Search found 1022 matches

by Tony Smith
Mon Jul 15, 2013 5:11 am
Forum: Kiln Casting
Topic: Copper and ferric chloride
Replies: 4
Views: 7086

Re: Copper and ferric chloride

There's a huge difference in CTE between copper and glass. You can get away with copper wire or foil inclusions as copper is pretty malleable, but depending on the thickness, a copper plate may have sufficient stiffness to break the glass during cool down.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:15 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Carving wheels
Replies: 3
Views: 5741

Re: Carving wheels

Take a look at the lapidary wheels that Kingsley North carries. They carry 4" diameter x 1" thick radius wheels that work very well. www.kingsleynorth.com

Tony
by Tony Smith
Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:45 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Volume of glass question
Replies: 15
Views: 15754

Re: Volume of glass question

You might try damming the piece. That would keep the edges straight.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Thu Jul 04, 2013 3:40 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Kiln element isn't working.
Replies: 19
Views: 19064

Re: Kiln element isn't working.

It's likely a broken element. Look for the break and pull on one side of the break gently with pliers and overlap the other side of the break by a few turns. Then order a new element from Evenheat.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Sat Jun 29, 2013 2:34 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: ceramic and porcelain tiles as dams?
Replies: 28
Views: 32835

Re: ceramic and porcelain tiles as dams?

Stop by a pottery supply house and ask about broken kiln shelves. They usually have a bunch and sell them at big discounts.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Thu Jun 27, 2013 5:26 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Iridised glass which way up
Replies: 9
Views: 10954

Re: Iridised glass which way up

The irid side won't pick up as much texture as the non-irid side. Try it anyway and see if you like the result.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Wed Jun 19, 2013 2:00 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Kiln Question
Replies: 4
Views: 6324

Re: Kiln Question

It depends on how big the hole is. A small hole would be for a pyrometer or thermocouple and a large hole ~1-1/2" would be for a tapered peephole plug.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Sun Jun 16, 2013 3:51 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Cutting surface
Replies: 8
Views: 40781

Re: Cutting surface

I use the Olfa cutting mats. Available at Michael's and A.C.Moore.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Fri Jun 14, 2013 4:51 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Skutt Clamshell element management
Replies: 13
Views: 17020

Re: Skutt Clamshell element management

Try stuffing a piece of fiber paper between the element and the rod two or three places along its length... It might give it just enough resistance to keep it from creeping.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Tue May 28, 2013 2:40 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: problems cleaning after full fuse
Replies: 10
Views: 10375

Re: problems cleaning after full fuse

Spartan makes hundreds of cleaning solutions. Would you post more information about which Spartan cleaner and how you prepared it?

Tony
by Tony Smith
Tue May 28, 2013 5:17 am
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: Three panels for a home
Replies: 21
Views: 26518

Re: Three panels for a home

Amazing work Don!
by Tony Smith
Sun May 26, 2013 4:55 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Using a stainless steel ring and scrap clear glass
Replies: 13
Views: 13888

Re: Using a stainless steel ring and scrap clear glass

A 12" diameter is about 113 square inches. Multiply by 0.25 to get the volume of the circle 1/4" thick. That gives you 28.3 cubic inches. Glass weighs 0.09 lbs per cubic inch. So you need about 2.5 lbs of glass to make a 12" diameter 1/4" thick.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Wed May 15, 2013 11:39 am
Forum: Art, philosophy, and content
Topic: Physical art objects or digital art? Their impact on us
Replies: 25
Views: 37811

Re: Physical art objects or digital art? Their impact on us

In the book "The Art of the Possible", psychologist Dawna Markova suggests that each of us has three communication channels: visual; auditory; and kinesthetic. One is primary, another secondary and the remaining is tertiary. Your primary channel is the main way you learn. Some people prefe...
by Tony Smith
Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:45 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Sandblaster
Replies: 7
Views: 10183

Re: Sandblaster

White or brown. Doesn't make a difference. Or use silicon carbide. Do not use sand, glass beads or iron slag (black magic). 120 grit is best for general use.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:18 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Sandblaster
Replies: 7
Views: 10183

Re: Sandblaster

What Brock said.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Sun Apr 21, 2013 6:12 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Clock hands
Replies: 2
Views: 4251

Re: Clock hands

Did you try Klockit? They have a pretty extensive listing of movements and hands.
http://www.klockit.com/depts/Hands/dept-5.html

Tony
by Tony Smith
Thu Apr 11, 2013 7:03 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Mica Powders
Replies: 16
Views: 22679

Re: Mica Powders

1490 is too hot for most mica. Try 1410 for 20 minutes. If you need the higher heat to get the glass to move the way you want, then you'll have to do separate firings. The best approach to applying mica is with an airbrush. Mix the mica with kleerfire and a bit of isopropyl alcohol. Build up a half ...
by Tony Smith
Sat Apr 06, 2013 12:03 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Lid Dust
Replies: 10
Views: 10432

Re: Lid Dust

Laurie Spray wrote:Tony..... I have never seen that kind of "snow" in a new kiln, have you?
Yes. My 23" Evenheat shed particles for weeks until I really got into the grooves and cleaned hem out. My 2541, not so much.

Tony
by Tony Smith
Sat Apr 06, 2013 7:52 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Lid Dust
Replies: 10
Views: 10432

Re: Lid Dust

The elements move a small amount when the power cycles on and off. Right now, that action is loosening brick particles in the element grooves. Make sure you vacuum the grooves as best you can. Also, it might help to run the kiln empty for a couple of short cycles (no need to anneal). This should get...
by Tony Smith
Sat Apr 06, 2013 6:51 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Dams & strip construction
Replies: 5
Views: 7083

Re: Dams & strip construction

Apply kilnwash to the dams. It's cheap insurance against a leak and it only needs to be done once. Use fiber paper that is shorter than the height of the glass strips and the edges will round over without needles.

Tony