Setting up outside demo

[Donna T.]

I don't know if this is the forum to put this....

The salon I work at and sell my jewelry is having a 4 hour live broadcast on 2 local radio stations this coming Sat. I was thinking of setting my torch up outside on the sidewalk so people could actually see how lampwork beads are made.
Does anyone know of any reason I shouldn't do this? City codes or something.
I'm not planning on taking the kiln as I don't want someone to accidentally touch it. (read small children not being watched closely by parent here)

[Abacus Beads]

You might want to use a clear plastic shield so people wont be tempted to touch the torch flame. sort of a three sided cube shape. It would cut down on the flame dancing in the wind.
Liz R

[menty666]

and keep in mind you need to check your local codes. Maybe you'd just need something like a one day busker type license.

[woozles]

Donna,

I torch outside - my biggest issue is being able to see the flame. If you can face away from the sun it helps. What type of torch do you use??? I may have to stop by and say hello.

Vicki

[SteveWright]

I've done a lot of outside demos. The flame disappears in sunlight, so get some shade. The wind is annoying, but you need the shield talked about earlier. Kids love torch work, and they tend to get directly in front of the torch, as close as possible.

I finally quit making beads, unless by request, and made twisted cane. People were curious about the process and had no idea where the blob of glass was going until the end.

I always lay my oxygen tank on the ground so it won't tip over on someone. I usually carry an extra couple pairs of dydimium glasses for people with more than a passing interest.

Steve

[Wonker]

That's very cool Donna. I've never set up outside, but I think it would be interesting to do so. I've wondered about shocky glass especially in the cold of this time of year. I actually considered just taking a Hothead out for the day. Simple and would give them the idea. It would be great exposure for you I would think. Good luck

[pierces*designs]

Here is my outside setup...

http://www.piercesdesigns.com/images/personal/melampworking.jpg

My husband grooved a three sided board base and placed plexiglass sheets into it. It folds up (except the base).

[Donna T.]

I thought about the hothead idea too. I don't have to worry about the temps it's in the 80's here this week. Don't know about the wind. I didn't know I could lay my tank down. good to know. thanks for the pix Debbie. I used to torch outside all the time at my other house, I had forgotten about the sun and the wind.
Thanks for all the posts. It helps to know I haven't come up with a hair brain idea, well unless all of you are hair brained too, then I'm in trouble.

[Wonker]

combs his brain.....

49° F | 34° F
Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Chance of Rain
50% chance of precipitation

Weather forecast for Atlanta for Saturday.

[jjwiskus]

I torch outside all of the time-yes the sun is a problem if facing it.
What I use is a card table with plexi glass on 3 sides. I hold them in place with big clamps.
I use a hot head with a mapp gas tank
hope this helps

[Donna T.]

combs his brain.....

49° F | 34° F
Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Chance of Rain
50% chance of precipitation

Weather forecast for Atlanta for Saturday.

50% chance of rain here Sat. But we don't get rain even when we have a 90% chance. Probably be low 70's. I made me a plexiglass barrier today.

[Wonker]

I wish you luck Donna (I'm in Atlanta too, tell me about the lack of water) Water? What's water? It really could be great fun.