Vitrigraph

What is vitrigraph and how is it accomplished? Vitrigraph is the act of molding and maneuvering molten glass as it flow from the bottom of a raised and supported kiln. The kiln is raised so that working with the flowing glass can be accomplished without any interference. This is not a process for the faint at heart. It can be an extremely dangerous procedure and all safety procedures need to be followed to ensure a satisfactory outcome.

Leigh Adams and Larry Cunningham call this procedure �Dancing with Glass�. As the two of them work together, it is like watching a well rehearsed dance team perform. One will be twisting and pulling the glass while the other one cuts. They decide ahead of time who will be doing what process, so that each one knows his or her part. By doing this preparation, they don�t get in each other�s way, and they are successful with their pulls. They are able to manipulate the stream of flowing glass as at cools. These glowing lines of molten glass can vary in lengths, shapes, sizes and thickness. They can be manipulated with pliers, pipes, etc. Vitrigraph pieces can then be used as components in other fused glass work with the same COE.

Vitrigraph

Safety First

Don�t wear open toed shoes.

Wear your safety glass at all times while attempting this procedure.

Wear long sleeved cotton shirt.

Use OV gloves for the best flexibility.

Have a fire extinguisher on hand for any emergencies.

Keep the kiln and falling glass away from any flammable surfaces or materials.

If working inside the kiln, always unplug and turn off the power to the kiln to avoid contact with the elements.

Never leave the kiln unattended.

Only use heavy electrical extension cords and tape them down to eliminate the chance of them being yanked and pulling the kiln off the support.

Practice safety procedures at all times when doing the procedure of vitrigraph. Remember kilns are hot and this molten glass can start fires.

Materials

6 inch clay pots from Germany, Italy or USA (must be high fire pots) with an enlarged hole in the bottom

Kiln capable large enough to hold a 6 inch pot

Base plate made of mullite with holes cut in the bottom to allow the glass to flow through

Secure platform to hold kiln at or above shoulder level

Tools for shaping, pulling and cutting the glass

Compatible glass

Sheet metal to either catch the glass or placed on the floor for the glass to flow onto.

Annealing kiln heated up to accept the hot pieces

Cooling pot filled with water

Heating Clay Pot

Fill pot with glass and heat depending on the color of the glass. For a good flow, you will need to take notes and adjust your kiln accordingly. If using frits or small pieces of scrap glass, be sure to place a larger piece in the bottom of the pot to prevent the glass from falling through the large hole before it is heated up.

Approximate heating temperature:

200 degrees Fahrenheit an hour to 450 degrees Fahrenheit

100 degrees Fahrenheit an hour to 850 degrees Fahrenheit

50 degrees Fahrenheit an hour to 1080 degrees Fahrenheit

As fast as possible to 1550 degrees Fahrenheit

When heating the pot, watch out for any cracks. Cracks can widen and even break the pot open during firing. We experienced this at our firing, because the purchased pot was mislabeled and was not a high firing pot.

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