Make fusing jewelry with this Hotpot microwave maxi igloo.
Thanks to this special microwave container, which enables the waves to be concentrated, it is possible to reach the high temperatures required for glass shaping. With the igloo, you can melt glass in a microwave oven to create jewelry, glass components for jewelry and other creations. This technique is also known as glass fusing. The igloo makes it accessible to everyone, as you don't need to buy a special fusing furnace. A simple microwave, even a basic one, is all you need.
How to use the Maxi igloo?
- Microwave: use a microwave dedicated to fusing (not the one in the kitchen), because of the possible fumes when the glass fuses. Any microwave will do.
- Installation in the microwave: let the turntable rotate, but never place the igloo directly on the glass tray. Place 3 insulating blocks underneath to create ventilation.
- Prepare the anti-stick "support": at the bottom of the igloo, place a sheet of biosoluble fiber (1 mm) + fiber paper on top (slightly larger than the glass). Never place the glass directly on the bottom.
- Prepare the glass: cut, clean and decorate; if necessary, glue the layers with special fusing glue and leave to dry.
- Placement: place the glass centrally, keeping at least 1.5 cm between the glass and the inner wall (otherwise you risk damaging the igloo).
- Firing: set the power and fire from the side. For 220/230 V, we recommend 500-600 W (and do not exceed 700 W).
- Check: when you see a yellow/orange glow coming out of the hole in the lid, the melting starts: you can lift the lid for 1-2 seconds (with gloves) to check, then close it again. If necessary, continue and recheck every 20s or so.
- Cooling: when ready, remove the igloo and let it cool on a heat-resistant surface, lid closed, to room temperature (often 1-2 hrs).
- Finishing: remove burnt paper and tablecloth, rinse the piece and mount your jewel.
- Before firing again: the igloo must be completely cooled.
Safety precautions:
- Always use heat-resistant gloves to open the igloo for inspection, and to move it if it has not cooled down completely.
- Do not place a hot igloo on wood or plastic: risk of burns and fire. Use a heat-resistant surface (e.g. tile). Check regularly that the surface is protecting what's underneath.
- In the event of an accident, keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach in your work area.
- Keep flammable materials away from the work area.
- Working with hot glass is not for children: tidy up and secure the area when children are present.
- If you fire non-glass materials with glass, dangerous fumes/gas may be generated: always ventilate.
- Caution: glass heat is invisible. Handle with care if you're not sure it's cold. When in doubt, wait. Keep burn ointment nearby.
- Never rinse a hot glass with cold water: it may crack. Wait until it has reached room temperature.
- Never leave the microwave unattended during cooking.
Difficulty level: medium
Kit contains:
- A Hotpot maxi igloo for microwave cooking.
Details:
Internal dimensions d.110mm. x h.45mm.
Warning, this is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 16 without adult supervision.
