Large (1" plus) hollow round beads

[demcc2]

Any one have any ideas of what to use to help shape larger round beads?
I've been on a hollow kick and all I have is an infinite rim marble mold. Sometimes my hollows turn out larger than that mold's largest "cup"

Thanks in advance

Duane

[Anne Londez]

Anything steel that has the right shape. I found some stainless egg cups in a store once that are perfect for larger beads. Or an ice cream scoop.

[BPierce]

Hey Duane, I've done a lot of tooling in the scientific glass industry. It is possible to have your bubble larger than the marble mold and still be successful in ending up with a round bubble. If it is a graphite mold just take a file or some fine sand paper and just bevel the sharp edge a bit. That way the molten glass doesn't get caught on the sharp edge and just blow slowly and spin the bubble like you would a marble to form it. Once you have your bubble blown...use a soft fire to get an even heat and heat it just enough to soften it...not to a molten point and gently puff the bubble as you spin and it cools. Hope this helps and if you have any more questions feel free to ask!

Brett,

[glvz]

Bret, thanks for the information. I've been wondering the same as Duane.
Anne, now I have to go looking around the kitchen. Every once in a while DH notices that something is missing.

Georgia

[Roo Blaty]

Brett! Brilliant!!