires in a microwave kiln. This time I extend my exploration into the realms of lead and solder scraps as inclusions within glass. In some ways you could … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiment, Inclusions, Microwave kiln, Microwaved metal, Recycling | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment