Rod Rest Unhappiness - Page 2

ArtcoInc · #31 2012-03-14, 10:49am

Would this work for you? It's graphite, and not too expensive ...

http://www.artcoinc.com/wi_lampwork_...hp#w529000200"

Malcolm

ArtcoInc · #32 2012-03-14, 10:51am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeepers

Hey Cynthia!

I have graphite rod rests from the folks who manufacture The Perfect Tool (TPT) - you know the one that has all the interchangeable parts? It's a piece of graphite approx 10" long and 1cm wide that has U channels carved out to rest the rods in. Let me see if I can find you a link.

-Yee

Edited to add: I don't see the individual rod rests for sale but in this listing you can see it as part of the set. I'm sure if you contact them they sell them individually. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Perfect-Tool...#ht_2293wt_956

That's the one I just posted

Malcolm

Bead Trixx · #33 2012-03-14, 11:15am

Thanks for the info and link.... I just ordered the rest too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeepers

Hey Cynthia!

I have graphite rod rests from the folks who manufacture The Perfect Tool (TPT) - you know the one that has all the interchangeable parts? It's a piece of graphite approx 10" long and 1cm wide that has U channels carved out to rest the rods in. Let me see if I can find you a link.

-Yee

Edited to add: I don't see the individual rod rests for sale but in this listing you can see it as part of the set. I'm sure if you contact them they sell them individually. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Perfect-Tool...#ht_2293wt_956

KayG7 · #34 2012-03-14, 11:36am

I just use a long piece of threaded rod from Lowes -- I haven't really noticed any issue with cracking, but not sure if it has anything to do with the threaded rod or it maybe I let my rods cool more before I put them down? Anyway, I love the threaded rod -- the ridges keep the glass rods from rolling on it, and you can get them in different lengths.

ewdb · #35 2012-03-14, 11:41am

I have a 6"x6" graphite plate under my torch and just rest my rods on that. the radiant heat keeps them warm

DesertDreamer · #36 2012-03-14, 11:43am

I've wanted the one from Malcolm for years!

Meanwhile, I'm using a simple porcelain tile. It's bumpy enough that the rods don't roll around, it's not sensitive to heat, and it doesn't seem to shock the rods, either. At this point I may not go for the graphite at all.

I "copied" my new bench design from the Weaver Industries' "Mother Ship" design, but did it with two 6x12" tiles, raised up on pieces of baseboard molding.

Here are left, right and full views. I really like the "up on molding" part (inspired by Weaver) because I can slip my tools underneath and just have rods and stringers I'm using up above. I'm still training my hands to know where things are, but it's a big improvement.

clan tabby · #37 2012-03-14, 1:23pm

I wonder if it's because you work so hot, Cynthia? <smirk> Seriously, Cynthia has one of those big dragon torches. Not a big girl torch, a freaking dragon torch. Maybe it heats up more of the rod than a regular torch does. I've never had a rod crack due to sitting it back in the rod rest, & it doesn't sound like it's a common problem at all. Blame the dragon.

essiemessy · #38 2012-03-14, 4:22pm

I've got the top of an old stainless steel serviette/toast rack which fits nicely under the torch, and keeps nice and warm. I still get the odd cracked transparent rod (mostly the Topaz colours), but it's helpful for keeping clear rods warm while encasing, too.

Sherry · #39 2012-03-14, 4:30pm

I use the insert from an old aluminum ice cube tray. I put it on my bench the first day that I brought home my old hot head, and it's been on my bench ever since. It's not pretty, but hey, it's vintage!

rainygrrl · #40 2012-03-14, 5:03pm

[quote=Beadanna;3930779]No cats now but I saved lots of those containers. Hoarder moi?

Hey--you put some of them to great use! Good idea!

PerfectDeb · #41 2012-03-14, 7:44pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertDreamer

I've wanted the one from Malcolm for years!

Meanwhile, I'm using a simple porcelain tile. It's bumpy enough that the rods don't roll around, it's not sensitive to heat, and it doesn't seem to shock the rods, either. At this point I may not go for the graphite at all.

I "copied" my new bench design from the Weaver Industries' "Mother Ship" design, but did it with two 6x12" tiles, raised up on pieces of baseboard molding.

Here are left, right and full views. I really like the "up on molding" part (inspired by Weaver) because I can slip my tools underneath and just have rods and stringers I'm using up above. I'm still training my hands to know where things are, but it's a big improvement.

now that is a great idea - i have a tile under all my glass to protect the bench and the tools constantly get mixed in with the glass and i end up ratting around to find them - i'm going to do that, thanks

SharonP · #42 2012-03-14, 8:02pm

Some great ideas here! I have one of the graphite rod rests and like it a lot.

For years I used a big fat rod of clear boro for a rest - didn't matter how hot the soft glass rod was I laid on it, nothing ever got stuck or cracked.

glassactcc · #43 2012-03-14, 8:14pm

I just had my husband make me a wooden one where the rods stand up. Not quite as fancy as yours but the same concept. I think it might solve my problem of cracking. It seems I am the crack fairy:roll eyes: I'm going to curse all of you who's rods don't crack:fowl:

I like yours Malcolm. That looks great.

Great ideas everyone. I like to know what others use at the bench. It's interesting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABR Dave

We sell a wood one, that the rods stand vertical in.

http://www.dichroicimagery.com/produ...oducts_id=1071

glassactcc · #44 2012-03-14, 8:15pm

LOL Yea, it's not my fault. I blame the TORCH. It is hot and I do tend to work hot. My rods are still red when I lay them down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clan tabby

I wonder if it's because you work so hot, Cynthia? <smirk> Seriously, Cynthia has one of those big dragon torches. Not a big girl torch, a freaking dragon torch. Maybe it heats up more of the rod than a regular torch does. I've never had a rod crack due to sitting it back in the rod rest, & it doesn't sound like it's a common problem at all. Blame the dragon.

Elizabeth Beads · #45 2012-03-14, 8:44pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtcoInc

Would this work for you? It's graphite, and not too expensive ...

http://www.artcoinc.com/wi_lampwork_...hp#w529000200"

Malcolm

Oh swell. Another new toy I must have.

Except I need about 4, 'cause I usually work with a lot of colors.

Ravenesque · #46 2012-03-15, 12:44am

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishBulb

My rod rest is just other glass rods. There's a metal one under there somewhere but it'll take a bit of digging to find it.

I was thinking that as I read this thread, I just use about 40 lbs of glass as a rod rest. I rarely see cracked tips, not sure why yours is cracking.

But really, a dragon? :O

glassactcc · #47 2012-03-15, 8:06am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenesque

I was thinking that as I read this thread, I just use about 40 lbs of glass as a rod rest. I rarely see cracked tips, not sure why yours is cracking.

But really, a dragon? :O

Ok, but here's the thing. I am a bit OCD and my table is completely cleared off every time I torch. There is no glass hanging around. And when I am done for the day, it gets cleared off again so I really need a rod rest

Well, it's not a dragon in the true sense of the word but it's pretty like this one.

But wouldn't this be fun to have? I got to try this out when I was in Indiana. Very cool.

KayG7 · #48 2012-03-15, 11:27am

Holy sheeets!!!

[quote=glassactcc;3932298]

Well, it's not a dragon in the true sense of the word but it's pretty like this one.

sweetiedog · #49 2012-03-15, 11:52am

I just learned a whole pile of brilliant ideas from this thread! My rods crack all the time too so I have taken to laying them down on an extra piece of graphite I had laying around. The graphite doesn't seem to make them crack as much as the metal rod rest for sure.

But now I have all sorts of things I am going to change on my workbench after reading this thread ...

And, um, yeah ... holy freaking torch batman! Pretty sure I would burn the house down with something like that lol.

glassactcc · #50 2012-03-15, 11:57am

LOL hey, it's dual purpose. Who would mess with me with that in my hands. They would think it was some kind of ray gun from the future.

Crazy Woman · #51 2012-03-15, 12:30pm

So you must use liquid. I can't get it delivered in our residential area

glassactcc · #52 2012-03-15, 12:32pm

No, just propane and oxy. I have an oxygen generator to feed it though so no lugging bottles. It's the nicest quietest torch I have ever used, but that's just
my opinion. I have used many but this one is my favorite.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Woman

So you must use liquid. I can't get it delivered in our residential area

Angie09 · #53 2012-03-15, 12:45pm

Cynthia ... what is an oxygen "generator" .... I have an oxygen "concentrator" but don't have a clue about using a generator???

glassactcc · #54 2012-03-15, 12:51pm

I have this one. I bought it years ago before the oxycons became popular. I think they are the same concept but this one really puts out LOL! I can run more then one torch at a time with this. It is fed by an air compressor.
Here is the link if you want to read about it.

http://www.onsitegas.com/o2-generator-oxygen

Angie09 · #55 2012-03-15, 12:56pm

WOW!!! I'm impressed!!!

glassactcc · #56 2012-03-15, 1:03pm

It is a great thing really. It's virtually no maintanance, only a couple of filters every now and then. It has paid for itself over and over but they are not cheap. For the amount of lamp working I do though, it was worth the purchase for me. My husband was not happy having to fill the bottles. That got old fast.

Roo Blaty · #57 2012-03-15, 1:11pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by glassactcc

but this one really puts out LOL! http://www.onsitegas.com/o2-generator-oxygen

First the crack joke and now this....

somebody's in a mood

LarryC · #58 2012-03-15, 1:17pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by glassactcc

I have this one. I bought it years ago before the oxycons became popular. I think they are the same concept but this one really puts out LOL! I can run more then one torch at a time with this. It is fed by an air compressor.
Here is the link if you want to read about it.

http://www.onsitegas.com/o2-generator-oxygen

Do you fill tanks or use this hooked directly into your torch?

glassactcc · #59 2012-03-15, 1:19pm

Directly to the torch Larry.

flaming_fools · #60 2012-03-15, 1:33pm

Back to rod rests -

When I (michael) work, I have a large graphite pad sitting under my flame, out front a bit, and a little to the right since I am right handed. This is where I will put shorter rods, stringer pieces, and frit for the beads that I am working on.

Longer rods are rested on racks shown in picture that I made. In the paint section a the hardware store I noticed these gizmos for sitting over paint cans, or in roller pans, to run your brush or roller over to remove excess paint. They were real cheap. Just bought and bent in half to make a V. Have been planning to cut off the curved 'legs' on the end, but have not done so yet.

I like these as there are multi levels for sticking the rods, either on top, or through the holes. Very little contact point for chilling the rods.

(Torch is at bottom of pictures, you can just see the tip in the first one, under the Arrow Springs arm rest thingie. I have 2 of the paint roller racks in use, nested together on one end.)

And, BTW, my metal work table is a metal door from a commercial frezzer that I found in a pile of trash when I bought this house in 1998 - Knew there was a reason I kept it!)