Annealing Oven
A front-loading chamber for bringing finished pieces down through the annealing range under control.
Annealing
| Material | Wool felt or polyurethane |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 100 - 200 mm |
| Compound | Cerium oxide or tin oxide slurry |
| Speed | 500 - 1200 rpm |
| Stage | Final polish after 600 grit |
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
Polishing is the final coldworking step, and it removes almost no material. A felt pad charged with cerium oxide or tin oxide, run wet at moderate speed, smooths the microscopic scratches left by fine grinding until the surface transmits light again. It is slow, and it only works if every earlier stage was done properly.
Safety notes
- Cerium slurry is slippery. Keep the floor around the machine clean.
- Do not let the pad dry out on the glass. Friction heat can crack a thick piece.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Never jump to polishing from a coarse grit. Any scratch left will show through the polish.
- Keep the pad damp and the speed moderate. Heat is the enemy of a good polish.
- Wash the pad regularly. Loaded felt scratches instead of polishing.
What to look for
- Dense felt that holds slurry evenly
- Compatible with cerium and tin oxide compounds
- Quick-change backing for different pad grades
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 polishing pad
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.