[losthelm]

Some colors are much more susceptible to showing crud from being to close to the torch. white in paticular.
The cheap divardi is a pain to work with particularly the heavy rods, its almost frit on a stick and can be frustrating when you have hot glass popping off.

When compairing prices between various vendors pay attention to unit size.
Some sell by the 1/4 pound, ounce, pound, or by the rod.


Prices vary a lot when it comes to glass more by the batch size and chemistry involved that anything else.

As your doing a few beads at a time there are some exercises that may help.
Make simple spacers that are the same size and shape.
Make a pairs of matching beads.
A set of graduated beads with each size being a little larger.

Practice pulling stringer for a bit
Then try twisties

some colors show crud in them easier than others.
Whites in paticular.