Search found 83 matches

by Michael Stevens
Wed Jul 21, 2021 3:28 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Suggestions for storing stringers and rods
Replies: 1
Views: 10468

Suggestions for storing stringers and rods

I have a few kilos of each color stringers but I haven't found a good solution for storing. then on my shelf. horizontal want problematic because breakage. vertical will fall over in the tubes I have
by Michael Stevens
Wed May 19, 2021 2:19 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: freeze fuse with transparent
Replies: 1
Views: 13650

freeze fuse with transparent

I've made some nice silicon molds and made some nice opaque castings with freeze and fuse but is there anyway to get a more transparent cast? mix fine frit with powder?
by Michael Stevens
Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:05 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: thermal shock issues
Replies: 3
Views: 17030

Re: thermal shock issues

Kevin thanks for that. I don't see any external light but there might be cracks in. the insulation and the metal exterior covers the night but heat distribution might be affected. I appreciate your insights
by Michael Stevens
Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:03 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Digital controllers replacement options
Replies: 1
Views: 7292

Digital controllers replacement options

I'm. here in. china and all I have access to is ceramic kilns and the digital controllers don't allow for cool down and anneal once temperature reducēs. no cool down AFAP options. so. I manually have to restart an annealing firing schedule when the kiln reaches 510. which sometimes I. miss. can I pu...
by Michael Stevens
Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:35 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: thermal shock issues
Replies: 3
Views: 17030

Re: thermal shock issues

Because it also has problems on heat up. I thought could be the coils, or thermocouple might be off if annealing at wrong temperature. also noticed some cracking in the refractory mud holding firebricks together
by Michael Stevens
Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:05 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: thermal shock issues
Replies: 3
Views: 17030

thermal shock issues

I've been using the same firing schedules for similar projects all year, but lately things are cracking in. half. I had a 12 inch 6mm piece I was slumping. I made same thing last week and it slumped fine. lastnight I did another one but when opened kiln this morning it was brokej in half. my firing ...
by Michael Stevens
Sat Mar 06, 2021 5:41 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Spray mold one day - fire on the next day?
Replies: 2
Views: 15319

Re: Spray mold one day - fire on the next day?

you can fire anytime after the boron dries, I usually wait about an hour or so after spraying. as for not being able to use kiln wash after using boron. that's not really true. you just need to scrub all boron off the mold. not really a big deal. I use boron on molds with fine details or stainless s...
by Michael Stevens
Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:35 pm
Forum: Jewelry Making
Topic: glue on bales
Replies: 5
Views: 26970

Re: glue on bales

thanks, unfortunately can't see your tutorial it's blocked here I don't use a vpn, so I'm limited on what to see. but that's ok. I think it will be ok now.
by Michael Stevens
Wed Mar 03, 2021 1:17 am
Forum: Jewelry Making
Topic: glue on bales
Replies: 5
Views: 26970

Re: glue on bales

I use e6000, but perhaps I don't seal it evenly on some pieces, or too thick. but I didn't think about the oils on the bale. but I'll spend more time grinding the surface a little. I have some that feel quite strong and others that pop off easily
by Michael Stevens
Mon Mar 01, 2021 5:00 am
Forum: Jewelry Making
Topic: glue on bales
Replies: 5
Views: 26970

glue on bales

I'm finding some of my necklace bales and ring settings are not sealing right. especially if they get wet.

I've cured them. for 7 days but maybe 20 percent fall apart
would it help if the glass is perfectly smooth. my kiln paper has slight impression
by Michael Stevens
Mon Feb 01, 2021 3:58 am
Forum: Business Topics
Topic: Glass/Cash Survey
Replies: 12
Views: 47767

Re: Glass/Cash Survey

I also look. at this way, even if don't care about money, you should care about your creations, if I sell a piece for 1000 dollars or more, I know the owner will care for it a lot more than if it is only 20 dollars. I want my pieces to be appreciated and cherished not just bought and discarded. some...
by Michael Stevens
Sat Jan 30, 2021 7:34 pm
Forum: Business Topics
Topic: Glass/Cash Survey
Replies: 12
Views: 47767

Re: Glass/Cash Survey

I used to sell quite well with my glass jewelry but large art panels and sculptures didn't sell as well. I stopped creating for more than a decade. i recently moved to China and started doing things again. I did an art market in August and was selling my earrings for 20 dollars a pair and rings abou...
by Michael Stevens
Sun Dec 27, 2020 3:24 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: re melt cracked piece
Replies: 1
Views: 14540

re melt cracked piece

I had a 6mm panel shatter so I lined up the pieces up and put a little frit around the areas that cracked and re melted to. full fuse hold 15 minutes. one thing is crack line is visible, the other thing is after take out of kiln the piece made some slight sound like cracking but there aren't any cra...
by Michael Stevens
Mon Dec 07, 2020 8:09 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: crisp lines with powders and frit
Replies: 4
Views: 13786

Re: crisp lines with powders and frit

when I sift or brush on powders and frit, I create barriers using bendable plastic ruler. stencils or brush.

or could use a stringer bent to shape then glued down if you want border line. and fill in. like cloisone style
by Michael Stevens
Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:24 am
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: latest work
Replies: 1
Views: 14568

Re: latest work

wx_camera_1604309203849.jpg
by Michael Stevens
Wed Nov 04, 2020 9:13 am
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: latest work
Replies: 1
Views: 14568

latest work

I sift powder, and frit, in layers.
red dwarf supernova
IMG_20201103_131857.jpg
mmexport1604400788405.jpg

morning calm
mmexport1604113012174.jpg
by Michael Stevens
Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:54 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: annealling large panels
Replies: 2
Views: 11307

annealling large panels

I'm. making a 30 inch x 40 inch 9mm thick panel what should the anneal time be? I thought about 12 hours would that be enough
by Michael Stevens
Tue Sep 29, 2020 6:38 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: bubbles
Replies: 2
Views: 15973

bubbles

The glass that I purchase has a lot of micro bubbles and often folds, when I make beads I really don't want bubbles, but Even with a 20 minute bubble squeeze still has bubbles. ify beads 12mm to 18mm size, have bubbles will a fire polish/ or fuse again and add a longer bubble squeeze of maybe 60. mi...
by Michael Stevens
Sat Sep 19, 2020 9:36 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: dremmel suggestions
Replies: 1
Views: 7355

dremmel suggestions

I'm. not sure what tips for dremmel I should get for plaster removal and fine detail cold working. i had many tips when I lived in USA. but now I'm in China it's not easy to.find.. not sure exactly what to get. pictures of the right heads would help
by Michael Stevens
Sun Aug 30, 2020 9:11 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: frit lace rescue
Replies: 5
Views: 15090

Re: frit lace rescue

came out ok. a little extra texture on the back. needed a little more cold working. but it's ok.
IMG_20200827_122248.jpg
overall I'm. satisfied