Drop Ring Material

Ross · Post by **Ross** » Sat Oct 18, 2003 6:38 pm

What would you suggest as the best (or perhaps the simplest) material to use to make my own drop rings?

Thanks, Ross

Lisa Allen · Post by **Lisa Allen** » Sat Oct 18, 2003 7:38 pm

Fiber board works well ad cuts easily with an exacto. Check your yellow pages for a local refractory. The one here sells 1/2" board for $6 a sq foot.

Lisa

Tom White · Post by **Tom White** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 1:00 pm

It's not too hard to make your own out of ceramic clay. Just roll out a uniform slab ot the thickness you want, cut out the inside and outside shapes allowing a little for shrinkage, dry then fire to 1700-1800 F., kilnwash and use. Or, you might find a nice greenware shape at a local hobby ceramic studio and cut out the dropout area and fire as above. Metal rings are trouble as they shrink more than the glass upon cooling and tend to lock onto the glass if it is not removed from the ring while both are still hot. It depends mostly on your abilities and what you have available to you in your location.

Best wishes,
Tom in Texas

Higgins Glass · Post by **Higgins Glass** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 2:34 pm

Hi,
I agree with Tom making your own ceramic clay Drop Out molds is the way to go. That is what we do and it's not that hard, also they last a long time, we have some from the 60's we still use.
Have fun!
Jon