Bullseye and bubbles

[DJ]

I'm new to lampworking and this site has been so helpful. This is my first posting.

I've been using moretti only until I purchased bullseye recently. One color specifically (a steel blue - the rods were not labeled) had tiny bubbles throughout it, I mean all thru it and very very tiny, and the beads after annealing have tiny pits or scratches. Is this normal? I never had this occur with moretti, just large bubbles when I added glass from my own doing. Or could it be that bullseye has to be annealed at a different temperature range? I've never had scratches or tiny pits in moretti before. The scratches are not noticeable unless you look for them - but definitely not acceptable.

One last comment - I purchased these from a stained glass shop, however, they were in a small lampworking section.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[squid]

the only BE i have ever seen with bubbles in the whole rod is Aurora, which is a brand new odd lot. Could it be that?

[DJ]

Thanks Squid. I did search to see the Aurora odd lot and I do believe that is what it may be. Looks very similar. Since none of these rods were labeled, maybe next time I'll purchase from one of the glass suppliers online. I didn't notice this occurring with any other of the rods, so I bet you are right. I'll keep playing with all the new bullseye and see what happens. Thanks again.

[squid]

this glass is beautiful if that is what you have - try reducing it to get a pretty irridescent color. You can also strike it similar to Van Gogh or Terra and get a pretty range of blues and purples.

[LyndaJ]

If you're talking pits and bubbles while you heat it, egyptian blue and steel blue will do that if you heat them directly in the flame for too long. They're much happier high in the flame, and rotating more.

Can you post a picture of the rods?