huge bubbles-ugh!

[Sherri*S]

I'm getting really frustrated... for some time now I've been getting these huge bubbles on many of my beads. They seem to start at the mandrel and work their way up to the bead surface, and break. Takes forever to get it all to fill back in again...

Trying to figure out why I'm getting this, by process of elimination. I'm winding the glass slowly and as smoothly as possible, and stop after every layer to lightly marver. I'm working way out in the flame, so I don't think I'm working too hot.

Could it be something to do with the mandel and/or bead release? I've tried just spot heating the mandrel where I'm going to apply the first bit of glass, I've tried flashing the whole mandrel in the flame... nothing seems to make any difference.... I do know that some colors are more prone to boiling than others, but I don't think I've had a color that it doesnt happen to! :(

I've only been on my minor for about a month, and I think I was beginning to get these bubbles on my HH prior to this, but I cant exactly remember....

Any insight will be appreciated!

[dogmaw]

I have this problem if I don't heat the mandrel enough before putting the first layer of glass on. Maybe try heating it more?

[alexm]

I agree with Jo, I don't think you're heating up the bead release enough. Heat the bead release just short of glowing, then add molten glass. I bet it'll take care of the bubble problem.

[artwhim]

Are you using Bucket o Mud? If I don't heat BOM enough I have massive bubbles. Seems like it is worse on humid days too - but that might be my imagination. Still love this release though.
Kathy

[Sherri*S]

You all are awesome! Yes I am using BOM. I never made the connection, but looking back, when I switched over to it, that's when my problems started. So today I gave it lots of heat, and NO BUBBLES!!!!

Thanks ladies!

[Venessa]

Great question! I have had this problem, too! I just thought it was me, and the way I was wrapping my glass onto the mandrel.

[mikefrantz]

Just go to Bucketomud.com where answers are concerning the proper use of this bead release.

Mike F

[Heather/Ericaceae]

I have better luck when I heat the mandrel really well. Some colours are tricker than others, though - I nearly always get "bead-release bubbling" with blues no matter what I do. My solution is to wind on a thin layer along the footprint I plan to use, then super heat it until bubbles stop rising to the surface and bursting. It does waste about 1-2 minutes of my time, (luckily it's easy to super-heat a really thin layer) but once the bubbles stop I can safely add more layers without having to worry about a big bubble bursting through my final decorations. Hope this helps!

-Heather (ps, I'm currently using dip-n-go sludge from Arrow Springs)

[swamper]

Just go to Bucketomud.com where answers are concerning the proper use of this bead release.

Mike F

I can't get there from my work computer - the gov't in it's infinite wisdom has classified that site a pornograpy but then it says the same thing about WC - hahahahahaha