Make Your Own Torch Oven
by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
There are times when I just can't seem to get enough heat while torch enameling. This is usually when I'm making a larger piece or when I'm completing the last of several coats of enamel. I find the problem more common when I'm using liquid enamel. When this occurs, I build a little oven out of fire bricks and charcoal blocks.
Instructions
I save my used charcoal blocks and find these work well for the oven. The picture shows that the charcoal blocks form three sides of the oven with a fire brick as the base and a fire brick as the back wall. Space the side charcoal blocks far enough apart that a trivet to hold your piece will fit in the oven. Part of the trivet needs to hang off the base fire brick so that you can get the torch under the piece. It's not possible to move the torch under the entire piece; therefore, it may require that you turn the trivet around after the first firing to reach under the other side of the piece. This is not always needed and depends on the size of the piece.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Make Your Own Torch Oven - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, torch oven
In my opinion, the charcoal blocks reflect the torch heat back to the piece and help capture torch power. I've been able to get pieces to reach maturity with this little oven when unable to accomplish this in my traditional manner.

It is important that your charcoal blocks be free of debris so that nothing falls onto our enamel piece during firing. I take my blocks outside and either rub them on the concrete or use a knife to remove any loose pieces of charcoal.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Make Your Own Torch Oven - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, torch oven

Materials

Copper Circle, 24 Gauge, 1 Inch, Pack of 6
MET-500.15
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.95
  • Gold Club Price: $2.96
Out of Stock
Copper Circle, 24 Gauge, 1/2 Inch, Pack of 6
MET-500.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.86
  • Gold Club Price: $2.14
Add to Bag
Copper Circle, 24 Gauge, 1/2 Inch, Pack of 6
MET-500.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.86
  • Gold Club Price: $2.14
Add to Bag
Copper Funky Heart, 24 Gauge, 1 by 5/8 Inch, Pack of 6
MET-535.15
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.86
  • Gold Club Price: $2.14
Add to Bag
Copper Oval, 24 Gauge, 18 by 13 Millimeters, Pack of 6
MET-520.20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.23
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Tools

1/32 Line Sifter - Pack of 1
G11-5
  • G11-5
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
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10 Color Thompson Enamel Sample Kit with Thread, Lump, and Copper Discs
KIT-ENAMEL-10
  • KIT-ENAMEL-10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $69.95
  • Gold Club Price: $52.46
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Blazer GB4001 Stingray Torch, Black
TRCH-4001
  • TRCH-4001
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $49.95
  • Gold Club Price: $37.46
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Charcoal Block, 5-1/2 Inches by 2-3/4 inches
SOL-480.00
  • SOL-480.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 3.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 3.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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Thompson 1.25 Inch Trivet - Pack of 1
G11-1
  • G11-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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Thompson 40 Mesh Sifter Medium - Pack of 1
G11-8
  • G11-8
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.50
  • Gold Club Price: $6.38
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  • Category: Enamel
  • Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques