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Some of the subjects covered in the download...
A Brief History
Many people don't realize that float glass or window glass, as we know it today is a fairly
recent invention. The optical purity that we enjoy in our windows and windshields is actually
very difficult to achieve. Over the centuries sheet glass has evolved from crude castings to
its current refined state. Here is a brief historical overview of the processes used...
Tin Side
Float glass is easily identified by its smooth surface and when viewed on edge, it's deep green coloration.
Because of the float process, this glass has both a "top side" and a "tin side."
There are several ways to identify the tin side...
Harder Glass
If you are used to working with the colored "art" glass products like Spectrum, Uroboros or Bullseye, you will
find some very distinct difference between them and float glass. By comparison, float is a "harder" glass
meaning that it requires more time/temperature than art glass to achieve that same amount of flowing...
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Devitrification
Devitrification is a common problem with float and an overglaze should be used when the glass is
fired over 1425 for more than 10 minutes...
Compatibility
The biggest problem with float glass is that it does not come "pre tested" like most of the
colored glasses for fusing. Most US made float seems to have a COE that falls into the 83 - 85 range...
Softening Point Test
To get the best possible anneal for your float project, you are going to want to run a "Softening Point Test." Because each
kiln is a little different, you should run this test in each kiln. It can make a difference in your results...
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