Making chain in 104?

Floorkasp · #1 2013-12-12, 11:13am

I really would like to (attempt) to make a glass chain, made from attached rings.
So far, I have only worked in 104 glass. My torch should be able to do boro, but haven't tried it yet.
Is it possible to make these chains in 104, or would they be too prone to breaking either while making them or while wearing them?

bshelle · #2 2013-12-12, 11:51am

Sure! If figural sculptures are possible, chains are surely possible. Some wear 104 rings, so a chain should be feasible to wear.

Just be mindful of your heat. Do not reheat a cooled down area. Pick a glass that isn't prone to shockiness.

PaulaD · #3 2013-12-12, 12:15pm

I could see the 104 links exploding each time you try to add another link. Maybe someone really good at heat control could do it. Some things are just easier in boro!

brendah · #4 2013-12-12, 12:45pm

Pipyr has a tutorial for soft glass or boro. I have been wanting this one for awhile! http://www.pipyr.com/tutorials.html

pattycake · #5 2013-12-13, 5:44am

thanks for the link, can always use more boro help, i bought 2 tuts, exciting

Floorkasp · #6 2013-12-13, 6:44am

Thanks everyone. Think I will buy that tut, have never bought one before.
Glass that isn't prone to shockiness: what would you recommend? To start, I would like to make a clear chain.

PyroJoe · #7 2013-12-13, 9:02am

I never listen to what experts tell. Someone once told me I couldn't do sculptural work with boro! How incredibly dumb is that? Of course you can make chains with 104. Good luck to you!

theglasszone · #8 2013-12-15, 10:51am

Hi Floorkasp!

I wanted to do the same as you...make a glass chain in 104.

I bought Pipyr's fantastic Tutorial and did some experiments, but because I work on a Hot Head I had trouble with the bushy flame and keeping the heat refined enough to NOT crack previously made rings. I tried many colors of 104 rod and stringer, but couldn't get past 4 rings without cracking. So even with just a Hot Head, I decided to give it a go in Boro.

I purchased some 4mm boro from Dave at ABR, and went for it! I was thrilled to discover that this smaller diameter, pre-pulled "stringer" (Clear) worked fantastically - even on my Hot Head - and here's the resulting first try:

Here's the link where I bought the 4mm Boro Clear; the pic is generic but the product was consistent and very easy to work with: http://www.abrimagery.com/product_in...ar-rod-p-10684

I hope you'll let us know how it's coming along, maybe share with us your successes and even your failures, too, to help out others...

Best of luck!
De

rainygrrl · #9 2013-12-15, 11:37am

Boro on a hothead - Wow! That came out great, De.

Floorkasp · #10 2013-12-16, 2:57am

Thanks for your input!
I have a GTT Cricket torch, so should be able to keep the bushy flame under control, compared to a hothead, but should also be able to work with boro. Hoping to try it over Christmas, but after that I am on a 6 week trip, so it may be a while before I report back.

PaulaD · #11 2013-12-16, 10:37am

De that is gorgeous! Paula

theglasszone · #12 2013-12-16, 11:26pm

Thank you Roberta and Paula!

@Floorkasp, yes! A Cricket can dial down to a very nice smaller flame, if I recall correctly, which should probably let you work the seam seals in both soft and boro no problem!

Safe travels and we'll hope to see your progress as time allows.

De

myrdlebp · #13 2013-12-17, 12:27am

Quote:

Originally Posted by theglasszone

e

Holy S#!T!

Freakin' awesome!

Ravenesque · #14 2013-12-18, 12:07am

way cool de!

Fig posted rings with twistie I always wanted to give a go as a chain
here http://lampworketc.com/forums/showth...hlight=twistie

pipyr · #15 2013-12-18, 6:35am

Hi guys! I heard about this thread through a tutorial purchase a couple of days ago!

I haven't been here in a long while, but wanted to pop in and say "hi" and that I'm so tickled that people are still enjoying my tutorials <3 Though my artistic focus has changed, I still adore the glass world and all of the wonderful people in it!!