Search found 1462 matches

by Brad Walker
Wed Jun 22, 2022 3:57 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Suction cups
Replies: 6
Views: 7478

Re: Suction cups

The key word is "inexpensive." As far as I know, the ones that work on textured glass are anything but inexpensive. CR Laurence carries a brand (Woods Powr-Grip Textured Surfaces), but they're around $100 or more each. A slightly less expensive (and less powerful) option is the RUBI Suctio...
by Brad Walker
Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:53 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Drop out mystery
Replies: 12
Views: 8834

Re: Drop out mystery

I heat at 100 on the way up, never more than 200. Also, pause 10 minutes at 500 to allow the heat to even out a bit before you get to the range where thermal shock is more likely. You can fire in a kiln with side elements if you can turn the top ones off. I routinely drop 3 to 4 layer pieces 4 1/2&q...
by Brad Walker
Fri Jun 17, 2022 8:12 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Drop out mystery
Replies: 12
Views: 8834

Re: Drop out mystery

Looks like thermal shock from being too close to top elements. That kind of slit is characteristic of that situation. I usually see it in slumps.
by Brad Walker
Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:45 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Drop out mystery
Replies: 12
Views: 8834

Re: Drop out mystery

Brad, full schedule for the piece or slump? The site won’t accept my iphone or ipad photos. I could send you one if your address accepts my photos. Schedule for the slump, isn't that where the problem happened? Photo is probably too big, but you can email it to me and I'll resize and post for you. ...
by Brad Walker
Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:02 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Drop out mystery
Replies: 12
Views: 8834

Re: Drop out mystery

Photo? Complete firing schedule?
by Brad Walker
Thu Jun 16, 2022 5:48 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Making your own decals
Replies: 2
Views: 4022

Re: Making your own decals

I'm not aware of a HP brand laser toner for black (not color) laser printers that doesn't work. Cartridges we know work include 12A, 35A, 36A, and 53A. I'm sure there are more that work, they keep adding new toner numbers all the time. As for Canon, I know that some work, but can't say that all will.
by Brad Walker
Tue May 31, 2022 11:12 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Kiln wash application
Replies: 10
Views: 8201

Re: Kiln wash application

Kevin does it the way I do it. Heat mold to 300F, then brush on. You can usually do that in the kiln, but it make take more than one heating to get enough on. I'm not sure -- never tried it -- but there are a number of pre-mixed kiln washes on the market (Paragon makes one, as do others). They're th...
by Brad Walker
Wed May 11, 2022 7:56 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Slump schedules : Ripples, Twists & Grooves
Replies: 3
Views: 5038

Re: Slump schedules : Ripples, Twists & Grooves

I've always believed that a manufacturer should suggest firing schedules for the molds they sell. If nothing else, they would give you a starting point for your tests. As Kevin says, every kiln is different. I would try the schedule that worked for you on a similar mold, take good notes, and adjust ...
by Brad Walker
Tue May 03, 2022 3:40 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: fusing sheets together
Replies: 8
Views: 7594

Re: fusing sheets together

Thinking about it, you may be able to join them together side by side with no overlap if you dam the pieces so they can't move apart. I know this works for pieces that are thicker than 6mm, but with 5mm you may not get enough movement for it to work.

Worth a try, if you're experimenting.
by Brad Walker
Tue May 03, 2022 1:54 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: fusing sheets together
Replies: 8
Views: 7594

Re: fusing sheets together

Are you trying to fuse two pieces together edge to edge? If so, that's not possible with 5mm glass without overlapping. My guess is that no matter the size of the overlap you'll still get a bump and probably some distortion of the piece because of the temperature you'd need to fire at to minimize th...
by Brad Walker
Mon Apr 04, 2022 3:15 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Engraving signature on white fused glass art
Replies: 5
Views: 6700

Re: Engraving signature on white fused glass art

Rub some acrylic paint in the area you engraved. The paint will go into the engraved area and you can wipe the rest off the surface.

Use any color except white, of course!
by Brad Walker
Tue Mar 22, 2022 8:06 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Can I fix devit on tack fused tekta with powder?
Replies: 3
Views: 4997

Re: Can I fix devit on tack fused tekta with powder?

It would require a hotter temperature. You have got to get hot enough to shine up the layer of powder, most likely 1400F or higher. And, yes, if you did you'd want to apply powder to the entire piece, not just the problem area. Only one or two grains thick of powder, more and you risk cloudiness fro...
by Brad Walker
Thu Mar 17, 2022 2:33 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Opinions re: 6.5" deep kiln models
Replies: 6
Views: 7026

Re: Opinions re: 6.5" deep kiln models

All things being equal, I'd always opt for the bigger kiln!
by Brad Walker
Thu Mar 17, 2022 7:31 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Opinions re: 6.5" deep kiln models
Replies: 6
Views: 7026

Re: Opinions re: 6.5" deep kiln models

I've had no trouble using a 6" deep kiln for regular pieces (up to 1/2" thick). To be on the safe side, you can fire a little slower than you would in a larger kiln.

And the best option is a kiln that has the ability to turn off either the top or side elements.
by Brad Walker
Mon Mar 07, 2022 12:27 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Slumping a double curve mould
Replies: 1
Views: 2586

Re: Slumping a double curve mould

Bullseye has recommended schedules on their website for all of their molds: http://www.bullseyeglass.com/methods-id ... dules.html

For non-Bullseye molds, just find a similar shape on their recommended list.
by Brad Walker
Sun Feb 06, 2022 5:54 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Bubble trouble
Replies: 6
Views: 6020

Re: Bubble trouble

1350F or higher should work.
by Brad Walker
Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:46 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Bubble trouble
Replies: 6
Views: 6020

Re: Bubble trouble

Jon Markovic wrote:The stringers were 1mm diameter and set at 10mm centres.

I will try again with stringers set more closely together.
My rule of thumb is that with 1mm stringers you need to be around 3mm apart. Any further and the bubble will start to split.
by Brad Walker
Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:35 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Bubble trouble
Replies: 6
Views: 6020

Re: Bubble trouble

Can't see a photo, but my guess is that you put the stringers too far apart. A bubble will split into multiple bubbles if that's the case. For larger bubbles you need more height between the two layers. For example, 2mm stringers can create larger bubbles than 1mm, and 3mm glass larger bubbles still.