Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mopinko

(71,597 posts)
Fri Dec 7, 2012, 01:28 AM Dec 2012

glass workers- would it be hard to make my own glass block?

from bottles?
from what i know a hot woodfire will melt glass, and i think i can make a simple mold of cement blocks on sand? then if i had a pipe to blow a hole in the middle of it, i have a block. no?

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
glass workers- would it be hard to make my own glass block? (Original Post) mopinko Dec 2012 OP
you'll have to melt the glass completely Viva_La_Revolution Dec 2012 #1
can u make a little dyi kiln? mopinko Dec 2012 #2
I know people who use a blowtorch for small amounts Viva_La_Revolution Dec 2012 #3

Viva_La_Revolution

(28,791 posts)
1. you'll have to melt the glass completely
Fri Dec 7, 2012, 09:07 AM
Dec 2012

I don't think you'll be able to get it hot enough over open wood. It usually takes a kiln.

Then you have to aneal the blocks so they don't shatter (heating again to just this side of melting, with a very slow cool down) to get the crystals to align.

mopinko

(71,597 posts)
2. can u make a little dyi kiln?
Fri Dec 7, 2012, 12:22 PM
Dec 2012

dh has a smoker made of big planters. i can see a similar set up as glass is lower than any clay, yes?
could u use a raku kiln?

Viva_La_Revolution

(28,791 posts)
3. I know people who use a blowtorch for small amounts
Fri Dec 7, 2012, 01:39 PM
Dec 2012

like jewelry and such. bigger and thicker pieces need a kiln or slumping chamber.

that's the extent of my knowledge.. there's a place near my house that teaches glassblowing. I have to fight the urge to go in every time I pass it. I love glass

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Artists»glass workers- would it b...