memo of useful informations for fusing beginners
When two glasses are fused, if they don't have a similar coefficient
of expansion (COE), they will break. So,it is important to know
what glass has what COE. COE difference between two glasses is
desirable within ±2.
Glasses popularly used in fusing have next COE.
10(-7)
BULLSEYE FOR FUSING 90 standard glass in fusing
UROBOROS FOR FUSING 90 items are as rich as BULLSEYE.
UROBOROS SYSTEM 96 96
SPECTRUM SYSTEM 96 96 new comer, not expensive
REICHENBACH 90 powder, frit
KUGLER 93 powder, frit
DESAG 95 Color items are limited, but will find good color.
MORETTI 104 rod, millefiore
SATAKE 110〜120 rod
A stress viewer is convenient to see whether stress remains in glass burnt or not, caused by COE difference etc. It is essential tool for fusing, but is expensive in market. You can make it by your hand.
First, you must buy a polarization film of about A4 size. (at Tokyu-hands etc in Tokyo)
Next, you make a small box, with a electric light (about 40W) inside, and frosted glass on upper face.
Cut polarization film to halves and set one half on glass and hold another film some10cm high on the glass by some way. The photo shows holding by a bolt and a butterfly nut. Important is to hold two films crossed in direction.
Turn on light, put a burnt glass between two films and see from upside. You can find stress point lighting white in the darkness.