Jonjerel
2005-08-29, 12:07pm
I realize everyone has their own opinion, which is what I want! I've just started lampwork, and would like to get some of my own tools. NOT the torch and kiln - too expensive for now, and I use the ones at a local place that rents space for working, but other tools. I haven't seen a thread on this, although maybe it's hidden. Some of my specific questions:
My local studio mostly does sculptures, paperweights, etc., and not beads. I've met beaders there who have been very nice and helpful, but I'm too full of questions to bother them when they're trying to make beads, so I want to get books. I've seen some suggestions on bead making books, and intend to get two of them (Passing the Flame and Making Glass Beads). Other/better suggestions? What about videos/DVDs? One bit of information I'd love to reference is the effect of flame temperature (and whatever else counts!) on the glass, both in terms of its workability and color.
Favorite places to buy tools? (Feel free to promote your place, but it'd be nice if you let me know if you're recommending your own place!) Do you go to different suppliers for different items?
What are the minimum tools you would recommend for making beads? I work boro glass now - what this studio trained me on - does this make a difference? What would be the "best case" tools - i.e., what would you recommend, even though they might not be "minimum" to start? (This would be especially helpful on materials.)
Mandrels - what material (graphite? stainless steel?), what bead release, what size (both in width and length)? I tend to like smaller beads, but I'm too new to know what I like to make! Hey, I'd be happy if I could get a bead to look like a bead! :lol:
Are molds really helpful in making basic beads, or just for the "fun" shapes? Again - what material? Brass? Graphite?
How soon would I need shapers? - or are these for advances beaders?
O.K., now for the "big one" - safety glasses. I've seen some heated discussions, and I don't want to start another, just looking for your own opinions - whether or not others agree or disagree! I've seen some "Reading glass" stick-ons, which I would assume are cheaper than prescription safety glasses (yes, probably not as good, though!), but haven't seen where I can buy them. I need some kind of reading glasses for close-up work, but would prefer not to wear reading glasses with safety glasses over them! If it matters, I wear contacts all day. Remember, I work mostly on boro glass for now. Can "boro" glasses be used for soft glass? I know the other way isn't suppose to be done, without the addition of some kind of clip-on.
What other suggestions do you have? I hope this isn't too long. Any information you can give me is appreciated. Maybe someday I'll be able to post a bead picture! You all make such fantastic beads, =D> I can only hope to make one that doesn't make you grimace!
Caroline
My local studio mostly does sculptures, paperweights, etc., and not beads. I've met beaders there who have been very nice and helpful, but I'm too full of questions to bother them when they're trying to make beads, so I want to get books. I've seen some suggestions on bead making books, and intend to get two of them (Passing the Flame and Making Glass Beads). Other/better suggestions? What about videos/DVDs? One bit of information I'd love to reference is the effect of flame temperature (and whatever else counts!) on the glass, both in terms of its workability and color.
Favorite places to buy tools? (Feel free to promote your place, but it'd be nice if you let me know if you're recommending your own place!) Do you go to different suppliers for different items?
What are the minimum tools you would recommend for making beads? I work boro glass now - what this studio trained me on - does this make a difference? What would be the "best case" tools - i.e., what would you recommend, even though they might not be "minimum" to start? (This would be especially helpful on materials.)
Mandrels - what material (graphite? stainless steel?), what bead release, what size (both in width and length)? I tend to like smaller beads, but I'm too new to know what I like to make! Hey, I'd be happy if I could get a bead to look like a bead! :lol:
Are molds really helpful in making basic beads, or just for the "fun" shapes? Again - what material? Brass? Graphite?
How soon would I need shapers? - or are these for advances beaders?
O.K., now for the "big one" - safety glasses. I've seen some heated discussions, and I don't want to start another, just looking for your own opinions - whether or not others agree or disagree! I've seen some "Reading glass" stick-ons, which I would assume are cheaper than prescription safety glasses (yes, probably not as good, though!), but haven't seen where I can buy them. I need some kind of reading glasses for close-up work, but would prefer not to wear reading glasses with safety glasses over them! If it matters, I wear contacts all day. Remember, I work mostly on boro glass for now. Can "boro" glasses be used for soft glass? I know the other way isn't suppose to be done, without the addition of some kind of clip-on.
What other suggestions do you have? I hope this isn't too long. Any information you can give me is appreciated. Maybe someday I'll be able to post a bead picture! You all make such fantastic beads, =D> I can only hope to make one that doesn't make you grimace!
Caroline