96 COE on a HH?

[Flamechick]

Any of you with a HH ever try to melt Uroborus glass rods on a HH? Despite the fact that my current set up is weather dependent, and I haven't' been able to torch in 2 months, I placed yet another order at my favorite frit supplier where I also ordered some Uro rods so I could encase the 96 coe frit. Previously, I was melting the 96 coe frit on Moretti, but I never encased it due to the differences in COE.

Anyway, will I still have my sanity intact if I attempt to melt the Uro on a HH that is attached to a 1 pound can of Mapp?

Depsite the fact that it's winter and I live in Nebraska, it's supposed to hit 70 today and tomorrow, and I may just have to break out the glass. Wheee!

[beadlvr]

Hi Amber, I haven't done the uroboros but we have done Bullseye on the HH with no problem but we have a bulk tank of Mapp/AG fuel. Bullseye is 90 so I'm thinking the uroboros is softer?

[Kalera]

Uroboros is softer than BE, so you should be able to melt it on a Hot Head, no problems! I used to work BE on my Hot Head, and it was a bit slower and stiffer than Moretti, but doable. Uroboros should be right in between Moretti and BE in workability on a Hot Head.

[kbinkster]

96 coe shouldn't be a problem. I learned on a HH w/ strips of 90 coe Bullseye (not even the rods - cut strips). Just remember that it will be stiffer than 104 coe Effetre. It will take a little longer to melt. Do you do any sculptural stuff? This would be a good time to try it.

Come to think of it, I have played with scrap Spectrum and it was 96 coe. It really isn't difficult at all. Have fun with it.

[Flamechick]

Sherry, Kalera, and Kbinkster: thanks for your replies and suggestions. I can get a tad impatient at times, particularly with the little gas cans, but if I start with a fresh can and a good attitude it sounds like I should be OK. I have oodles of frit that I want to experiment with, but I'm thinking I shouldn't encase 96 coe over Moretti, hence the Uro rod purchase. Spring can not get here faster.....I am truly getting impatient to torch! Oh! - and I bought some shards, too, so can you tell I'm driving myself nuts with anticipation! :roll:

[Sparklelover]

Hi Amber,

Yes, you can do 96 COE on a Hothead.I did for many years. I work with Bullseye and also with Spectrum. Spectrum, which is a stained glass staple also has a COE of 96 and a beautiful palette of color. It is almost halfway between Bullseye and Moretti in stiffness so it is also a good transition glass. If you have any friends who do stained glass, or a glass shop near you, just cut it into strips and torch away. The black and white set that I have on auction this week is made with Spectrum. I think that you will soon be hooked on the art glass glasses as you get the same glass everytime you order.

Enjoy,
Vicki

[NLC Beads]

I've encased 96 COE frit with Moretti clear with no reported problems yet... Let me know how the Uroboros works with the HH, I have some but have been hesitant to try it yet because I hate ruining glass. :)

[Bob Torbett]

Hi Amber. I have been making beads from Judie's scrap glass she uses for stained glass. I understand window glass is about 85 - 87. I started on my Fireworks and now am using a HH on 30lb bulk propane with no problem. Show us your work when you get finnished.

Bob

[Flamechick]

Well, I was looking over everything last night and forgot that the uro rods were 21 inches long. I don't have the proper tool to cut the rods with...so now I need to order some rod nippers....heh, heh, there is no end to the tool madness!

[boobiebeads]

I have customers use my 96 cane on their HH, if at all possible ask for their skinniest rods. It is slower but doable.

[Flamechick]

Good tips everyone! Thank you!

Michelle: your signature block cracks me up!