The Compact Vitrigraph Kiln in a Perfect 9" Cube
The Jen-Ken AF3P Vitrigraph is the most compact specialty kiln we offer for vitrigraph stringer pulling. Unlike a standard glass kiln that holds glass inside, the Vitrigraph has a hole in the bottom that lets molten glass flow out so the artist can pull it into stringers, rods, ribbons, and decorative elements as it falls. It's how studio glass artists make their own custom stringers in any color or pattern they want.
The interior is a 9" x 9" x 9" cube with 0.42 cubic feet of capacity. Smaller than our Vitri Barrel, sized for working studios that want vitrigraph capability without taking up much space. The kiln is side firing only, with elements on the chamber walls to bring the glass to working temperature without heating the bottom (where the glass is flowing out). Fires up to 2000°F, with glass flowing out the bottom hole around 1650°F.
It plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet (NEMA 5-15) and weighs only 50 lbs, so it's portable enough to set up wherever your stringer pulling rack is. The kiln comes as a three piece stacked design by default. If you prefer, you can special order it with the pieces attached and a hinged lid.
Important: this is a specialty kiln, not a beginner kiln
Vitrigraph stringer pulling involves molten glass flowing out the bottom of the kiln at around 1650°F. This is genuinely dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Please seek proper instruction from a qualified instructor or workshop before attempting to fire this kiln and pull stringer. If you're new to glass and just want to fuse or slump, this is not the right kiln for you. Take a look at our ProFusion or AF3P glass kilns instead.
Setup: must be fired on a steel rack, not on a table
This kiln must be fired on a steel rack with a large steel container positioned below to catch the hot glass as it flows out. Do not fire this kiln on a table or any surface that can't safely contain molten glass. Proper protective gear is required: high temperature gloves, appropriate clothing, eye protection, and the right tools for pulling stringer. Set up in an appropriate area with adequate ventilation and fire safety precautions.
Convertible to fusing or ceramics
With the optional second solid floor (no hole), the AF3P Vitrigraph can be converted into a standard fusing or small ceramic kiln. So if you want a kiln that does vitrigraph work plus everyday glass or small ceramic firings, the solid floor accessory plus the furniture kit gives you that flexibility.
Included with every order
The Orton Digital AF3P 3 Key controller, base brick (or optional stand), 2 year limited warranty through Jen-Ken, and free shipping to the US Lower 48.
Who Is This Kiln For?
The AF3P Vitrigraph is built for a specific kind of glass artist. Here's how to tell if that's you.
✓ Fused glass artists making their own stringers
If you've been buying commercial stringers and want to make your own in custom colors, patterns, and twists, this is the smallest footprint kiln that lets you do it.
✓ Studio glass artists tight on space
9" cube footprint means you can park this kiln in a small corner of your studio. Pull rods, ribbons, and decorative drips without dedicating a lot of floor space to the technique.
✓ Glass instructors and workshop programs
If you teach vitrigraph technique or want to add it to your workshop offerings, this is portable, accessible, and classroom friendly. The 120V plug means easy setup wherever you're teaching.
✓ Working studios adding vitrigraph capability
If you already have a main fusing kiln and want to add vitrigraph as a complementary technique without a major studio investment, this is the entry point.
The AF3P Vitrigraph ships with the Orton AutoFire 3 Key controller, which is the no frills option that handles vitrigraph firing schedules well since you're typically running the same heat to flow profile each session. If you want more programming flexibility (especially if you're converting the kiln with a solid floor for other glass work), upgrade at checkout to the AutoFire 12 Key or TAP Smart Controller.