Final yr, I shared a publish highlighting a number of the important instruments I take advantage of when creating my fused glass paintings. Simply to call a couple of: scorers, breakers, Groziers, nippers, drills, saws, grinders—and naturally, one among my kilns. With so many instruments taking part in a task within the artistic course of, it’s no shock that, over time, a few of them want just a little upkeep or restore to maintain all the things working easily.
I take advantage of my little Paragon kiln every single day—typically even twice a day! With that a lot use, the relay sometimes must be changed about yearly. I’m penning this publish partly as a reminder for myself to order new relays recurrently, but in addition to point out that fusing glass isn’t all the time simply creativity and enjoyable—typically it’s upkeep too!
Once I see the dreaded “ECL” code flash on my kiln, it’s nearly all the time an indication that the relay must be changed. And after I say “I” exchange it, what I actually imply is my wonderful husband, Dan, does the work!
Right here’s how we (effectively, largely he) change the relay:
- First, we unplug the kiln (security first!).
- Then, we gently flip it on its facet.
- Dan removes the outdated relay and installs the brand new one.
- After that, he replaces the underside of the kiln, plugs it again in, and turns it on.
- We await the show to point out the temperature—all the time signal!
- As soon as it’s up and working, I set the kiln furnishings and shelf again inside, load my glass items, program the kiln, and pay attention for that lovely click on…the sound of a cheerful, working relay!
Thanks, Dan, for conserving my child kiln in excellent working order—I couldn’t do it with out you!
Some time again, I invested in a really costly Covington flat lap grinder. However actually, it was a little bit of a battle—it splashed water in every single place, and finally, the pump stopped working. Once I attended the Glass Expo this month (try my DYK publish for extra about that tremendous journey!), I made certain to cease by the Covington sales space. I met Ashlee, who was extremely useful. I defined my points, and he or she instantly supplied me a brand new pump—without spending a dime! (Though I totally supposed to purchase one!) Ashlee additionally gave me a important tip: be certain the soiled water drains right into a separate bucket, not the identical one the pump pulls from. So, I purchased a brand new bucket, set all the things up—and guess what? The pump labored completely!
I additionally talked about how a lot the grinder splashes water onto me, and Ashlee prompt utilizing a pool noodle to assist block the spray. I had tried one thing comparable earlier than (see the image on the left), nevertheless it hadn’t labored in any respect. Now, with the precise setup and just a little fine-tuning, my fancy flat lap runs so significantly better—and I can lastly use my huge grinder the best way I supposed. Yay for small fixes making a huge distinction!
A couple of yr in the past, I purchased this huge, fancy grinder—considering it will make my work simpler. However as a substitute, it was so irritating! I may by no means get the water to feed the bit correctly, which made grinding even more durable than it wanted to be. Whereas I used to be on the Glass Expo this month, I made some extent to go to the TECHNIGlass sales space. I’m so glad I did! The consultant there took the time to point out me precisely methods to repair the problem—and defined that the grinder ought to truly sit decrease on the shaft.
After adjusting it the best way he confirmed me, my grinder now works completely! What a distinction just a little know-how could make. And sure, sorry concerning the mess—grinding is certainly a messy job! However no less than now it’s a complete lot extra productive!
Now, if solely I may repair my two saws! The one on the left? It’s principally only a glorified shelf at this level—fully ineffective. I actually want there had been a sales space for that model on the Expo, as a result of you already know I’d have requested for assist! As for the noticed on the precise, it nonetheless sort of works…nevertheless it wiggles a lot that intricate cuts are nearly not possible. It’s fantastic for fundamental straight cuts, however something detailed is an actual problem. One step at a time, proper?
I take advantage of my drill quite a bit—and in case you noticed it, you might inform by how messy it’s gotten over time! The opposite day, I used to be making an attempt to drill some holes and realized the drill head wouldn’t transfer up or down. Tremendous irritating! So, I had Dan check out it. Seems, it simply wanted just a little TLC. Dan sprayed some WD-40 on the gears and enamel that management the up-and-down motion. Then he cranked it up and down a number of instances to work the lubricant in and loosen all the things up. Now it really works like a allure! I’ve already drilled a number of items since he mounted it. Thanks, Honey, for conserving my drill—and me—up and working!
In case you ever take a fused glass class with me, you’ll even get an opportunity to make use of a few of these instruments and gear your self! It’s all a part of the artistic (and typically messy) enjoyable of working with glass.
In case you’d wish to see extra of my fused glass creations, please go to my web site: Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. You too can try my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube channel for movies that includes my work. And in case you’d like to remain up-to-date on what I’m engaged on—and be taught just a little extra concerning the world of fused glass—you’ll want to subscribe to my publication, revealed on the final day of every month. I’d like to have you ever be part of me on this glassy journey!
Holding my kiln heat,
Karen