Boro Clear .... Have questions....

[River Horse Studio]

Hey... ok.. here are my questions...

1. what is the best inexpensive boro clear?

2. what size range of rods do you think are a must have?

[DesertDreamer]

What do you want to make?

I prefer Kimax glass. It just feels good to use, though I don't think I could explain it.

Sizes.....I use 4 mm (great for thin, fast encasing), 6 mm (for making my base beads and for stringer cores), and 12 mm (general "handles" and other big stuff manipulation). I also use 3/4" rod but that's for "adult toys", nothing bead related.

I used to use 3mm, but I find that it's just too thin.

[R4GlassStudio]

There are a few options out there.
Schott is the best and also the most $$$

Kimble is second and pretty good pricing on rod. Buying by the case is MUCH Cheaper than buying by the rod. Kimble has a mixed case, 25 lbs of 3-11mm. This works perfect for bead and pendant makers.

Simax is good quality and the cheapest. It would be more like Effectre (Moretti) clear and Kimble and Schott being more like Lauscha.

All three work great. But, the best deal is the Kimble Mixed case.

[alexm]

I use Kimble and buy it by the case, that works out to $5/lb. I use 8mm for almost everthing, but then I only make beads. I also use a little bit of 3mm, but not often.

[firefreak]

I use simax, Kimble and schott/Duran for everything I make (no beads) sizes I use the most
4mm rod: small punties encasing and rake
5 mm rod: pendant loops
6mm rod: med punties, marble encasing
7mm rod: marble handles
8mm rod: mushroom pendants (small)
10mm rod: large punties
12mm rod: med mushroom, small dicro pendants
16mm rod: jellyfish pendant
26mm rod: dillies
32mm rod: dillies
38mm rods:dillies

I buy the cases of these sizes when needed. Don"t get the Chinex glass. I bought a couple of cases of it and found a lot of lines, seeds and other problems with some of the sticks.

Had some euro glass a couple of times. Good glass for a cheap price, but hard to get a steady supply. Tried Pyrex and most of the other glass out there. Stay with the brands listed on this thread. you will be happier.

[e. mort]

What is a dillie?

Eric

[firefreak]

Adult toys

[Anakin's Glass Eye]

I use:

4mm for encasing color, doing poke and twists, and for clear dots
8mm for encasing Boro beads and for punties
12-14mm for marbles 1.0"-1.75" in diameter

I generally order Simax clear from Generations Glass. I've never had any problem with quality, clarity, scratches, or scuzz.

[e. mort]

Oh. :oops: Where I grew up we had an ice cream treat that was named that so I something else in mind.

Eric

[e. mort]

How about clear frit. What is the best source for that?

Thanks,

Eric

[Kalera]

Oh. :oops: Where I grew up we had an ice cream treat that was named that so I something else in mind.

Eric

Yeah, it gives "Dairy Queen Chocolate Dilly" a new context entirely.

[e. mort]

Thanks Kalera, that is what I was remembering. :lol:

Eric

[Tanya]

Eric - NS and GA both make clear frit in different sizes. Frantz doesn't carry it, but many of the other suppliers do. I just got some from Wale.