I have a question about boro

[FlameDancer]

Okay, I am making my very first boro beads, right now. I have a couple of questions. First off...what kind of flame do I need, versus soft glass? Also, how long to anneal at 1050? And, last but by no means least, can I just use my diddy's for now? I bought some shade 5's at my local welder's place but for the life of me, they are so dark, I can't see the bead and it's doesn't really get rid of the flare, where my diddy's do, it's just a bit "brighter" than the soft glass.

Thanks:)

[cghipp]

Krissa -

You need some Shade 3s I think!

Courtney

[FlameDancer]

Awww, I could have sworn that I saw to get either 4's or 5's. I figured darker would be better but sheesh, I can't see a thing! And, what I don't get is, they don't filter out the soda flare. My diddy's do but these don't. I've got 5 beads in the kiln, so we'll see how they turned out in the am....makes me get up wayyyy too early but that's okay:)

Hey, we were supposed to get together this week, weren't we? Maggie's been asking about Livvy. Maybe next week?

[cghipp]

You could be right, I thought it was 3 or 5, based on how big/how much light heat you'd be getting.

You're supposed to wear the welder's shades or flip-ups over your didyds!

[cghipp]

Oh - next week stinks for me. I have a bunch of stuff to get done before going out of town Fri., and my mom is sick, too, so I might have to help her out on short notice. How about the 24th?

[FlameDancer]

Sounds good to me.

I did have to put up the welder's glasses a few times, over my diddy's because it was so bright at times, especially, when you have to round that hard ass glass out and it HAS to stay in the flame forever! lol Makes working soft glass a breeze!

[cghipp]

Yeah, it doesn't just fluff out into a sphere like the soft glass does! Let's do the 24th at my house. I'll have a new toy!

Courtney

[FlameDancer]

Okay, that sounds kinda dirty...please clarify! :grin:

[cghipp]

I didn't get it from Brent!

[Juln]

First. the type of flame: like three times as large as soft glass. You might increase your oxy and propane pressure: what kind of torch re you using and what pressures?
You should wear the shade 3/4/5s over your didyiums.
The didyiums filter out the sodium flare, so you can see. The welding shades remove not just brightness but infrared. There is much more IR released working boro than with soft glass, and it can increase your chance of cataracts and also make your eyes feel really weird. Get extra spotlights and put them shining on your torch area. Having a super well lit space can't hurt even when you aren't wearing the glasses of doom.
And, how long to anneal.... I set my kiln at 1070, since pyrometers are inexact and 1040-1078 is about good. Soak at least an hour, then ramp down to strain point (950) over at last an hour, then down to 5 or 6 or 7 hundred and then off.

[FlameDancer]

Hi Juln! Thanks for all the advise. I really had no idea that the welder's glasses were supposed to worn OVER your diddy's, that is until Courtney said something about it. I am just VERY boro nieve! I guess I will get some 3's, maybe it will let me see better and you're right, I DO need extra lighting.

Thanks again:) Now, I need to find Boro Bead Magic by Doug R.