Glass fusing tools and supplies can be costly if you don't do your homework. Search the internet to find the best prices for the items you need. If one on-line store has the product cheaper, you might consider if shipping would make the item just as costly as purchasing it from the more expensive supplier.
Check out Dick Blick for some great prices and tons of supplies. I am an affiliate of this fantastic company. For a partial list of all the glass cutting and fusing supplies that they carry, check out the Art Glass Supplier page.
To start out with your glass fusing adventure, you might want to purchase just the necessary items. As you explore and venture out, purchase other items to add texture and interest to your fused glass art.
Yes, the most expensive item you will want to purchase is a Kiln. If this is not in your budget at the moment, you just might want to consider the following options.
Some glass studios are available to rent when there are no classes or other events scheduled.
Local Adult Education class might offer classes where you could use their kilns.
Check local high schools that offer classes and ask if you can bring items there to fire.
Look in local newspapers or on Craig's List for kilns for sale.
As you can see, glass fusing can get very expensive. All the glass fusing tools and supplies don't need to be purchased in the beginning. Starting with the basic tools and supplies will allow you to cut glass and fuse a basic piece of glass. Then you can slowly purchase other supplies as needed.
The most expensive items on these lists are the kiln, grinder and glass saw. The kiln is a necessity, but you can wait to purchase a grinder and glass saw.
There are so many types and sizes of kilns. Decide what your space and needs are before you purchase. Search for prices, not only for the product, but shipping costs. Kilns are not light and the shipping might be expensive. These are things to consider before you purchase.
There are many different types of grinders in a variety of price ranges. These are not necessary to do glass fusing, but sure come in handy for smoothing out edges, or taking off just a little glass.
There are also a few different glass saws available. This is an item you might not need or want at first. I can tell you from experience, though, once you try one, you won't want to hand cut your glass any more. After and extensive search of the internet and local stores for a glass saw, I found that Diamond Drill and Tool has the best prices around. Even with shipping I saved about $60 on purchasing my glass saw from this company.