press question.

[misfit]

Hello all,

I just got back from a meeting with an engineer and machinist about making presses. After number crunching on a number of issues I figured maybe some outside input would be good. counldn't hurt. The basic question... what is your general thought on presses made of stone ware? It has a lower heat conductivity than anything in metal and can be made equally presise, can hold excellent detail as well. Stone ware is more fragile than metal but thats not all that fragile. It can be dropped and normally survives the average ware and tear well. I doubt you could run over it with your car but is that something we really worry about? The biggest benifit to stoneware is price, high detail presses can be made in stone ware to retail in rough area of $30.00. Meaning that sculptural form pattern (upraised pictures) with high detail, in the most common sizes are not only possible but affordable. However much of the issue is would people use them? What sort of patterns would people like to see? I really like my dragons and celtic knot work. ;) But hey I'm weird I play with liquid glass. ;)

A.

[Teague]

I'd buy. I think the presses are currently too expensive. Also, I don't think they need to be absolutely indestructable.

Teague

[misfit]

I'd buy. I think the presses are currently too expensive. Also, I don't think they need to be absolutely indestructable.

Teague


I agree presses are exspensive. I now know why. However that doesn't change the fact that I see the prices and cringe. ;) Bottom line for small numbers even casting is a big bite for metal presses. We were quoted $30.00each for casting the press to rough form and the machining and labor is on top of that!! UGH. Thats also on a small order of "500 of a peice". :P we are working on trying to get the prices as low as we can. Quite frankly doing them in ceramic or stone ware will do that :) Considering that the worlds biggest filler company uses ceramic balls to crush its rock to powder means that the stuff can be nearly indestructable. ;) I figure I rarely throw my tools and doubt that other glass workers make a habit of it. Also our design would allow a single side of any one shape/size to be replaced. so if there was any breakage it would be a small issue since the single peice could be replaced easily. :) That also allows for one of the patterned sides to be added easily. example. you already have the 12mm lentil plain and want a rose pressed on only one side of it, you only need to get the 12mm lentil rose peice- and you're good to go with the one new side in the exsisting press. If you want the rose on both sides then you need both peices.

A.

[beadlvr]

That sounds great, especially with being able to add a patterned side if you want. Keep me in mind as I would happily be a tester for you!\\:D/
Sherry

[penny5658]

Hi
I haven't been lampworking all that long (6 months). When I seen the presses I wanted to buy some. When I seen the prices I was stunned! I couldn't beleive the cost! So anything that can do the same job and a little more plus less expensive I would be buying them. My husband has even thouht of making presses of different materials for me soI wouldn't have to pay such high prices! I hope this helps you.

Bye for now
Penny :wave: