Adjustable Stainless Steel Dams/Molds for Glass Fusing and Casting
One set of dams, endless possibilities!
Every glass fuser needs these! Adjustable to almost any size to fit your mold, your kiln, and your imagination!
If you're tired of having to buy dams every time you want to make a new size, or frustrated with the lack of dams in rectangle shapes, or annoyed every time your ceramic dams fall over, these are the solution!
Features:
- Interlocking design to customize shape and size, keep dams standing
- Multiple lengths available to fit the smallest to largest kilns
- One set of dams can make any size piece from 1" up to the max size of the dam
- Mix & match sizes for the right shape and to use kiln space efficiently
- Half-inch connection intervals allow for more precise sizing
- 1 inch depth (standard) or 2 inch depth (extra deep) for thin to extra thick construction
- Made in the USA with sturdy 304 stainless steel
Sizes:
Sold in full set packs of 4 for each size. Note that you need at least 4 dams (varying lengths okay) to create a 4-sided dam structure. We recommend starting with a full set of the largest size that will fit in your kiln, and add more of same or different sizes if you want to be able to configure to fire multiple pieces at the same time.
Ensure that the full length of the dam will fit in your kiln inner dimensions!
- Small - dam is 7.5", for finished pieces up to 6".
- Medium - dam is 13.5", for finished pieces up to 12".
- Large - dam is 19.5", for finished pieces up to 18" (standard depth only).
- XL - dam is 25.5", for finished pieces up to 24" (standard depth only).
Instructions
Pre-firing is not required. Steel will discolor after first firing.
- Coat dams with ZYP Boron Nitride spray if desired to prevent any accidental glass sticking.
- If using shelf paper, place down on kiln shelf first, constructing dams on top. Ensure shelf paper covers area where glass will be. Otherwise ensure shelf is protected with Kiln Wash.
- Construct on kiln shelf by locking four dams together at the desired size using the interlocking slots in a configuration that will fit the shelf and the kiln inner dimensions.
- Always line the inside of your configured dams with 1/8-1/4" fiber paper that is as thick or slightly thicker than your glass to prevent glass sticking and to allow for airflow and cushion.
Usage Tips and Tricks
Mix n' Match
Combine extra dams in same or different sizes for multiple pieces at once!
Spikes no More
In addition to the fiber paper, use same size shelf paper between the fiber paper and the glass to prevent spikes on the edges of your piece.
Keep it Straight
Use squaring blocks or rulers at the outside corners to ensure right angles. Just remember to remove them before firing!
Make Space
Configure your dams to one slot (half inch) bigger than your desired size to allow for lining and/or cold work.
Fit, Fill and Finish
Depending on construction technique, it may be useful to assemble and line three sides of the dams, leaving one side open until filled with glass and adding the final lining and dam when complete. When doing this, ensure that the two end side dam slots are facing up so that the last dam can be lowered into place without disturbing the other sides.
