I need some help PLEASE!!

[Sharon Abood]

I NEED HELP PLEASE!! Every time I make a long focal it cracks on the end. I don't see the crack when it comes out of the kiln, but when I get it off the mandrel it is there. I was so pleased with my bead last night, then I saw the crack! It is 4.5 cm long.
15305


__________________
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Sharon
Beadful Designs
sabood@insight.rr.com

"I'll give my jewels for a set of beads," Shakespeare: King Richard II-Midsummer-Nights Dream

[rainygrrl]

I can't see the crack very clearly, but I think the ends tend to cool off more quickly than the middle of the glass, so you have to be extra careful to keep them hot enough (before going into the kiln).

[kimberly]

I always heat up the ends of my long beads to a nice warm glow before they go into the kiln. Cracked ends are not an uncommon problem (at least at my house!!). Sometimes they crack while I am making them and I don't notice, but that doesn't sound like a problem you have.

[Sharon Abood]

Thank you both for the info. I think I'm popping them back in the flame frequently but I must be a tad slow. I never see a crack before it goes in but it must be there ready to pop! just when I'm admiring my handy work. Maybe one of these days I'll have one survive. I'll be sure to let everyone know when I do!