Ceramic kiln conversion to glass kiln?

by Deborah
(Mooresville, IN )

Is it possible to convert an old ceramics kiln over to a glass kiln? I have an old kiln that uses cones. Is there any such thing as cones for glass? I do stained glass, but I would love to learn to fuse glass. Where would I be able to buy cones if this is possible?

Milly's reply:

Yes you can use your ceramic kiln to fire glass. Strictly speaking, there isn't such a thing as a 'glass kiln' - they're all insulated boxes with heating elements - it's the shape of them that makes them more appropriate for one material or technique than another.
For example, a glass fusing kiln has a flat bed with a lid holding the heating elements, so that the glass can be uniformly heated. For sculptural kiln formed glass art you would be better off with an upright kiln with elements all around the chamber so that the three dimensional object heats up from all angles at once. All you have to beware of is any remnants of clay - glass has to be scrupulously clean!
With regard to cones - yes you can use these, but a digital controller is much easier, although it's good to know what's going on inside the kiln. Have a look at my previous answer about Kiln Firings Using Cones to get you started. Stain glass suppliers or a standard kiln supplies store should stock cones. Kiln firing schedules for fusing glass have a top temperature of between 780-820C, depending on what type of stained glass you're using. Hope that helps you start with glass.