Guidelines for batch annealing?

[EaglesLegacy]

Ok, hope you guys don't mind another question I couldn't find an answer for...
Being that I want to invest in a really quality kiln, I don't see it happening very soon. I've decided to get my torch and use vermiculite for now. So how large of beads can I make without annealing right away, and how long can I store them to anneal when I get my kiln? TIA. You guys are awesome!

[profusion]

Hi,
What kind of kiln are you considering? I am looking for a good one too, and I find it hard to choose :)
I have been lampworking for a year now using the vermiculite. The size of bead you can make will depend on what you are making. I can't get an encasement to live, but can go over an inch in ivory and mixed colours (under an inch wide).
You can probably store them for as long as you like, just don't carry them around in your handbag or bump them around too much.
P~

[GLASSFREEK]

keep them small with not alot of work in them that way if they do break your not that heart broken.1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.
They can hang around for as long as needed.

Mike

[EaglesLegacy]

Profusion,
Not sure which kiln yet. I will look for guidance from LE on that when the time comes. I Just know that I will be long term at this...I dream about it at night...so I'm going to make quality investments right from the start. Talkin' up to $800 on the kiln if necessary and maybe as much for a torch, ultimately.

Mike, as for work put into them...I'm a beginner. I will start out on cheap glass and reject colors for practice, so I can't see anything being good anytime soon. It's great to know I can go that big on the beads and store for a long enough time.

[beadsoncypress]

Do Not Buy An Aim Kiln......still Waiting For A Defective Pyrometer....it Has Become Quite The Saga. The Kiln Itself Is Very Nice, I Would Love To Be Able To Use It Correctly!

[ewdb]

try a heated crockpot with the vermiculite. i took my time saving for a top quality kiln and separate controller as well (so far worth every penny) and found this setup worked for me in the interim. still use it actually when i'm only making one or two beads and then batch anneal later.

i preheat the crockpot (a $10 pot from Walmart with a ceramic insert) for 1/2hr before i start torching and leave it on for about an 1hr when i'm done with the lid on and let it cool slowly to room temperature.

and yes i make big beads sculpted, encased, multiple COEs, whatever - up to 3ins in size and i have had no cracking issues. Also i make sure they are evenly heated (flame annealed) before putting the bead into the vermiculite and then cover the bead completely with the vermiculite.

i've kept beads over a year without annealing and they were fine.