Annealing Oven
A front-loading chamber for bringing finished pieces down through the annealing range under control.
Annealing
| Diameter | 150 - 300 mm |
|---|---|
| Grit | 80 - 220 diamond or silicon carbide |
| Cooling | Water flood, recirculated |
| Speed | 1000 - 2500 rpm |
| Use | Geometry, flat laps and edge shaping |
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
A grinding wheel is the coarse stage of coldworking. Diamond-impregnated or silicon carbide wheels running wet remove material quickly enough to reshape a base, grind a flat, or take a rim down to length. It is the stage that decides the final geometry, so accuracy here saves hours of polishing later.
Safety notes
- A grinding wheel throws slurry and glass chips. Full face shield, not just glasses.
- Never grind on the side of a wheel unless it is rated for it. Side loading can burst a wheel.
- Keep hands clear of the nip point and use a jig or clamp for small pieces.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Dress the wheel when it stops cutting freely. A glazed wheel generates heat instead of removing glass.
- Flood the work with water. Intermittent cooling causes thermal cracks even in cold glass.
- Grind to a pencil line and check often. It is easy to remove too much.
What to look for
- Water flood cooling that suppresses dust and heat
- Recirculating system with a settling tank
- Flat lap and edge grinding configurations
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 grinding wheel
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.