Something's wrong..

[NKahler]

For about a week everytime I use clear, it ends up being all brown and gets this weird gucky stuff inside of it. I think i might be overheating, but im not sure. does anyone know wats going on? thanks :)

[theglasszone]

Just the facts, maam!!! (Just kidding!!!) Of course, if we're gonna be able to help you, here's a list of questions we'll all undoubtedly be firing your way, so run down it and give us some info - then we'll do our best to help you:

1. What type of torch are you using? Hot Head (what type gas, MAPP, Propane, etc.) or Fuel/Oxy mix on a bigger torch?
2. What "brand" Clear are you using? Moretti, Vetrofond, Lauscha, etc. (assuming your working in COE 104); otherwise, are you working with Bullseye or some other COE glass?
3. Are you sure the rod's "clear" (some rods look clear but are strking colors, meaning they "strike" or change color with the heat of the torch)? Is your rod marked with the mfgr. label as "clear"?
4. Are you working over another glass that might be a "silver" glass? This may cause a reaction with your clear, but frankly, I've not heard or seen "brown"!
5. Before starting your next session, take some windex or other ammonia based cleaner, and wipe your clear rod - it may have some sort of residue on it that can't necessarily be seen until it flames into the glass and makes it gunky.

To Be Continued...

DeAnne in CA

[Toni Lutman]

It sounds like carbon gunking up your glass. It may just be that you're working too close to the torch. Try working a little further out in the flame, away from the yellow candles. Also, be sure you have a neutral flame.

[NKahler]

Yeah.. I didnt write too much details because I just burned my hand and I was holding an icecube :sad:
Its Effetre Clear from Arrow Springs, and they look pretty clean. I work with a propane oxygen Torch. I might just be working too close to the torch, Ill try working further away. :D
Thanks

And it gets these weird spiderweb things in it

[scoutycat]

Are you sure you're not using transparent davinci instead? It does all that stuff; should be slightly aquamarine when viewed from the rod end

[glasshouse]

I have a feeling you're using a slightly reducing fame and working too close to the torch face. I quite recently was using a torch unfamiliar to me and managed to "reduce" my clear bead. It went grayish brownish transparent. With darker grey sooty spiderwebby things. That is how Effetre clear reduces. Very ugly. I had a good laugh at the ugliest bead I've ever made. Wish I could say "That's what I meant to do" and call it ART but it's too ugly even for that.

Try using a little more oxy or a little less propane and work about 2-4 inches out from the cones. Your clear will be clearer!

:) Kelly

[Otter's Flame]

I PM'd you Nathan.

Otter