Which clear do you use with moretti rods and where to get it?

[PyroChixRock]

The pile of moretti I have I bought 3 years ago, and I can't remember the brand. :oops: I need to buy some clear to go with it but don't know where to start...could anyone help point me in the right direction?

Many thanks! :biggrin:

[ukiacat]

Clear that goes with Moretti:

In order of my favorites:

The new clear Kugler Clear COE 104....about $16 a pound [on sale] at Arrowsprings....only available in 10mm right now. Very nice melting and very clean and clear. Not many bubbles...just the usual new rod stuff.

Lauscha Clear....$16-18 a pound...available in a few sizes. Stiffer melting but no burning, not many bubbles, nice and clear. Some people think it is not as compatible with Moretti but, with the exception of reds and rubino, I have no trouble using it. I've heard about bad batches though.

Vetrofond Clear....$9-10 a pound...available in a few sizes I think. Softer melting. Bubbles if too hot and I often seem to get glass with scratches.

Moretti Clear...I quit using it .....but have been told it's better in larger diameter rods [10mm] Burns if too hot or too much propane. Bubbles if too hot. I got the bigger rods but they invariably crack when I put them down and then they explode and burn me when I reintroduce them to the flame. I think it's the colder weather/colder studio.

Everything except Kugler is available at all the well know dealers...Frantz, Arrowsprings, Jo Del , etc.

[loco]

I use Vetrofond and Frantz has it on sale now! Disclaimer: I do not ebcase beads, hell I don't even make wearable beads that often.

Encase this!
8446

[Cosmo]

I use Lauscha exclusively for clear soft glass. I haven't tried any of the Kugler clear yet, however.

I haven't had any problems with compatibility. Just make sure you put it in the kiln a little hotter than you would with most soft glass.

[kimberly]

I got the bigger rods but they invariably crack when I put them down and then they explode and burn me when I reintroduce them to the flame. I think it's the colder weather/colder studio.



A trick for this problem:
After you have applied your clear, heat up the end of the rod and hold it hot end down. Allow it to cool until all of the color is gone. Really doesn't take long. This has all but eliminated the problem of cracking after being used for clear and some of the really shocky handpulled stuff.

I like Effetre large diameter and Vetrofond larger diameter. I do not use Lauscha.

I have seen some beads made with the new Kugler and it is beautiful!!!

[ukiacat]

A trick for this problem:
After you have applied your clear, heat up the end of the rod and hold it hot end down. Allow it to cool until all of the color is gone. Really doesn't take long. This has all but eliminated the problem of cracking after being used for clear and some of the really shocky handpulled stuff.

I like Effetre large diameter and Vetrofond larger diameter. I do not use Lauscha.

I have seen some beads made with the new Kugler and it is beautiful!!!

Thanks for the tip Kimberly. I'll try that and see how it works. I've got burn marks on my collar bone from exploding rods.

And yes, Kugler is my new favorite. Like I said, above, it melts nicely and it definetely has a wonderful clarity to it.

[PyroChixRock]

I use Vetrofond and Frantz has it on sale now! Disclaimer: I do not ebcase beads, hell I don't even make wearable beads that often.

Encase this!

I guess I should have mentioned I'm making marbles with it and I need the clear to be super clear, like a lens on the front of a design to magnify it! :D

Thanks for the help everyone!

[wolfotter]

I think that you will really, really like the kugler!!!! it is awesome!

Andrea

[Renee T]

I just got in some of the new Kugler - am going to fire up the torch now and give it a whirl - wish me luck!

Renee "are you going to eat that?" Taylor

[Dale M.]

Funny thing... I use Effetre clear with Effetre color and do not have a problem... It stay clear even on my tempermental hot head....

8567

Dale M.

[sassy]

I have always used effetre but I got my kugler and I really love it.

[GinnyHampton]

A trick for this problem:
After you have applied your clear, heat up the end of the rod and hold it hot end down. Allow it to cool until all of the color is gone. Really doesn't take long. This has all but eliminated the problem of cracking after being used for clear and some of the really shocky handpulled stuff.



Thanks for the tip!! I have a few colors that have me scared and nervous to use . . . . I have a nice burn on my neck from exploding edp.

I almost always use the large diameter Effetre clear and it does a pretty good job for me. I have to pick off the ends, but it's easier for me to use than Lauscha clear for thick encasement.
I'm very interested in trying the Kugler though.

[Rachel]

I use lauscha but I ordered some of the Kuglar today and can't wait to get it! They said it will be re-stocked in all sizes at the end of the month!

[kimberly]

Does anyone know if Arrowsprings takes PayPal???? I can't find the methods of payment anywhere on their site (probably not looking in the right place).

[Juln]

Hey Misha, I know you want to use up your 104 coe glass, but after that, I'd recommend getting some Kugler and Reichenbach and some of the Schott Optical puck things.
Paul Stankard and many other high end paperweight makers use these gobs of glass, which are coe 94. You have to skin them before using them, and they are super clear! As some would say (in a mumbling monotone) "the clearest yall dog".
These pucks are what you want to use if you are making really high quality marbles or paperweights in soft glass.
I was wondering where to obtain these, and I found this informative post on the ISGB featuring the usual cast of characters:
http://www.isgb.org/forum/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=beadtechniques&Number=10601&page=25&view=expanded&sb=7&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
Finally, the Schott guy comes over and introduces himself

I am David Schimmel, Marketing Services Manager at Schott Glass Technologies in Duryea, PA. I am also the Product Manager for art glass at Schott Glass Technologies. I recently was assigned responsibility for our S-8 art encapsulation glass product line in addition to the raw glass products for artists that I have been responsible for over the past two years.

Many people have expressed the opinions in this forum about the policies of Schott Glass Technologies. By way of response understand that my e-mail address is david.schimmel@us.schott.com, and my telephone number is (570) 457-7485, ext. 300. Feel free to use them.

I would like to respond to JanetRW's original post from 10/25/02: Janet, you can buy S-8 gobs (our term for 'hockey pucks'!) from Schott Glass Technologies by contacting either me or Janet Blickens (same telephone number as above, but ext. 431). We currently have S-8 gobs in 150 gram (50 mm dia x 30 mm), 300 gram (60 mm dia x 41 mm), 400 gram (65 mm dia x 47 mm), and 550 gram (72 mm dia x 52 mm) sizes. They come 45, 28, 24, and 20 pieces per tray, respectively, and we sell them in tray lots only.

We normally ship in about one week, sometimes less. Delivery speed depends more on our workload, not customer size: We value all of our customers and seek to give them the best possible service.

Although I know little about paperweight making and less about bead making, I welcome any inquiries about our glasses, and I look forward to learning more about these applications.