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Vivisector

I used to think a full 30 minute anneal was overkill for small cups | Glassblowers - Vivisector

I used to think a full 30 minute anneal was overkill for small cups

A teacher at the studio in Asheville showed me how to do a quick 15 minute cycle in the kiln right after I finish the piece, then let it cool down slowly overnight. It stopped the tiny cracks I kept getting on the foot. Has anyone else found a shorter anneal that works for them?

4 comments

4 Comments

henryt186mo ago

Hold on now, cutting your anneal time in half seems like asking for trouble down the line. A 30 minute cycle is the standard for a good reason, it gives the glass time to relax all the way through. A quick heat might fix the foot today, but what about internal stress you can't see? I've seen pieces that got a short anneal hold together for a month, then just pop a crack out of nowhere. That extra time in the kiln is cheap insurance for your hard work.