Search found 579 matches

by Valerie Adams
Thu Dec 10, 2015 6:01 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Inconsistent Reaction Results: French Vanilla and Dense White
Replies: 9
Views: 13878

Re: Inconsistent Reaction Results: French Vanilla and Dense White

Reactions do intensify with additional firings/heatwork. Take Opaline, for instance: it'll slightly opacify with a single firing, but become more and more opal with additional firings. I believe Bullseye has other tip sheets besides this one: http://www.bullseyeglass.com/methods-ideas/get-a-reaction...
by Valerie Adams
Thu Dec 10, 2015 5:53 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Patching a fiber board shelf
Replies: 5
Views: 10291

Re: Patching a fiber board shelf

Can you simply flip it and use the other side?

If not, JenKen kilns sells a patch compound for their fiber kilns, which I've used before. I'd contact Mike and ask about it.
by Valerie Adams
Wed Dec 02, 2015 11:35 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Kiln wash
Replies: 5
Views: 10213

Re: Kiln wash

Yes, you want to scrape everything off because believe it or not, little 'islands' of old wash will show up as texture on the back of your work. I use a razor paint scraper, and clean my 21" square shelves in a couple minutes each (it's handy to have several shelves, so you can do this in a bat...
by Valerie Adams
Wed Dec 02, 2015 11:32 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Stainless Steel for molds?
Replies: 15
Views: 34289

Re: Stainless Steel for molds?

Can't add anything that Marty didn't cover, except to say that when I've experienced a bit of spalling, it hasn't occurred at a temp where the bits become embedded in my glass. I usually open the kiln, panic at the bits scattered about, then sigh with relief as I realize they aren't attached.
by Valerie Adams
Tue Nov 24, 2015 12:39 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Poinsettia Mold With Bubbles
Replies: 6
Views: 9481

Re: Poinsettia Mold With Bubbles

Sure seems like there's a lot of trouble with these molds! By not having any frit in the center, and then placing two Tekta rounds on top, you essentially created a large air space, that had nothing other to do than blow a bubble. Follow Brad's suggestions, and for the next one, try a design where y...
by Valerie Adams
Sat Nov 21, 2015 12:23 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: architectural glass mounting ... rubber/epoxy?
Replies: 5
Views: 8603

Re: architectural glass mounting ... rubber/epoxy?

You can get black flexible grout but that's assuming the glass is mounted to something I believe.
by Valerie Adams
Sun Nov 15, 2015 7:50 pm
Forum: Art, philosophy, and content
Topic: Clear Shield Gel
Replies: 9
Views: 33372

Re: Clear Shield Gel

A friend just returned from vacationing in Italy where she bought a piece of Murano glass. The backside is sandblasted, and the surface is shiny. Included in her purchase (from the gallery) was a note saying she needed to apply Vaseline and rub it into the piece every few months. The note didn't exp...
by Valerie Adams
Sun Nov 15, 2015 7:48 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: pieced dish splits during slumping fire
Replies: 8
Views: 15040

Re: pieced dish splits during slumping fire

Yes, it is 4 pieces of glass: two on top, two on the bottom and the seam for both layers was in the same place. Was that stupid maybe? I wouldn't go so far as to use the word stupid, but there's no need for the top layer to be two pieces, especially since you're placing a decal on top. The top laye...
by Valerie Adams
Wed Nov 11, 2015 2:15 pm
Forum: Kiln Casting
Topic: Slumping large pieces in Paragon Pearl 56
Replies: 3
Views: 8265

Re: Slumping large pieces in Paragon Pearl 56

You'll want to post your full schedule in order to get the best help.

How far is your glass from the top element?
How tall is your stainless mold?
by Valerie Adams
Fri Nov 06, 2015 4:24 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: sharp edges and small crack with a few bubbles
Replies: 9
Views: 13500

Re: sharp edges and small crack with a few bubbles

This is a simple design that could've easily been accomplished in a single firing. Assuming your glass is compatible, create the base with the black and clear, then cap it with the clear. The green design element should not be sandwiched between the layers of glass (that encourages bubbles; it's ref...
by Valerie Adams
Mon Nov 02, 2015 3:29 pm
Forum: Kiln Casting
Topic: bubble in 10x10
Replies: 1
Views: 5154

Re: bubble in 10x10

Jerry, a photo and type of glass used would be really helpful, as oftentimes layup contributes to large bubbles forming (I'm thinking volume control). Also, was it just a single layer of glass with the fruit shapes here and there on top? Again, that would be problematic with only a single layer base...
by Valerie Adams
Thu Oct 29, 2015 12:26 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: bubbles
Replies: 10
Views: 15980

Re: bubbles

Spectrum (or any completely smooth, flat glass like Uroboros Machine Rolled) is more prone to bubbles if you're not using a good bubble squeeze because lack of texture means there's no room for air to escape. You'll need to post your schedule so people can help trouble shoot. Some people find siftin...
by Valerie Adams
Tue Oct 27, 2015 1:03 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Covington Wet belt sander?
Replies: 8
Views: 11983

Re: Covington Wet belt sander?

Finally saw your message and have sent you two PMs :oops:
by Valerie Adams
Wed Oct 14, 2015 12:38 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Covington Wet belt sander?
Replies: 8
Views: 11983

Re: Covington Wet belt sander?

I think I've got belts that would fit that! I purchased from someone else, thinking they'd fit mine but they're much too small. Message me if you're interested and I'll measure them.
by Valerie Adams
Tue Oct 06, 2015 1:07 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: To pop or not?
Replies: 5
Views: 7720

Re: To pop or not?

I must be missing something here. Are the white bubbled pieces the backs of the other photo? If so, I'd just slump them, learn, and move on. Drying your glass has nothing to do with the bubbles you've got. As was pointed out, you need a good bubble squeeze in your schedule. Unlike the other two post...
by Valerie Adams
Wed Sep 30, 2015 11:01 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Can I use this kiln for glass?
Replies: 9
Views: 15707

Re: Can I use this kiln for glass?

Why wouldn't you look?

I'm not suggesting throwing the door open and reviewing every square inch of your piece, but cracking the door a little and taking a quick glance won't be an issue.
by Valerie Adams
Wed Sep 30, 2015 10:59 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Affordable Kiln Shelves
Replies: 5
Views: 8361

Re: Affordable Kiln Shelves

I've had inexpensive kiln shelves from a pottery store that were ok. You have to take a straight edge with you to make sure they're flat.
But my favorite shelves are the ones that Bullseye sells; flat, smooth, and perfect.
by Valerie Adams
Wed Sep 30, 2015 6:34 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: kiln building
Replies: 7
Views: 10740

Re: kiln building

Jeremy Scidmore teaches a kiln building class here in Northern California. I believe it's about $1650 and each student makes a GL-24 equivalent kiln.

Here's the link; registration closes October 16:
http://www.publicglass.org/#!iv-designs/ckso
by Valerie Adams
Wed Sep 30, 2015 6:31 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Can I use this kiln for glass?
Replies: 9
Views: 15707

Re: Can I use this kiln for glass?

I think it would be really helpful to be able to watch what is going on since I'm learning. Or, you could do what many of us do: open the door (slowly!) a tiny bit and peek! I know there are lots of temperatures where you're not supposed to do that, but I've been peeking inside my kilns for over 15...
by Valerie Adams
Fri Sep 25, 2015 11:37 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Can I use this kiln for glass?
Replies: 9
Views: 15707

Re: Can I use this kiln for glass?

Others with more experience my join in but as far as I can tell, there's no reason you can't use it for glass (and ceramics too, if you want to make your own molds at some point). Many people are using pottery kilns for glass, and they don't have the benefit of the controller you've got. Paragon off...