Home
The Basics
Projects/Patterns
Embellishments
Kiln Secrets
Fusing Molds
Glass Workshop
Problems/Solutions
Tools/Materials
Technical Terms
Selling Jewelry Crafts
Accessories/Supplies
Site Map A-F
Site Map G-Z
Glass Blog
Craft Directory
Building A  Web Site
Contact Me
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

 

Frit

Frit is small pieces of glass. There are several ways you can make your own various sized pieces at home. These tiny pieces of glass can be used for many processes in glass fusing.

There are several ways you can make this using household tools, or purchasing items to crush your glass. Using these methods, you can make any size you desire for your projects.

Always follow safety precautions when around glass. Wear protective glasses and a mask at all times when attempting these methods.

If using any method that involves metal, you will need to remove any metal bits that might be hiding inside the glass. Use a strong welding magnet placed inside a Ziploc bag to remove any unwanted particles.

Pipe-Crushing Method

All you need to do this procedure is two hollow pipes with screw on closers. One pipe should be smaller than the other so that you can insert it inside the pipe. Fill the smallest pipe up with some heavy objects, like rocks. Put the caps on both ends of this pipe.

Fill the larger pipe about half full of pieces of glass. Put on your safety glasses and a dust mask. Slide the smaller pipe inside the larger pipe and start crushing the glass inside the larger pipe. Keep dropping and grinding the glass until you have achieved your desired size. Use a magnet to find and remove any metal chips that might have broken off during the process.

Hammer Method

Just place your glass in a sealed plastic bag. You could also layer it between a stack of newspaper. Wear your safety glasses for protection, and just hammer the glass.

frit



The Kiln Method

This method is not advisable, because of the possibility of flying glass. Even though you are wrapping it in foil, use precaution and wear your safety glasses.

Wrap the glass in foil and place it inside the kiln. Heat the glass for about an hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After it has heated, use heat resistant gloves and immediately place it into some cold water. It will shatter and you will have frit. I have not tried this method, but be careful when attempting this procedure.

Coffee Grinder Method

Coffee grinders are great for turning larger frit into powder. Designate this grinder for glass only. Either purchase an old coffee grinder, or you can use an old one for this process. This method will eventually wear out the blades of the grinder, and you will want to remove any undesirable metal before using the glass.

Place chunks of glass into grinder, and operate grinder just as you would if you put coffee inside it.

frit Ok, not as old a grinder as this one.

This is actually an antique coffee grinder, but you get the idea.

To purchase a rainbow of frit colors, I recommend EBay.






Return from this page to one of the following pages:

Fusing Embellishments

Technical Terms

Tools and Supplies

Frit to Glass Fusing Made Easy


footer for frit page