Vitrigraph is one of the most visually dramatic techniques in studio glass — molten glass pulled in real time into flowing stringers, canes, and organic forms that you simply can't create any other way. But it's also one of the most misunderstood processes when it comes to equipment. Here's a clear picture of what vitrigraph actually requires and how to set up for it.
In a vitrigraph setup, a kiln is positioned elevated above your studio floor — on a stand, shelf, or dedicated frame — with a hole in the bottom of the kiln floor. Glass billets or chunks are loaded into a crucible inside the kiln. The kiln is brought to temperature until the glass reaches a fluid viscosity. Then, using a rod or the motorized VitriLift system, you pull glass down through the bottom hole in controlled streams.
Varying the pull speed changes the diameter of the resulting stringer. Slow pull = thicker, faster pull = thinner. Allowing the glass to flow freely without pulling creates drips and organic pendant forms. The results are entirely different from anything you can achieve with hot glass on a mandrel or with fusing sheet glass.
A standard fusing or enameling kiln can't do vitrigraph. The kiln needs a hole — or a removable plug — in the floor, and it needs to be positioned so that hole is accessible from below. It also needs to be mounted or positioned at height, which means the kiln body has to be sturdy enough to sit on a stand without warping or creating safety issues.
Temperature control is also more demanding in vitrigraph than in standard fusing. You're looking for a specific glass viscosity, not just a target temperature — and viscosity varies by glass type and chemistry. A controller that lets you dial in and hold temperature precisely over extended pulls is essential. If the temperature drifts during a pull session, the stringer diameter and character will change unpredictably.
The Hot Shot 7GV ($1,795) is purpose-built for the vitrigraph process. It includes the floor hole provision for pulling, is designed to sit on a stand at working height, and uses the same precise PID controller as our other glass kilns. It runs on 120V and ships quick from our warehouse.
The 7GV handles both loose glass chunks and compatible glass billets. It's suited for studio artists running regular pulling sessions as well as glass bead and flamework artists who want to add vitrigraph elements to their work.
Manual glass pulling — using a steel rod to catch and draw the glass — works and gives you direct tactile control. The downside is inconsistency. Even experienced vitrigraph artists get diameter variation from hand fatigue, grip changes, and speed inconsistency during a long session.
The VitriLift Electric Vitrigraph Lift ($209) solves this by motorizing the pulling process. You set the pull speed, engage the motor, and get consistent stringer diameter throughout a session. It's a straightforward upgrade that pays for itself quickly if you're selling or using vitrigraph elements in production work.
Not all glass works equally well for vitrigraph. You want a glass with a working range that gives you enough time to pull before it stiffens — typically a softer glass like Effetre or Bullseye. High-expansion glasses designed for flamework often pull well. Test small batches before committing to a large vitrigraph session with a new glass type.
Interested in adding vitrigraph to your studio? The Hot Shot 7GV is ready to ship — get in touch if you have questions about setup or compatible glass types.
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