Customer Reviews

Fuseworks Beginners Fusing Kit

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This inexpensive "gateway" kit comes with lots of glass to play with and decent instructions. The kiln is very easy to use and seems to do exactly what it says it will, fusing small glass projects in three minutes in the microwave. I made a bunch of pendants and some very small earrings and learned that it is possible to fire a few small items in the kiln simultaneously, which saves on shelf paper. If the purpose of the kit is to intrigue potential glass hobbyists, it's very successful. I can't wait to learn and do more with glass!

Recently I started taking a glass fusing class -- something I have wanted to do for years. In class we assemble our projects and then the instructor takes our projects home and does all the kiln work for us. I have loved the class and really wanted to get a kiln of my own, but the price for large kilns is very expensive, requires proper ventilation, a place to use it, it's own circuit breaker, etc, etc.

Before committing to all of this, I decided to look for an easy, affordable alternative that I use to experiment creating jewelry. I purchased this kiln based on the two reviews that were available. Since receiving it I have been using it daily. It is very small, but multiple items can be done at one time (max of 3 or even 4 if very small)as long as similar results are desired. I've had so much fun with it that a friend of mine who is also taking the class has now ordered one as well.

The only concern I have is that the kiln paper that comes with kit creates a rough surface on the edges and bottom of the pieces, creating the need to "sand" the pieces to get them smooth. I went to a specialty store for advice and ended up buying a glass file and another type of kiln paper. The new kiln paper solved my problem. Now I am very happy with my results!

Having tried several very small projects I tried a pendant and couldn't proceed without breakage. After enquiring elsewhere I was advised that using the microwave oven on half-power for a pre-firing would be very likely to increase success.

Using a pre-firing also seems to have eliminated the problems with using tiny dabs of white glue to make things stay in place. In regular fusing I use dilute glue but in this instance full strength tiniest dabs, dried thoroughly, seems to work fine.

Was advised that a coating of kiln wash on the base of the kiln would be effective alone or with kiln paper. I am finding that the kiln wash alone is a much better solution, without using the paper. If I were to use kiln paper in the future I would iron it first to make it smoother. Pre-firing the kiln paper then ironing it would be even better.

When I first touched the kiln it indented a bit with just the pressure of lifting it. Before I used the kiln I coated the outside surfaces (careful to stay away from blow hole) with a coating of high temp kiln cement and fired that on. Highly recommended.

Some experimentation is necessary to master the glass fusing, but it quickly becomes addictive. Since the kiln which is large enough for only one object must cool for 30 minutes between firings, the process is also time consuming. However, you can see the results of your fusing after that half hour, a brief time in the world of fusing.

My kit arrived today and within minutes I had everything out and proceeded to read the easy to follow instructions and was cutting out my first project. After only 30 minutes my first "masterpeice" was ready. I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out as nice as it did. I loved the ease of the process and almost instant gratification of the final peice! The kiln is small but you can still get a good sized pendant or two small earrings. My only complaint would be that the back came out rough and they don't really give you alot of kiln paper to work with. I have seen on the net where you can buy more sheets and will probably order more that way. All in all, for under a hundred bucks, I can see where this will become an additictive hobby! This is ideal for beginners or someone who is curious but doesn't want to commit to an expensive $500 kiln. I reccommend this product! I am adding some more information to my previous review! Ive been a fusing maniac now for seven days and Would like to add some useful information. You can find alot of fuseworks supplies at Hobby Lobby, i.e paper glass and a better cutter. The products are relitively inexpensive and no shipping and handling charges. I have also bought a dremmel to smooth out the corners and back. (much easier than sandpaper). And I am now so atticted to the kiln that I ordered yet another kit a few days ago. Now I can fuse TWICE as much!!!! If anyone would like to see pictures of my projects or have any questions, Please Feel free to email me at Pitboss34@aol.com

If you are like me and love to try a different array of crafts this is the item for you! I received it for my birthday and the day I took it out it's worked like magic! I have always wanted to try glass fusing and could never afford a "real" kiln. This one really does all that it says!! As someone who has never tried to fuse before, I was able to pick it up in no time flat. Just note that like in the instructions it's going to take some trial and error to figure out what will work best for your microwave, but once you do the pieces come out real nice!

And one thing i would like to add, if the fuseworks people read these reviews...maybe throw in some glass pliers??

I purchased this item a couple of days ago and I have already made 5 pendants. The pendants are so beautiful and I'm so excited about my jewelry making. If someone knows of a better kiln paper please let me know.
The kiln paper in the kit makes the back of the pendent rough so I have to spend time smoothing. Overall I love my new discovery!

I almost took this back before even trying it since my microwave is 12 years old. Now I'm wishing I had because I am getting addicted to it. It's a great starter set and lets you know if you want to move up to bigger kilns. It's very easy to use and I'm have a ball experimenting with designs. I just bought some decals at the store today and can't wait to try them out.

This kit works great! The sample squares of solid color glass, the dichroic and the milifiori are enough to get started and have a lot of fun. I compared prices online, and found this to be the very best price. In fact, I've already bought a second kiln kit from this buyer. It got here really fast and was well packaged. The only thing I could say that differs from the instructions is that I have to let my glass fire for 5 to 5 1/2 minutes, even though I have a brand new 1100 watt microwave. Otherwise, the edges are pointy and scratchy. With the extra time, they come out rounded and smooth. Super value and a lot of fun!

Please be careful when opening. The plastic bags are not thick enough and slivers of glass were everywhere, including in my hands and feet. Haven't had a chance to actually try the kiln since I need to setup a better work area away from my pets.