3 mm dichroic rods-anyone use them yet?

gmkcpa · #1 2010-10-18, 3:35pm

I just got two 16" - 3mm rods of clear covered with dichroic for $2.50 each from ABR (Dichroic Coated Clear Rod 3mm Dia.) and figured I'd play with them and see what I get. But before I play with them - has anyone else used these things? How did you use them and what did you wind up with? Any suggestions?

Mary K · #2 2010-10-18, 3:41pm

I have not had a lot of luck with them, best results are when I cut them into pieces and mash them into the maria. otherwize i tend to burn them. ( my fault, I'm dichroic challendged)
However I got some the the GA dichro rods, they seem easier to use, as long as I don't stretch them too thin.
Would love some tips.

kirrakat123 · #3 2010-10-19, 4:35am

I have some but also had alot of problem with the dichro burning out.
The problem is the clear on them is too thin a cover to protect the dichro
from the flame's heat. I have not found a successful use for them.
However, the 7 mm. dichro rods that ABR sell are absolutely great. They
hold the color well & I have made some lovely pendants with them. Make
sure you use a soft flame with the dichro & work the glass well out in the
flame, not up close to the torch tip. Good luck with them.
Thanks, Cynthia in Australia

ABR Dave · #4 2010-10-19, 7:53am

with the 3mm, you have to be very careful. very soft flame, hitting only the non coated side. really, the best thing to do, is stripe the dichro side with a thin cobalt coat or something like that. then use it. once it's coated, it's safe.

i think the 3mm was best for Inside Out applications. mostly used by functional makers.

gmkcpa · #5 2010-10-19, 8:32am

Thanks for your responses. From what you all say, the first thing I think I'll try is encasing a few inches in some clear. I'll let you know how it comes out.

glassshack · #6 2010-10-24, 4:19pm

You can always punty it up to something else .... stick it in the kiln to preheat .... get a 10mm clear rod .... heat it up real good ... pull the stick out of the oven and smear clear over the coating .... it's now protected and able to be used easy. GL!

gmkcpa · #7 2010-10-29, 7:33pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABR Dave

with the 3mm, you have to be very careful. very soft flame, hitting only the non coated side. really, the best thing to do, is stripe the dichro side with a thin cobalt coat or something like that. then use it. once it's coated, it's safe.

i think the 3mm was best for Inside Out applications. mostly used by functional makers.

Ok, I'm back to fun. I took ABR Dave's advice and striped the dichro side with a thin cobalt coat. These 3mm clear rods have a dichro coating going about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way around them. So there are two sides. I coated the dichro side with cobalt. Then I made a clear lollypop and put two stripes on going with the cobalt side down, and two stripes on going with the clear side down. Another lollypop over the stripes, and twist a spiral.

I'm real happy with the results. Remember that when you twist it you thin out the stripes. If you don't twist it the dichro should be rather bright. I hope you can see what's going on in these pictures.