Torch Work Annealing Guidelines
1/8" - 2" Thick (3mm-76mm) Solid Work

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Firing Schedules (ramps for work on mandrels in open air)  
Heating Annealing & Cooling
Step 1* Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
Target temps >> 960° F
516° C		 960° F
516° C		 800° F
427° C		 100° F
38° C
Maximum
Thickness in
thickest dimension		 Ramp Rate
(Per Hour)		 Minimum
Hold
(minutes)		 Hold
(minutes)		 Ramp Rate
(Per Hour)		 Hold
(minutes)		 Ramp Rate
(Per Hour)		 Hold
(minutes)

Minimum Time
(hours)
Step 2, 3 & 4
1/2" 300° F 15 30 150° F 0 300° F 0 7.6
12mm 166° C     28° C   166° C  
1" 300° F 15 60 100° F 0 200° F 0 9.4
25mm 166° C     56° C   111° C  
1 1/2" 300° F 15 120 50° F 0 100° F 0 15.5
38mm 166° C     28° C   56° C  
2" 300° F 15 160 25° F 0 50° F 0 26.3
51mm 166° C     14° C   28° C  
2 1/2" 300° F 15 200 18° F 0 36° F 0 32.1
63mm 166° C     10° C   20° C  

*This loading hold temperature works for typical bead kilns with small doors. Kilns with larger doors allow more cooling when the door is open. In this case use a higher Step 1 temperature, for example 1000° F(538° C) but always start Step 2, the pre-annealing soak, at 960° F(516° C).

Basic Definition of firing steps
Step1
Heat glass, small premade components & kiln interior to the annealing point or slightly above. Hold through the loading period.
If kiln is empty during heatup, heat AFAP is OK.
Step2
Pre-annealing soak - after last piece is loaded. Equalizes temperatures throughout glass and kiln.
Step3
Annealing ramp: slow through the annealing zone to below the strain point.
Step4
Cooling ramp. Turn off at end. For work 1" (25mm) or thicker wait to open kiln until interior is 100° F(28° C), or room temperature.

Revision 03/09