Air bubble trouble

[Graceful Creations]

Not all the time, but some times when I first touch my molten glass to a heated mandrel a large bubble forms instantly. Most of the time it pops and I can move on with no problem. Other times it breaks up into three or four smaller bubbles that stay close to the core of the bead and just never work their way out of the glass.

Does anyone know why this happens. Is it a technique issue, or a glass issue.

I just made a lovely bead with a clear blue glass that would be absolutely perfect if it were not for the little bubbles in it.

Thanks so much.

Peg

[lldesigns]

I've noticed this will happen for a couple of reasons. The bead release is outgassing and/or the glass is too close to the flame. Those are the only times I see those bubbles. The outgassing is usually because the bead release still has a bit of moisture in it. In those cases be sure the get the bead release glowing red before you add glass. for the other of course I just move the glass and mandrel further back in the flame.

[Cosmo]

If it's a big bubble, it's usually because the bead release is still wet. Small bubbles usually come from boiling the glass.

[Toni Lutman]

Yep, even if you've had your mandrels dipped and drying for several days, if it's humid, the release can retain moisture.

[simvet02]

Boy I don't know, I've had that trouble and tried cooking the crap out of the mandrel before I add the glass and some glasses just do it more than others. I find that ivory just does it no matter what I do. I've tried drying that mandrel, even cooking the mandrel. Sometimes I wonder if the glass is too hot when I touch the glass to the mandrel. I've learned to live with it but sure don't like it.

[sunnyone]

*&^%^&*( humidity! happens all the time here in soggy New England!

[Graceful Creations]

Thanks to all for your input. I will try "cooking" my mandrel a bit more. If I remember correctly, I think the last time I got the bubble was when I freshly dipped a mandrel and dried it in the fire. I probably did not dry it enough.

Again, thanks so much for the info. It is invaluable.

[Cosmo]

If you have a kiln with a bead door, put the dipped end of your mandrels into the kiln for a minute or so (while the kiln is on, obviously) before you use them. That will get rid of all the moisture.