|
Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
View Poll Results: Is your favorite tool specifically made for Lampwork or have "MacGyvered" one?
|
Store Purchased
|
|
219 |
67.18% |
Handmade, baby!
|
|
95 |
29.14% |
Tools? I don't use no stinkin' tools!
|
|
7 |
2.15% |
I'm not telling you!
|
|
5 |
1.53% |
2009-05-29, 11:27am
|
|
old person/new member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 14, 2008
Posts: 682
|
|
hmmm...ventilation is another thing altogether I think.
I think that the flare from an oxy propane or mapp gas torch would probably not cause damage instantly. I could be wrong about this- does anyone have any facts on whether the damage is immediate?
Do all organizations who offer lampwork classes provide dydidium glasses? I have only been to one venue so I am no authority on this at all!
__________________
Cathy at the Beach
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-05-29, 12:23pm
|
|
Storm Queen
|
|
Join Date: Aug 30, 2005
Location: SQUIDVILLE
Posts: 8,816
|
|
I guess I look at it this way, a teacher should teach by setting a good example. Not "do as I say, not as we're doing here in class". I may be in the minority though, and that's ok.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-05-29, 2:53pm
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 21, 2008
Location: Herndon, VA
Posts: 867
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cathy at the Beach
hmmm...ventilation is another thing altogether I think.
I think that the flare from an oxy propane or mapp gas torch would probably not cause damage instantly. I could be wrong about this- does anyone have any facts on whether the damage is immediate?
Do all organizations who offer lampwork classes provide dydidium glasses? I have only been to one venue so I am no authority on this at all!
|
James Kervin's book "More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Glass Beadmaking" has one of the better chapters on safety (many books have none...), and has the most detail information I've seen about how various wavelengths of light affect eye health.
The biggest threat to the eye is flying bits of glass (like from shocky glass), so safety glasses are better than nothing at all. The sodium flare emitted by soda lime glass can cause eye fatigue quickly, but the bigger concerns are the invisible UV and IR bands. Garden variety safety glasses do not filter IR. They will attenuate some bands of UV to a degree, but not all of the bands that can cause eye health problems. Cataracts and the development of pterygium are two conditions Kervin's book mentions. The damage starts with exposure and is cumulative.
So, are you at risk after only a few days?
The problem with any answer is that there is no one-size fits all. Some folks may have a genetic predisposition or medical condition, for example, that may make relatively small amounts of exposure a potential risk. The other problem is knowing what your exposure really is: incident UV and IR energy is proportional to the square of the distance from your eye to the source. If you're a shorter person, you will experience far more irradiation than someone who is taller and can work farther away from the flame and the piece. Few people even know to take very important 'personal physics' like this into account.
While I'm glad to see that safety is gaining greater emphasis at classes, I have to side with Amy. I personally think it's irresponsible for someone to teach a class, or hold classes in their studio, without ensuring that all students have didymiums at a minimum. Many of the better artist/instructors will not teach at a studio unless the right eyewear (such as didymiums) and ventilation is available.
You only have one set of eyes....and if you go blind, you can't torch....
Needless to say, my favorite tools are my AUR92's, my AUR bench shield (I use both at the same time), my Fantech ventilation fan and my ear plugs. I also use my brass marver, non-serrated tweezers of all kinds, and Zoozii and Catwalk presses regularly.
Linda
|
2009-05-29, 3:44pm
|
|
old person/new member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 14, 2008
Posts: 682
|
|
Thanks Linda. That makes sense. I do think there are likely many classes that do not provide didymiums ... Maybe the one I was in is the minority- but somehow I doubt it.
__________________
Cathy at the Beach
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-05-29, 3:54pm
|
|
Storm Queen
|
|
Join Date: Aug 30, 2005
Location: SQUIDVILLE
Posts: 8,816
|
|
Thanks for such an informative response Linda.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-05-30, 4:29am
|
|
organically speaking
|
|
Join Date: Sep 07, 2006
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 904
|
|
OMG! No glasses? How?
I went to a glass event recently and forgot my glasses but didn't have time to drive the hour home and get them before the demo I wanted to watch. So I watched it. It was a boro demo and took almost 2 hours. I wore my sunglasses for part of the time and took several breaks from viewing but my eyes were still burning by the end.
Maybe I just have super-sensitive eyes, but I can't imagine being able to sit through an entire class without my didymiums.
My favorite tools? My dad is a tool- and die- maker, so he whips me up all kinds of things. But my favorite tool is probably my exacto knife. Simplest can be best, sometimes.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-05-30, 4:36am
|
|
Cherine Perrin Glass
|
|
Join Date: Sep 01, 2005
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 2,045
|
|
My new favorite is the Cylinder Shaper from Arrow Springs. I use it for tube beads, bicones, barrels and it makes shaping ends really easy!
__________________
~ Cherine ~
My Etsy shop: https:// To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. face="Verdana">Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherinePerrinLampwork/
|
2009-05-30, 4:41am
|
|
organically speaking
|
|
Join Date: Sep 07, 2006
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 904
|
|
Oh, I forgot. I also love my cuticle scissors. They're tiny and awesome and I use them constantly.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-06-04, 9:16pm
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 10, 2005
Location: Huntington Beach CA
Posts: 2,554
|
|
Hands down my Brass Stump Shaper is most used. I also like my Jim Moore Large Lentil Tongs. I have tried and use many tools found in my kitchen and else where. But they often stick to the glass or discolor. Brass tools rock. I also have a set of the little mini shapers....I can't remember who I got them from.....a set of three, with six ends. All brass. If it is brass I will like it.
__________________
Michelle
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-08-31, 8:38am
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 10, 2005
Location: Huntington Beach CA
Posts: 2,554
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flame Crazy
My new favorite is the Cylinder Shaper from Arrow Springs. I use it for tube beads, bicones, barrels and it makes shaping ends really easy!
|
I like this, but I would like to see it in brass. Actually thinking about it...I would like a tool with just one of the end parts.
__________________
Michelle
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2009-08-31, 9:11am
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 29, 2008
Location: NE ohio
Posts: 16
|
|
stainless anything!
__________________
Manzarec-newbie....
|
2009-10-28, 11:49am
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 17, 2005
Location: Davis, CA
Posts: 41
|
|
Uncle Al's Rod Grabber- It has saved my fingers so many times...
I use my Stump Shaper all the time.
|
2009-10-29, 5:30am
|
|
Smooches!
|
|
Join Date: Jun 17, 2006
Location: 4,993 miles SE of Dutch Harbor
Posts: 4,362
|
|
I love that Uncle Al's rod grabber too. I use every rod down to about 1/4".
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. cocktail napkins available at: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Now running my Cheetah on 2 Regalia's - pure heaven!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2010-01-22, 5:26am
|
|
BeadsonCypress
|
|
Join Date: Jan 05, 2007
Location: Jersey Shore - by AC
Posts: 2,662
|
|
My new bead roller!!! Super!!
__________________
Beads on Cypress (Susan Boyce)
7+ years and growing - Mini-CC and O2 generator
|
2010-01-22, 10:01am
|
|
No Problem!
|
|
Join Date: Oct 14, 2005
Location: Fernley. Nevada
Posts: 1,130
|
|
My little extra pointy tweezers are probably the biggest multi-tasker and also THE tool I can't really work without.
Remove tiny bits,doing pinches for wings and fins etc, opening tiny holes, grabbing little objects with loops and holes while removing the punty. The one tool I can guarantee has touched every one of my beads and pendants at least once.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. (Beau & Shani)
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2010-01-23, 6:51am
|
|
Jamaican Me Crazy
|
|
Join Date: Oct 28, 2009
Location: burke county Georgia
Posts: 443
|
|
Ive incorporated my wood carving set (gouges) into my arsenal of tools along with my chisels. They work great
Pete
|
2011-02-19, 9:22am
|
|
Burnt Wood Beads
|
|
Join Date: Dec 25, 2006
Location: NW Wisconsin
Posts: 654
|
|
Favorite tool is a "clam shucker" bought at walmart for about 3.00....SS, wood handle, long, beveled edges....nice flat center...love it!
Other than that...the Beararts (?) beadroller!
__________________
Julie Libonate
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2011-02-19, 12:37pm
|
|
one day at a time
|
|
Join Date: Jun 27, 2005
Location: We are MOVING!!!
Posts: 8,319
|
|
Smircich tail stock holder. I don't make a bead without one...ever! But I wore mine out, so this past year I made one out of boro. A tip from Brent aka Mr. Smiley.
__________________
You live in a world of money. Money means choices. No money, no choices. Welcome to reality.
Melody (Marlee Matlin) from Switched at Birth
|
2011-02-19, 8:00pm
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 27, 2010
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Posts: 261
|
|
Squeezes are my favorite tool. I like using Zoozii's XL SSL, kalera long & lean, and the Word Press base ... not with any specific amount of glass, just to give the squeezed surface different angles. I just like the way those flattened beads feel.
__________________
Julie
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. * To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2011-02-19, 8:28pm
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 09, 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 1,086
|
|
This is my favorite right now, it's the ultimate utility knife. I use it for shaping hearts pushing glass, making the butt on a heart.
It's toward the bottom of the page.
http://www.howacoglass.com/tools.html
Regarding the didys, I thought for 104 glass that the didys were more for comfort and so you could see the glass better than for protection (I think I read that somewhere but I am not sure where). It seems I was misinformed. I have never taken a class though.
|
2011-02-19, 11:54pm
|
|
Redbearmountain
|
|
Join Date: Jun 16, 2007
Location: Butte Montana
Posts: 334
|
|
My absolute favorite tool is my electrical mandrel spinner by Scott Bouwen and his rolling marvers and all his tools. My other favorite tool is Donna's bead rollers they work so awesome with Scott's EMS. What a dynomite combination these tools have been for me.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2011-02-21, 1:52pm
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 08, 2005
Posts: 2,907
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by redbearmountain
My absolute favorite tool is my electrical mandrel spinner by Scott Bouwen and his rolling marvers and all his tools. My other favorite tool is Donna's bead rollers they work so awesome with Scott's EMS. What a dynomite combination these tools have been for me.
|
This!!!
__________________
GTT Scorpion, Griffin Glass footpedal, EX15 oxycon
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2011-10-14, 6:52am
|
|
It's about having fun!
|
|
Join Date: Sep 30, 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 552
|
|
I "MacGyvered" a tool that puts a hole in hot glass! One step! It's cool enough I'm going to share, tutorial is in the works ;c)
Other than that tool, a butter knife!
__________________
The Boneyard Punch Tutorial: Learn how to make a simple tool that will easily put a hole in hot glass! It really works! See my Etsy!
My Etsy: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Thank you! Joni
|
2011-10-14, 9:42pm
|
|
Chief Creative Goddess
|
|
Join Date: Feb 19, 2011
Location: Reno Nevada
Posts: 719
|
|
Ok, I have, love, and use all the standards (marver, presses, and most often used exacto knife) but the craziest investment was a Japanese Cheese Knife.
Now, I don't believe that Japan is a big cheese producing country , but they produced this way bitchin cheese knifey shaped thing with stainless steel and the perfect shape -almost like an aspen leaf shape- and it has a previously well loved smooth wooden handle.
My eyes lit up in delight and my checkbook was whippin out for the damages, until I looked at the price, smiled sheepishly, and put my checkbook back. My total for this whirlwind moment? 25 cents..... This puppy smooths encasing and is just too too cute.
My other favorite tools are the wonderful gifts of words of encouragement, wisdom and support from all the neato people I've met here on LE! The actual merchandise also sent as surprises and RAOGK have popped my socks off too.
Smiles, Sheri
__________________
Glass beads make you smile! See? You just did!!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2011-10-21, 3:17pm
|
|
Curmudgeon Engineering
|
|
Join Date: Feb 15, 2006
Location: Near Seattle, WA
Posts: 1,723
|
|
Other than a set of Infinite rim molds and my torch I make or made all the tools I use on a regular basis. Diamond shears and rod nippers are the only other tools I have on the bench.
|
2011-10-26, 5:17am
|
Glassbeadlady
|
|
Join Date: Nov 24, 2005
Posts: 16
|
|
My favourite tool is a "stamp lifter". It looks like a miniature spatula and is the size of a dental pick. I use it constantly. Price $1.00.
|
2012-02-13, 9:03am
|
|
Sith Lord
|
|
Join Date: Nov 24, 2010
Posts: 19
|
|
wow, surprised no one seems to like reamers, I do a lot of flaring and love graphite reamers for the purpose
I save everyone one I break so I have a nice collection of tapers and sizes , I keep about 10 on my desk for anything that arises
__________________
You don't know the power of the dark side ...
|
2012-02-13, 10:37am
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: May 04, 2007
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,212
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bousky
I like this, but I would like to see it in brass. Actually thinking about it...I would like a tool with just one of the end parts.
|
Something like this?
http://retroglasstools.com/types.aspx
Malcolm
__________________
ARTCO
Artist's Reliable Tool Company
Website: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Email: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Phone:+1.408.288.7978
|
2012-02-13, 3:58pm
|
|
Jacqueline Parkes
|
|
Join Date: Nov 04, 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 4,497
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Glassbeadlady
My favourite tool is a "stamp lifter". It looks like a miniature spatula and is the size of a dental pick. I use it constantly. Price $1.00.
|
What do you do with it?
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-02-14, 7:51am
|
|
Peerless Thread Killer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 20, 2007
Location: Mt. Chokula
Posts: 1,148
|
|
I made a tool I am so proud of! I took an old 1/16" mandrel that was bent a bit-not too bad, just couldn't use it for beads anymore. I heated the mandrel at the torch until it was cherry red-about 2-3 inches. I quenched it, and bent it into a spiral, then about 3 inches above I bent it into a 90 degree angle. Ta-da! I can make spiral impression in hot glass! I couldn't afford the brass spiral stamps I wanted, but now I don't need to buy one. I'll try to take a pic and post later.
__________________
Check out my Etsy shop: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 7:24am.
|