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Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
2011-04-13, 7:27am
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Torch Singer
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Join Date: Jun 13, 2005
Location: On the banks of the Rideau River (Manotick ON)
Posts: 176
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Bead release rehab - suggestions?
I have two largish bottles of the late, lamented Bucket o' Mud that unfortunately have become dried out to the consistency of very heavy clay. Does anyone have suggestions on how to restore this to its previous cosistency? We are on a well with very hard, mineral-laden water and I am not sure that this would be good to thin it out. Also, best way to ensure a smooth product?
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2011-04-13, 8:54am
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 09, 2010
Location: Lowell Michigan
Posts: 144
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How about buying a bottle of water when you go the the gas station? That water should work fine.
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2011-04-13, 8:56am
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dances with ideas...
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Join Date: Sep 15, 2005
Location: A map dot in Montana
Posts: 2,356
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I use distilled water. It may take a while to rehydrate. You might be able to speed it up initially by stirring. And when it's thinned down a bit, add 2 or 3 wonky beads and shake. The beads will help get it smooth. Good luck!
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Roberta
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2011-04-13, 10:34am
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Live and Let Live
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Join Date: May 06, 2007
Location: Southern NH
Posts: 2,292
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rainygrrl
I use distilled water. It may take a while to rehydrate. You might be able to speed it up initially by stirring. And when it's thinned down a bit, add 2 or 3 wonky beads and shake. The beads will help get it smooth. Good luck!
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Yup, this! ^^
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Lisa ~~burning a Mega Minor on 2 M10's~~
This life is more than just a read-through. ~Anthony Kiedis
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2011-04-13, 12:27pm
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addicted to dichro
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Join Date: Jan 05, 2006
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,402
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I doubt the minerals in your water would effect it, I've always used tap water to thin bead release and our water is pretty mineral rich. I use an old mandrel to poke holes, break up and eventually stir super dried out bead release. Once you get it somewhat mixed, shake it well and it should be back to normal. The most annoying part is getting just enough water to get it to the right consistency.
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2011-04-13, 12:41pm
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Sucks at being nice
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Join Date: Aug 18, 2006
Location: Black Forest, CO
Posts: 1,984
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Interesting thread. I could use some help to. I bought some Foster Fire that was thick from the start and even after thinning it and shaking it with wonky beads till my arms wore out it is not smooth. I have now thinned it beyond the point of usefulness and it still has little granules when I dip a mandrel. Since most of my beads are done with transparent glass they look like crap when I make them using the Foster Fire. Is this normal for this release? Is there any way to smooth it out?
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2011-04-13, 1:14pm
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Duchess of Dichro
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Join Date: Jun 03, 2006
Location: Long Island New York
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Using distilled water seems to keep the mold that comes with using tap water away.
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Leslie
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2011-04-13, 5:26pm
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dances with ideas...
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Join Date: Sep 15, 2005
Location: A map dot in Montana
Posts: 2,356
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I have been using a mix of BOM and Foster Fire for quite some time. I would guess that the mixture is at least 60% FF at this point. I never noticed granules but when I took a look there are some very small ones but they haven't bothered me. You might try mixing a bit with another release to see what happens. I have been very happy with my BOM-FF mix. Good holding power and beads come off reasonably well, but I don't remember the last time I used anything else. I imagine that you could thicken it up by leaving the lid slightly ajar.
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Roberta
”If it makes you happy, then it’s a good thing.” ~ Terryd
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2011-04-13, 5:33pm
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Sucks at being nice
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Join Date: Aug 18, 2006
Location: Black Forest, CO
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I had been mixing BOM and Super Sludge but I'm down to mostly Sludge and I don't like it by itself. I'm afraid to mix the Foster Fire because I don't want to ruin anything else by making it grainy. Sounds like Frantz will have a new release that I want to try. I just hate giving up on a new bottle of Foster Fire.
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2011-04-13, 6:49pm
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Can't you see I'm busy???
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Join Date: May 05, 2007
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 120
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I put my bead release through an old blender, adding water as neceassary, and then run it through a fine sieve (60 mesh) to get any tiny lumps out.
If it starts to thicken up, I add some more water. If I get it too runny, I pour it in an open dish and set it in a sunny window for a while. Always with beads in the bottom of the bottle.
I've been working the same old bottle of Foster Fire for a long time now. Works great for me!
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2011-04-14, 4:58pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jan 07, 2007
Location: High Point, NC
Posts: 1,402
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I lightly sand my mandrels before putting them in the flame with my fingers. Makes them much smoother and does not hurt the release.
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2011-04-14, 5:41pm
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Did someone say SALE?
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Join Date: Aug 20, 2008
Location: Indiana
Posts: 995
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I think it was one of my ISLAGA friends who told me that putting your jar of bead release onto the rollers of your tumbler for a while (if you have one) is a good way to get the lumpies out. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounded like a good idea!
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Beth
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