Lampwork Etc.
 
Mountain Glass Arts

LE Live Chat

Enter Live Chat

No users in chat


Frantz Art Glass & Supply

Beads of Courage


 

Go Back   Lampwork Etc. > Library > Tips, Techniques, and Questions

Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 2012-12-07, 12:11pm
TortoiseAvenger TortoiseAvenger is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 02, 2012
Posts: 27
Question How do you make your frit?

I've heard of a few techniques, and I'm guessing many people don't make their own, but for those that do, how do you make it? Do you use the water technique? Do you flatten the end of the rod first?

Do you use a frit maker? I've heard of using two pipes to mash the glass...

How do you "sort" the size of your finished product? Is it easy to find small sections of mesh to do this?

Lots of questions! Looking forward to your replies...

Last edited by TortoiseAvenger; 2012-12-07 at 12:34pm.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2012-12-07, 2:04pm
houptdavid's Avatar
houptdavid houptdavid is offline
honorary bead lady
 
Join Date: Jan 14, 2008
Location: Mostly the doghouse
Posts: 5,180
Default

http://www.mcmaster.com/#sieves/=khr4ff
__________________
David
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2012-12-07, 2:17pm
Dr Bill Dr Bill is offline
No Longer an LE Member
 
Join Date: Sep 09, 2012
Posts: 173
Default frit maker

bye

Last edited by Dr Bill; 2013-08-03 at 7:53am.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2012-12-07, 2:57pm
Alaska Alaska is offline
Alaska Boro
 
Join Date: Dec 10, 2009
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 1,065
Default

Make your own from parts in the plumbing section at Lowes or Home Depot.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2012-12-07, 2:58pm
TortoiseAvenger TortoiseAvenger is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 02, 2012
Posts: 27
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaska View Post
Make your own from parts in the plumbing section at Lowes or Home Depot.

How much do those parts end up costing? Does lowe's cut the pipe for you?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2012-12-07, 3:27pm
Alaska Alaska is offline
Alaska Boro
 
Join Date: Dec 10, 2009
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 1,065
Default

Cost will depend on what size of pipe you get and if it is galvanized or not.

They will both cut pipe, but these are nipples and end caps. Thus cutting is not required as nipples come in a variety of lenghts ready to go. Overall it is two nipples (2 different sizes) and two end caps (2 different sizes).

Check some of the lampworking or pottery supply firms for sieves. A set of 4 runs about $40 or so depending.

Last edited by Alaska; 2012-12-07 at 3:32pm.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2012-12-07, 6:01pm
glassymom's Avatar
glassymom glassymom is offline
Mr Brutus RIP
 
Join Date: Apr 29, 2006
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 4,369
Default

I use the home depot set up. I sift mine by coarse and fine...... LOL
I only have 1 sifter which was from the dollar tree I believe, a cooking one......small holes and works good. I sort to two different sizes.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2012-12-07, 6:12pm
Eileen's Avatar
Eileen Eileen is offline
Loving learning
 
Join Date: Oct 11, 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 11,650
Default

I don't have any sifter, but I don't make much frit. I just put it in a jar with some room, and jiggle it to make it settle into small stuff at the bottom, larger at the top, but I'm not picky.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2012-12-07, 6:42pm
one hot beader's Avatar
one hot beader one hot beader is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 01, 2006
Location: Nth NSW, Australia
Posts: 879
Default

Move mouse
Click 'Add to cart'
Click 'Checkout'
Wait for mailman.
__________________
Nicole

Custard...it's just like hot icecream!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2012-12-07, 6:53pm
uncle louie uncle louie is offline
GLASS ADDICT
 
Join Date: Sep 29, 2012
Posts: 158
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaska View Post
Make your own from parts in the plumbing section at Lowes or Home Depot.

same method a hammer and 3 different size sifters from the flea market all for under $20.00
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2012-12-08, 12:20pm
28676bhe 28676bhe is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 08, 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 1,687
Default

I get a cup of water.
Put it under the torch head.
Heat the glass until it melts and drops down into the water.
Strain, dry, smash, screen.

Or, if I just want powder, I use a coffee grinder.

Barbara
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Barbara
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2012-12-08, 1:47pm
Lorraine Chandler's Avatar
Lorraine Chandler Lorraine Chandler is offline
Salt Box Beads
 
Join Date: Oct 23, 2005
Location: Heading to Paradise
Posts: 4,161
Default

Frit is very ( can be) very dangerous to make. Be sure to wear a respirator and not just a face mask. Wipe down all surfaces and create your frit under very good ventilation.

From the ISGB:

http://www.isgb.org/info/safety/uplo...OutlineBib.pdf
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2012-12-09, 5:27pm
FosterFire's Avatar
FosterFire FosterFire is offline
SCIENCE Teacher!
 
Join Date: Jul 19, 2005
Location: Wylie, TX
Posts: 2,140
Default

The water method as previously described, but I don't make huge qty either.
__________________
Yes, I am FosterFire Bead Release.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2012-12-09, 6:09pm
istandalone24/7's Avatar
istandalone24/7 istandalone24/7 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 14, 2012
Location: Bennington, VT
Posts: 1,776
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by one hot beader View Post
Move mouse
Click 'Add to cart'
Click 'Checkout'
Wait for mailman.
this is also how i do it lol. i tried the water method, both with letting the melt drip into the water (in the process, getting all sorts of stringy scrap, and a few prince rupert drops to boot) and immersing the hot gather in water before it drips off.
for the little bit that i use, it's just not worth my time to make it. a couple ounces of frit goes a long way with me.
__________________
now i've got a Mirage
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2012-12-09, 11:19pm
AVTrout's Avatar
AVTrout AVTrout is offline
Bohemian Bead Peddler
 
Join Date: Feb 12, 2007
Location: Lancaster, PA
Posts: 1,206
Default

I use the water method, although I did try making frit using my Magic Bullet a few years ago. I wasn't impressed (probably because the Magic Bullet is for mashing up food, not shards of glass!).
__________________
Alexis

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 2012-12-09, 11:33pm
Kalera's Avatar
Kalera Kalera is offline
I'm a lilac!
 
Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 28676bhe View Post
I get a cup of water.
Put it under the torch head.
Heat the glass until it melts and drops down into the water.
Strain, dry, smash, screen.

Or, if I just want powder, I use a coffee grinder.

Barbara
This is what I do, only usually I flatten my gather into a paddle and then quench it, because I like the frit consistency I get that way.

Coffee grinder is good for knocking it into bits too.
__________________
-Kalera

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2012-12-10, 4:00am
PerfectDeb's Avatar
PerfectDeb PerfectDeb is offline
Unmedicated since '62
 
Join Date: Jan 18, 2009
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 5,907
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by one hot beader View Post
Move mouse
Click 'Add to cart'
Click 'Checkout'
Wait for mailman.
Same

Actually I've only ever bought clear and triton, every other one I have (and I have dozens) have been gifts
__________________
Deb

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- my 17yo sons first novel


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- download, get organised, enjoy
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2012-12-10, 7:13am
RSimmons's Avatar
RSimmons RSimmons is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 01, 2005
Posts: 2,159
Default

Get a small blowpipe and blow out a bubble like you are making shards. Put your thumb over the end of the pipe (important) and dip the hot bubble into a bowl of cool water. If you dip it slowly but steadily the glass will break off in small pieces in the water. No dust! You can then crush it up further under water and strain it for different sizes.

Robert
__________________
Robert Simmons
(Former) Director for Bead Donations
Beads of Courage, Inc.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 2012-12-10, 3:25pm
PerfectDeb's Avatar
PerfectDeb PerfectDeb is offline
Unmedicated since '62
 
Join Date: Jan 18, 2009
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 5,907
Default

Oh and prince rupert drops, education and bonus frit!
__________________
Deb

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- my 17yo sons first novel


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- download, get organised, enjoy
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 2012-12-10, 9:02pm
TortoiseAvenger TortoiseAvenger is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 02, 2012
Posts: 27
Default

Interesting mix of techniques. I've tried the water method... Works OK, but I'm too impatient to wait for the stuff to dry. I think I'm going to pay lowes a visit.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 2012-12-13, 4:58am
Anne Londez's Avatar
Anne Londez Anne Londez is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 11, 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 575
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by glassymom View Post
I use the home depot set up. I sift mine by coarse and fine...... LOL
I only have 1 sifter which was from the dollar tree I believe, a cooking one......small holes and works good. I sort to two different sizes.
I've made my own set of graded sifters using yogurt pots. I poked holes in the bottom of 4 or 5 pots, large on the first one and gradually going to needle fine on the next ones. I stack them with larger hole size on top on top and an untouched pot at the bottom to catch the powder (I use tapered yogurt post so the bottom of one fits into the opening of the next one), put the frit in the top one, hold it close with my hand or plastic wrap and shake. Putting a small coin in each pot also helps getting the frit through the holes.
__________________
Anne

Sea Rocks Tutorial
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- Ebook
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- Follow me on
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- My
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
shop
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2012-12-13, 7:27am
VivianLampwork's Avatar
VivianLampwork VivianLampwork is offline
http://youtu.be/nGt9jAkWi
 
Join Date: Oct 23, 2005
Location: Cullman, Alabama
Posts: 2,838
Default

The water method is what I do. I've tried most all the other methods, but the water method is relaxing to me & you don't end up with dust & it's not as messy. I flatten my blob like Kalera mentioned because of the consistency. I dry it out on a paper towel after draining the water off through a little sifter/colander.
__________________

Vivian


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 2012-12-15, 6:56pm
RSimmons's Avatar
RSimmons RSimmons is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 01, 2005
Posts: 2,159
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TortoiseAvenger View Post
Interesting mix of techniques. I've tried the water method... Works OK, but I'm too impatient to wait for the stuff to dry. I think I'm going to pay lowes a visit.
Taking a little extra time to do it by a safer method isn't a bad idea. Your lungs and sinuses will thank you.

Robert
__________________
Robert Simmons
(Former) Director for Bead Donations
Beads of Courage, Inc.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 2012-12-16, 7:29am
Dragonharper's Avatar
Dragonharper Dragonharper is offline
Now part of the Dark Side
 
Join Date: Jul 02, 2010
Location: North Central PA
Posts: 966
Default

Glass dust is a bad thing. One of the fantasy series I read used it as a weapon of mass destruction. Just saying.
__________________
Roy
Hot glass does not crack.
Unless it is glowing and drippy, hot glass looks like cold glass.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 2012-12-16, 7:30pm
boogiedog's Avatar
boogiedog boogiedog is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 05, 2009
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 15
Default

I'm a fan of using the cheap coffee grinder.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 2012-12-17, 11:09am
GabiLoraine's Avatar
GabiLoraine GabiLoraine is offline
Pincel de Fuego
 
Join Date: May 18, 2010
Location: Panama city, Panama
Posts: 406
Default

I WANT THAT FRIT SHOOTER!!! Not because I want to make industrial amounts of frit or anything like that... just because it looks AWESOME!
__________________
Gabi
Pincel de Fuego

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
/
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
/
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 2012-12-25, 2:26pm
categ50 categ50 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 11, 2006
Posts: 125
Default

I make a lot of frit for fusing, but buy my lampwork frit. I use the pipe and pounding plunger method. I first tried the galvinized pipe parts from Home Depot, but got a lot of crud from the pipe, and also metal pieces, so dirty frit. I then went to my electrical supply and purchased stainless steel parts. I've used it for 4 or 5 years now, and still don't have to clean the glass. Works for me. Those seives from McMaster will be my next buy. Expensive, but they look like they are worth the money.
Cate
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 2012-12-25, 3:35pm
Alaska Alaska is offline
Alaska Boro
 
Join Date: Dec 10, 2009
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 1,065
Default

The only issue with using stainless for the pounding plunger system is that stainless is non magnetic. Thus if there are metal fragments in the fit, using a magnet for removal will be ineffective.

With a standard pipe steel system a magnet can be placed in a thin plastic bag and run through the frit. Then turn the bag inside out to remove the particles from the magnet. Paper can also be used.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 2012-12-28, 4:00pm
Ravenesque Ravenesque is offline
Naysayer
 
Join Date: Sep 22, 2009
Posts: 1,203
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TortoiseAvenger View Post
Interesting mix of techniques. I've tried the water method... Works OK, but I'm too impatient to wait for the stuff to dry. I think I'm going to pay lowes a visit.
I put mine into tinfoil 'bowls' that i make and set on top of the kiln, it dries fast that way
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 2012-12-28, 4:38pm
shawnette's Avatar
shawnette shawnette is offline
I fart diamonds
 
Join Date: Jun 14, 2005
Location: Altamonte Springs, FL
Posts: 3,893
Default

I used to make it using a coffee grinder. Now I just go to www.glasscolor.com. Wayyy easier and less time consuming.
__________________
-Shawnette
the original "everybody get a grip" girl

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
frit, frit maker


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:17am.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Your IP: 44.200.74.73