Annealing Oven
A front-loading chamber for bringing finished pieces down through the annealing range under control.
Annealing
| Grit | 220 to 600 |
|---|---|
| Length | 150 - 250 mm |
| Coating | Electroplated diamond on a steel blank |
| Typical life | 200 - 400 pieces depending on grit |
| Use | Coldworking only |
Compatible glass types
Soda-lime
Borosilicate
Lead crystal
Compatibility assumes the tool is rated for the working temperature of that glass family. Check the maker's documentation before use.
Overview
Cold glass can be worked with diamond abrasives without any thermal risk at all. A diamond file removes material fast enough to correct a rim, ease a sharp edge or true up a flat, and because the abrasive is bonded to the tool the cut stays consistent until the coating wears through.
Safety notes
- Glass dust from dry filing is a respiratory hazard. Work wet or with extraction.
- Wear eye protection. Fine glass chips fly from a file.
- A fully annealed piece can still break. Clamp work securely.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- File wet. Water keeps the diamond from loading and stops dust.
- Work along one direction only for a cleaner edge.
- Replace the file when it starts to slide rather than cut. A worn file polishes.
What to look for
- Electroplated diamond that cuts consistently
- Flat, half-round and round profiles
- Comfortable handle that stays secure when wet
Reference information only. Specifications are published ranges drawn from manufacturer documentation and normalised for comparison. They vary between makers and between individual units. This page does not sell or endorse any product, and does not guarantee any result. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and take hands-on instruction before operating hot glass equipment.
Related
Tools used alongside the diamond file
Kiln Controller
The programmer that executes a ramp-and-hold schedule and holds the furnace to it.
Annealing
Annealing Kiln
A small top-loading kiln used for beads, small sculpture and single-piece annealing.
Annealing
Annealing Controller
A multi-segment programmer for executing a full annealing curve from heat to room temperature.
Annealing
See the annealing & finishing workflow
Read the category overview, or jump into the 3D Studio to see these tools applied to a live piece.