Making Fused Glass Cabochons with a Glass Kiln or Microwave Kiln, Glass Fusing Project

Making Fused Glass Cabochons: In this glass fusing video tutorial, I show you how to make simple puddle cabochons in a glass kiln or microwave kiln. The full process is covered, from selecting glass, cutting, fusing, breaking it up, and final fusing into cabochons.
🔴 Subscribe - / @rocketroseart
⏱️ Chapters ⏱️
0:00 Intro & Explanation
1:14 Selecting the Glass
2:00 Cutting the Glass
3:56 Cleaning the Glass
5:12 Dam Around the Stack of Glass
6:35 Full Fusing & Firing Schedule
7:04 Fused Slab & Cleaning Kiln Shelf
9:39 Breaking up the Slab
11:49 Safety
12:20 Review of Pieces of Slab
13:35 Ready for Kiln
13:47 Final Polished Cabochons
14:10 Microwave Kilns
14:33 Another Way to Make Puddle Cabochons
📌 Other Glass Fusing Videos
🎥 Christmas Tree Ornaments - • Making Fused Glass Chr...
🎥 Fixing Devitrification - • Fixing Devitrification...
🎥 Fused Glass Playlist - • Fused Glass Projects
📷 Instagram - / rocketroseart

[@RocketRoseArt]

If you liked this video, you may want to watch this one on fixing devitrification - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4q2qniqfbh0hbM

[@pollitobebe]

Wonderful! thanks.

[@RocketRoseArt]

My pleasure.

[@michelleramoutar2498]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing 😂

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Michelle. Glad to help.

[@gwenpetersen5452]

Thanks Jeff, nice cabochons. I too have made slabs, but I never thought of putting small pieces together like you showed at the end of your video. I’m excited to give that a try!

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Gwen. Glad to help, and while puddle cabs are fairly basic, I thought it was a good subject to start. Hope to do more videos about making cabs in future.

[@Babette17C]

This is JUST the information I've been looking for. Thank you.

[@RocketRoseArt]

Glad to help. Good luck with your work.

[@rmbritton]

Thanks for making and sharing this video.

[@RocketRoseArt]

It's my pleasure Robert.

[@vrothery50]

Beautiful puddles! I would love to make some and use them in a dish! Thanks!

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Gin. Go for it! You know what they say about those who hesitate 👍😀

[@Amospully]

I really enjoyed that video. Just gettng started with a microwave kiln. ❤️

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Amy. I'm sure you'll love it. Take care.

[@jimgreene4923]

Hey Jeff, I actually am learning a lot from your videos, & everything looks great. It gives ideas, towards making other things as well. Thank you so much!

[@RocketRoseArt]

Always great to know I'm helping with the inspiration.

[@lilianacarrasco8701]

Muchas gracias!!

[@RocketRoseArt]

Un placer Liliana

[@jillwaldron5397]

Brilliant way of doing it and fantastic results. Please can you give the firing schedule again. Many thanks, Jill

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Jill. To make cabs from the pieces, I ramp at 222C to 535C, no hold. Then ramp 333C to 780C and hold until they have formed the cabochons. Then you can just turn off the kiln and let it cool naturally. because they are only small pieces they should anneal properly. I have seen people ramp full up to the processing temp, but I like to take it easy. Just remember that not all kilns fire the same. These are 90 COE so if you use 96 COE that will be different, and your kiln may also fire differently.

[@susiegentry1199]

I appreciate your sharing of this technique. Thanks for the small details! Think I will pop some in the kiln right now!

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Susie. Always makes me feel great to know I've helped. Thanks for your feedback.

[@uglypatriot5171]

Hi Jeff, Thanks for the tutorial. Why do you use Kero instead of oil for cutting? Brilliant idea (and cost effective) cutting up an old kiln shelf for dam walls. I’m a beginner, looking forward to trying puddles. Cheers

[@RocketRoseArt]

Honestly, I can't remember where I discovered that. I think it was way back when I purchased my first cutter and a colleague suggested it. If you do a Google search you'll find a few references. Yes, if you have an old shelf, or worse, like me, drop and break one,🙄 it works a charm. Hope this all helps.

[@pollitobebe]

Hi Jeff! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. I assume the second fusion is the same as the first, is it?

[@RocketRoseArt]

That's an oversight on my part. Should have included the schedule. With these smaller pieces you can in theory just ramp up to the top temp, hold until they fuse down and then turn off the kiln, allowing it to cool naturally. But I usually use segments because I'm not in any hurry. In Segment 1 you won't have to hold it as long, because it isn't a thick slab. You could just continue without a hold, but I always err on the side of safety. A 5 minute hold would be fine. Segment 2 top temp would be the same, but look in the kiln to check when they have fused to cabs. About 10 minuets I found. Does depend on the size of the pieces and the glass used. Segment 3, the anneal, only a 10-15 minute hold is fine. Segment 4 you can skip. Hope this helps.

[@bigtruck182]

very nice work jeff im a flint knapper i make arrowheads out of obsidian which is volcanic glass i have bits left over from my saw is it posable to melt an fuse it like normal glass?

[@RocketRoseArt]

That's a great question. I've never used it so just had to do some research. Seems like it can be but it is difficult to work with due to impurities. Anyway, I did find this video that you may want to have a look at - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXKWnXyrg8StjKc BTW, make sure you use a mask if grinding. Silica is nasty stuff and I believe the chap in the video didn't use one.

[@patriciapeterson2820]

Hi Jeff! I’ve watched this a couple of times, great video❣️ BTW, when do we get to see Ann? Does she plan on making a video? Thank you.

[@RocketRoseArt]

I've tried to get her to do one on the jewellery. Maybe soon 😀

[@user-ki4tj8lp9r]

15:55 Jeff,I love your videos! I am expanding my equipment when I see something. Can you please tell me the name of mat you cut on and the ruler cutter you use and where can I purchase them. Thanks Sharon

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Sharon. That's the Beetle Bits cutting system and everything you see are accessories you can purchase. It's available throughout UK and USA as far as I'm aware. Don't know of anywhere specifically over there but do a search and you should find a supplier.

[@karmeluka]

Hello thanks a lot! You are the best! Please can you say what kind of glue do you use to set up the parts of glass in other desings?

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Carmen. If you mean to glue on bails, we use Araldite Ultra Clear. It dries clear and we've been using it for years without any issue.

[@karmeluka]

@@RocketRoseArt thanks for this! :) I mean gluing for putting the parts together into the kiln ;)

[@gabrielacarolinacuzzocrear1126]

Es una BENDICION el hecho de poder disponer de tanta variedad de colores de vidrios. Soy de Argentina y por el cepo impuesto por los gobernantes no podemos acceder a esos materiales que ustedes usan. Cordiales saludos y excelentes videos.

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hola Gabriela. Me alegra que te gusten los videos. Si bien los proveedores podrían comprar las acciones aquí, no lo hacen. Parece que compran existencias y colores limitados, por lo que la elección es un poco limitada. He pensado en comprar directamente de Bullseye como proveedor aquí, pero los problemas con eso son un poco desalentadores. Y estoy jubilado, más o menos. 😀👍

[@carelk8214]

Nice video again, Jeff What is exactly the use exactly? Is it to get an perfectly straight smooth surface or is there an other meaning/purpose? I'm used to work with deviding powder which I spread with a sieve. Do you think that's a good alternative? Thanks for the great glass-videos.

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Carel. The dams on the sides are to get flat edges. Hopefully so the pieces have a flat edge to sit on. You don't need to do that. Just fuse it up and then break it. You could use powder on the shelf, but you'll need Thinfire or fibreboard or similar against the dams on the side.

[@98benhur]

Hi Jeff how can I make 15mm round cobochons same size every time in a kiln ( making about 30 at a time ? ) is it possible or will they come out different diameter ?

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Joseph. Wish I had a simple answer for that one. So many factors to consider. I've thought of trying to ensure the glass for each cab started with the same weight and at least the same general size. But that's a lot of work. Worth trying if you need them perfect. My solution was to make more than I need and then select the best. But I only needed pairs for earrings. Other than that I make cabs to fit things like standard bezel settings by cutting them like gemstone cabochons on lapidary wheels. Then I firepolish them to get the polish back. That works, but you need wheels and it does take time. Wish I could help further.

[@LisaVesander.Creative]

Jeff, I used to make jewelry with glass chips and a little kiln at school, I was given little copper molds for the glass to melt into, is this the same sort of thing. I was 13 at the time and loved it!

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Lisa. Sounds right except for the copper moulds. The glass chips we call 'frit', which is just ground glass. Frit comes in grades from powder through to a coarse frit, which would probably be the chips you mentioned. You would definitely need a kiln because a normal oven won't get to the required temps, which are around 800 C, depending on what you're doing. The copper moulds are a little odd. I believe copper melts at something like 1000-1100 C which means that at 800 C it would be softening I would think. Not sure as I've never tried copper for a mould. The moulds I've used are generally bisque ceramic or stainless steel. Regardless, I think you're on the right track. The cabs in this video are simply placed on a kiln shelf and heated to around 800C at which they melt down into the puddle. No moulds needed. Hope this all helps.

[@LisaVesander.Creative]

@@RocketRoseArt The glass frits as you call them melted and stayed in, maybe they were bases even, I am not sure what they called them. The bases were given to the students to make glass jewelry and they stayed in them, I could smell the copper being heated while the frit was melting. OH, that doesn't sound very safe the think of it LOL!

[@RocketRoseArt]

@@LisaVesander.Creative Ah! Sounds more like glass enamelling. That's were you use a fine glass frit like material, dry or mixed with water, that is then applied to a backing, copper, silver etc that is then melted in a kiln or using a torch. It adheres to the backing and forms something like a pendant etc.Do a search here and you'll find many videos that would help you if you want to learn more. You're right, whenever working with melting glass you need to follow strict safety procedures. Besides the danger of sever burns, using powdered frit you should use a respirator. Don't breath in. Causes silicosis. Nasty stuff. But simple safe practices are all that's needed. Don't let that deter you. Glass fusing or enamelling, get hooked and you'll love it.

[@LisaVesander.Creative]

@@RocketRoseArt I loved doing it in 1977, that was in a school environment, in those days it wasn't a thing LOL. Yes, you are correct though definitely wearing a mask and a well-ventilated area is a must. Thank you for helping me to work out what it is, I will look it up!

[@najiahaddock9554]

I want to make inserts for drawer pulls that require 1" cabochons to fit in the recess. How do I cut the glass stack to make 1" cabochons?

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Najia. I wish I had a good answer for that one. Getting a cabochon and exact size is a challenge. All I can say is to test. Fuse some around the 1" size. Be aware that different colours will behave differently. The only other way is hand cutting them to fit. This video will give you an idea. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIPHqomNl7SWabc

[@najiahaddock8127]

@@RocketRoseArt I was afraid you would say that-thanks so much for your response!

[@a234633]

So could you make these then carve them with rotary tool?

[@RocketRoseArt]

I can't see why not. Sounds like a good idea. A fire polish after should not remove too much detail. Just keep it low as possible. Or even a polish with cerium oxide.

[@a234633]

@@RocketRoseArt thanks I appreciate it

[@carelk8214]

Sorry, I meant the use of the Kiltfire-paper in my first reaction.

[@RocketRoseArt]

No problem.

[@helpahhh]

how does that relate to using into a microwave kiln

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi there! I'll try to help with this. While the process in the video has been done in a glass kiln, you can use the same technique in a microwave kiln. Make the original bar smaller, then break it up and refuse to make the puddle cabochon. The size is only limited to the size of your microwave kiln. You can fuse a couple of small sheets in a microwave kiln, especially the larger varieties. You may have to fuse each piece individually. Or you could use the technique I suggested at the end of the video. Hope that helps.

[@mariabacho5902]

Hello, nice to meet you, I always watch your videos but I don't know English and I don't understand you, I could show you how you do it, thanks

[@RocketRoseArt]

Hi Maria. I hope the visuals help you anyway. Thanks for the comment.