Problems with WAFERS

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Havi
Posts: 619
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2003 6:01 am
Location: Israel
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Problems with WAFERS

Post by Havi »

I am sorry if I sound nagging and / or stupid.

I am so frustrated that my wafers do not work for me..................

I believe I make wonderful odd shaped wafers, like I love to use.
but
when I fire them, they usually are so very thin, get a lot of holes and look like lace [which is nice sometimes, but not always]

Can anybody tell me how much powder should I use so that I shall a real wafer??? Should I measure the height of the powder? How?
How much powder should be there to avoid the 'lacy' situation.

I'd be so very grateful for you responses.

Havi
Haviva Z
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"Speed comes from the Devil" - (an Arabic proverb)
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Vonon
Posts: 194
Joined: Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:32 pm
Location: East Tennessee

Re: Problems with WAFERS

Post by Vonon »

Have you tried sifting a layer of clear powder over your wafer design before you fire it? It helps hold it together without changing the color or effect.
Vonon
Havi
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Re: Problems with WAFERS

Post by Havi »

No,
I have not tried this, never heard of such a possibility,
sounds like a great idea.
Will it really prevent the shrinkage of the powder??? #-o

I decided to re-do all the wafers I already made, and strengthen them with more powder. One is being cooling down now. Its night here, so by tomorrow morning I'll try your suggestion.

So grateful , God bless you!!

Havi
Haviva Z
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"Speed comes from the Devil" - (an Arabic proverb)
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Vonon
Posts: 194
Joined: Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:32 pm
Location: East Tennessee

Re: Problems with WAFERS

Post by Vonon »

Havi, The clear powder sifted over the wafer idea is from Bob Leatherbarrow's class. It has helped me preserve many delicate designs. Good luck!
Vonon
DonMcClennen
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 9:09 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: Problems with WAFERS

Post by DonMcClennen »

A 1/8" thick layer of clear powder on top of your colour design helps retain wafer size because of the extra volume. It also helps me determine when the first wafer firing is done... by watching the firing and seeing the underneath colours become visible as the clear top powder melts it helps me decide when to stop melting.
"The Glassman"
Havi
Posts: 619
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2003 6:01 am
Location: Israel
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Re: Problems with WAFERS

Post by Havi »

What would I have done without you???

I would have been so far beyond where I am now - - -

Yes , I tried Vonon's idea - and it worked!

This use of clear powder on top, also saves a lot of money, I think. Because originally I thought I would add more colored powders to strengthen the wafers. And I was seeing very sadly how my powder is flying in the airrrrr.

No words to express my gratitude for your help and co-operation. NO FACEBOOK WILL SUBSTITUE IT.

Havi
Haviva Z
- - - - with a smile :)

"Speed comes from the Devil" - (an Arabic proverb)
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http://www.havivaz.com
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