the difference between striking/reducing

[peaceofglass]

As a relatively new lampworker, I am wondering if there are any books or tutorials out on striking and reducing. I am wondering what the difference is. How come people play with their flame size during the process of making beads (I watch you tube videos) :)
Anyway I get that my transparent red turns from clear to red in the flame. I luck out with that simple color. I bought this horrible blue, ASK violet nights (i think) all my beads cracked. I did encase those ones- learned the hard way not to do that. On its own though it has grey streaks...not very pretty.
sometimes I get these dirty streaks and just want to get them out like the pros do- how do I do that? :) thanks, probably asked too many Q's...just curious about the glass.
Jen
:)

[pgglass]

Hi Jen, The best way to learn about glass is to play with it, read books about it like Passing the Flame and and if poosible, take a few beginner classes.
Pam

[peaceofglass]

Hi Pam
thank you for replying, I know it was a bit of a loaded question...I have Passing the Flame...brilliant book....any other books your aware of?
I definitely need to take more classes!
Jen

[theglasszone]

"Striking" requires high heat to "strike" the glass and evoke color. This further requires an oxygen rich flame.

"Reducing" requires a fuel rich flame (it helps to think of "reducing" as equaling a "reduction in oxygen") which, most of the time, evokes a metallic surface reaction.

STRIKING FLAME can be achieved on a fuel/oxygen torch, which can be adjusted to up the oxygen. This CANNOT be achieved on a single fuel torch, such as a Hot Head Torch, as there is no way to boost the oxygen intake.

REDUCTION FLAME can be achieved on a fuel/oxygen torch, which can be adjusted to up the fuel (Propane or Natural Gas). This CAN also be achieved on a Hot Head Torch by several methods of covering the oxygen intake holes, thereby burning more fuel than oxygen. For examples and tips, see my Hot Head "Reduction" Tutorial. Although this Tut features Black Nebula Glass, it is effective on many other "Reduction" glasses...cruise through the thread and you'll see! http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86417

If you are wondering which colors are reduction and which are striking, Hayley has a wonderful list; it can be found here:

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77479

Hope this helps!
De

[peaceofglass]

Thank you De,
I am always admiring your murrini!
Thanks for taking the time to respond, I love your tutorial. I love glass and lampworking, just had a moment of being overwhelmed by all there is to know. :)
But, in a few hours I can open the kiln to all my little beauties, and it is all good.
:)

[Diane (clarus)]

FYI, ASK Violet Nights is actually a lovely color, but it is one that should never be encased. It's a shame you got a hold of it without knowing this.

De already pointed you to the documentation from Hayley, the queen of silver glass.

Passing the Flame is one of the best resources out there. Same with Cindy Jenkins' "Making Glass Beads" and Kimberly Adams' glass beadmaking book. You can also rent DVDs from www.smartflix.com. Start with Jim Smircich's set and Corina's stringer control. If you're on a Hot Head, get "Torch Time."

Plus, this forum is probably the absolute best resource out there!

If you're just starting out, I'd try to stay away from the silver glasses at first. Learn about them, of course, but if you do use them, do so sparingly. Yes, they're gorgeous, but they take some skill, and you're still building up the basics. Most of all, have fun!

-Diane

[peaceofglass]

I have a question...is each new edition of Passing the Flame different? I have the 3rd edition.
Yes, Diane your right this forum is so very helpful. Thank you for your tips.
I get nervous to ask the "dumb" questions...but I am never left feeling like a nerd :)

Jen- this is one newbie who is defiantly having fun!

[Carolyn M]

The 3rd edition is pretty much the same as the second edition which had a little more info than the first edition.

[FiredDesires]

"I get nervous to ask the "dumb" questions..."

I've always found that the "dumb" question is the one that never gets asked...but reinforce your learning with searches on info too.......continual/repetitive reading of advice/info will stay with you longer.

De & others have given you excellent info...plus it is helpful to know what kind of torch/set-up your using, as that very well might affect the outcome of advice offered.
Good luck in your endeavors and happy torching.
Catharine

[RCB23]

"I get nervous to ask the "dumb" questions..."

I've always found that the "dumb" question is the one that never gets asked...but reinforce your learning with searches on info too.......continual/repetitive reading of advice/info will stay with you longer.

De & others have given you excellent info...plus it is helpful to know what kind of torch/set-up your using, as that very well might affect the outcome of advice offered.
Good luck in your endeavors and happy torching.
Catharine

Catharine.. (apologies for the off topic post but) I just have to say..

I love your siggy line. Reminds me of what my Nana would often exclaim:
"I may not always be right, but I ain't *never* wrong! :}

Rachel the firekat

[FiredDesires]

LOL, Rachel......thanks
I came up with that line several years ago when one of my grandkids asked me "are you always right?"....er no, not at all, and I don't have to be either, but have found since I reached golden years that its' not so much the outcome, but more so the journey to get there.
Have a nice day,
CWeaver

[FishBulb]

Hi Jen! Really, when a person is new there are no dumb questions. I also wondered the difference between the two types of silver glass until fairly recently.

It can be difficult to strike or reduce glass and you might want to NOT make this your focus for quite awhile. You should also know that some glasses strike or reduce easier than others. Triton reduces quite easily and so does Aurae, but Kugler Ruby Copper can lose its red colour very quickly if you're not careful.

If you do want to try again I would suggest trying a rod of Triton and a rod of Aurae, since they even work for ME and if they work for me, they would probably work for just about anybody. :D Work them like regular glass, turn your oxygen down until the cones turn into an orange flame, and waft them just above the orange part quickly a few times. It's easy to over-do it, so less is more in this case.

With striking glasses, I had a bugger of a time with Double Helix Luna 2 until finally, in a fit of frustration, I stuck the perpetually brown bead right down near the cones of the oxidizing flame instead of at the tip of the flame and voila! Blues and purples!

I found I had much better luck with those kinds of glasses when I was able to take a class on them back in August. If you have anybody nearby who can show you how to work them, then jump on the chance.

Happy melting! And don't be discouraged by failures like your violet glass and such. This is the only way we learn. I found that the first few months of lampworking taught me more about what NOT to do, than what to do. Keep at it. You'll get it eventually. Don't be afraid of making mistakes.