Beginner questions
 

Im new to the hobby and I took some time off and am getting back into it so I have some basic probably stupid questions.
A few times I am working my tweezers get stuck to my glass and screws it all up, are there any tips to help with this? Do the tools need to stay cool?
Another one: when I'm using glass rods I have some problems with once they are heating up the ends like to explode off or if im adding glass from one rod to the other piece im working on the peice being added to will crack or explode too, any tips on what im doing wrong?
Like I said im at the most basic levels right now so any help is really appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Yes, keep your tools cool. Quick usage is best. Dunk them in water to cool.

Are you using Devardi glass? If so, that’s how it acts. Preheating can help, as can working slow and cool. But it is just shocky stuff.

:waving: Welcome to LE.

Any brand of glass can be shocky and turn into frit-on-a-stick. As Kathy said, a little preheating helps. Sometimes. Some glass colors are just a PITA and will cause problems no matter what.

There are several methods: wave in and out of flame for a little while; place rod ends into kiln - careful w/this one when taking out as entire rod may be hot if in too long; put rods in an aluminum cake pan or on a rod warmer plate on top of kiln - also be careful as above; buy a piece of equipment called a rod warmer.

dj

Thank both of you for the information, it was very helpful

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Also, collect the bits that break off of the ends of your rods. I keep this "bench frit" in small jam jars and use it to make really interesting marbles and beads.

It sounds like you may be letting the bead you are working on cool to much while you heat the new color. You need to keep what you have on there warm or it cools down too much and then when you put it back in the flame to add glass it will explode or at least crack.

Thanks, that will really help. I kind of thought that was part of what I was doing wrong but wanted to make sure.

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You can keep rotating it just under the flame to keep it warm without melting what you have done, etc..