The best glass rod type?

[Carriemd]

Heyo,
I'm still pretty new to glass work and was wondering what type of glass would be the easiest to learn with for making glass beads? I'm currently using Bullseye COE 090. Is COE 104 better?
Thanks in advance!
Carrie,

[kevingreenbmx]

glass is glass, one isn't better than another, but you may find the working properties of some glasses better suit your work and style than others. The available color palettes and color densities may also make one category of glass more appealing to you than another.

[rcktscientist]

Important point:
The higher the COE the lower the "melting" point...but also the less thermally stable so more cracking issues. That's why people love boro (COE 33 but easy to work). 104 may not be bad starting out since it will stay soft longer and allow more working time between heats.

[speedingpullet]

Personally, I'd start with 104 COE.
Its what most soft glass beads are made of, it doesn't need a big torch like boro requires - you can easily start off using a HotHead.

104 comes in a wide variety of nice colors, plus most glass vendors will stock it.

Just be aware that it's soft glass, so will require diligence in not letting it get too cold while you're working it. Plus it will need to be annealed, so you're going to need a kiln. You can't just leave it in a fibre blanket/vermiculite, it will crack.

Although I did work for many years in 104, I switched to boro (33) a few years ago. I'm still glad I learnt beadwork in 104, because it's so much easier and faster!

Good fortune in what ever way you decide to go!

[FosterFire]

I started with Bullseye but ended up switching to Moretti/Effetre. It's just easier.

[KJohn]

I agree with the 104. Best color range and easy to do with a smaller torch. The least expensive as well.