Using Sheet Glass for Lampwork

[Orchid40]

Does anyone use sheet glass for lampworking?? I have a friend who can get me some system 96 sheet glass and I was curious if anyone uses sheet glass or has any tips or tricks to offer.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Char :waving:

[Gail Joseph]

I have cut some into strips and used it. Only problems are trying not to cut myself, some shockiness (which is a given for all sorts of glass), and that the beautiful colors and swirls you may see in the sheet don't usually translate into the same effect in a small bead! Play with it and see what you think!--Gail

[Peg Medill]

When using your strips of sheet glass turn them on edge when you heat them instead of a flat surface to touch the flame. Less shocking that way. Peg M

[Orchid40]

Cool!! I'm thinking that I will have to play around with some.

Thanks!

[Joanne Owsley]

I use system 96 A LOT. I think you'll like that it's a little bit stiffer than 104 COE glass.
Also, it is the same coe as the Reichenbach (raku) and zimmerman frits and powders that are so popular right now. So you can use as much as you want on your system 96 beads and be worry free!

[Orchid40]

The more information the better!! Keep it coming!! I have been wanting to branch out from moretti, lauscha & vetrofond.

[Rebekah]

I melt mine down and then pull it into rods. Usually around 6mm. Love, love, love it.

Rebekah

[amealer]

I use stained glass sheets (and scraps) for lampwork quite often. I'd really recommend Kate Drew-Wilkinson's videos, "Making Beads With Stained Glass Remnants", Parts I and II. There is also a good article on her website on making beads with stained glass:
http://katedrew-wilkinson.com/noahteststwo/PDF97/JJ0397.pdf

This is a PDF document, so you need Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free download from their site) to read it.

Here are a couple of pictures of bead sets made with sheet glass, all except the set in the upper left of the first pic.

Allen

[Orchid40]

It's looking like sheet glass is definetly going to be worth the try. That's an excellent article!!

[bonlyn]

I have used bullseye sheet glass, cut into strips and it works very well though not as easy to turn as using rods. I like the different colors available in sheet. Beware the ends of the strip almost always seem to break and fall off, but I just crush for frit or pull stringer with them.

Good luck!

Bonnie.

[KAS]

Make sure you wash your strips really well. Oil from your cutter wheel will remain on the glass. I soak my strips in a pan of hot water & dish detergent then {{{very carefully}}} clean them. Usually if you just swirl the pieces around in the soapy water that's enough to get the oil off. Place on towel to air-dry. You'll have fun experimenting with the sheets of swirly colors! Best, Kathleen

[Lizabeads]

I have VERY CAREFULLY put mine in the dishwasher...lol like where the spoons & forks go and top rack...

[Orchid40]

The dishwasher! lol!! I would have never thought of that, but what a great idea!!