Try It

What would happen if I tried ... in kilnforming?

A lot of discussion on the internet seems to be a search for certainty in both stained glass and kilnforming. It seems to involve a search for rules in assembling work, or the right way to do a process. The fact is, there always are multiple ways to do a kilnforming operation and still get the same result. Never/Always statements are inevitably wrong in any circumstance that deviates from the occasion(s) that led to the statement.

Rules properly relate to the physical and chemical properties of glass because they cannot be avoided. But manipulating those properties enables surprising results to be achieved. For example, keeping the viscosity stable while extending the time can develop the glass in the same profile as decreasing the viscosity over a short time.

The possibility of an experimental approach is shown by the general acceptance that running tests of fusing profiles is a first step in learning about how the kiln temperatures provide desired results. This kind of experimentation can be extended by using slower and faster ramp rates on the same kind of test tiles to show the effect of rates on results at the same target temperature and time. Tests can be run to show the difference that varying the time at the top temperature has on the outcome. These kind of tests give information for a multiplicity of results from the same layup.

Often an idea occurs and the question “what would happen if …” follows. Try it out. Be adventurous and experiment with ideas. It is rare that you will harm the kiln.

Instead of relying only on conventional wisdom, experiment. See what works and what gives problems. Check the boundaries of the rules you receive. Your skills will develop quickly by trying out your ideas before immediately turning to the internet for opinions on the probability of success.

Be adventurous!