[TheForge] enameling

Sat Jun 22 13:20:03 2002

Enameling is essentially fusing molten glass on metal. I have done 
copper and stainless, but light guage metals only. You get into trouble 
with thick metals managing even heating, and controlled cooling so the 
glass does not fracture and "pop" off.

Across the river from me in Northern Ky. is Thompson Enamel. They are 
one of, if not THE premier supplier of enameling
 supplies, kilns, ground glass, etc. They have a web site, I believe is 
www.thompsonenamel.com, but in any case they would be an invaluable 
resource if you want to get into enameling. I use copper enameled 
medallions as ornaments occasionally. (Although not much call for it 
lately). I still have a few of my early experiements in copper 
enameling, they are nothing to brag about. I have a decent 220v Thompson 
kiln I bought some time ago for about $400. They run at something like 
1550 degrees F. I'm not aware of gas fired units, as the flame would 
blow the powdered glass everywhere.

I wasn't as hooked by enameling as I was to iron work. Not as much 
control over the process. Your never positive how the glass is going to 
come out.

Ray Miller
Cincinnati
Bob Smolen wrote:

>I heard one of the demonstrators at the ABANA conference enameled a piece of
>hot iron by applying granulated glass(?) I think. It was easy and very nice
>looking. Can someone describe the process and result of enameling in the
>context of forged work.
>Thanks,
>Bob
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <[email protected]>
>To: <[email protected]>
>Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2002 3:10 AM
>Subject: Re: [TheForge] big anvil
>
>
>>$3 1/2K US for an anvil is pretty spendy. I would have thought that
>>bigger anvils would be cheaper per pound than smaller ones - more
>>people want or can use an anvil which they can lift or move.
>> BTW a foundry a couple of hours away from me has around 25 anvil
>>patterns of all sizes. IIRC a 150kg (~300lb) is around $NZ800 ($US350)
>>in alloy steel.
>>Geoff
>>New Zealand
>>_______________________________________________
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>>theforge mail list group photo site is
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>>Login:  [email protected]
>>password:  anvil
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>>
>
>_______________________________________________
>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>theforge mail list group photo site is
>http://www.photoaccess.com
>Login:  [email protected]
>password:  anvil
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