Freddy's BS tutorial is baaaaack

[Bon Bon]

I tried this with bullseye glass rods. I made 3 beads, of these only one had visible bubbles and that one cracked. I'm wondering if I didn't let the beads cool enough before rolling in the B.S.

[Frit Diva]

Here's the MSDS for bicarbonate of soda/ baking soda:

http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927258

I'm not an expert, but it looks pretty innocuous to me. The following statement from the MSDS:

"When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes"

is a generic caution for any material that can be burned and doesn't really indicate toxicity.

Naturally, good ventilation is a requirement for lampworking. The way I read this MSDS, the greatest danger is from someone accidentally eating a large quantity of it, or irritation from getting the powder in their eyes, nose or throat.

If I'm wrong about this, somebody please correct me!

Jo

[Judith Billig]

Saw this tutorial only now and got inspired to try Freddie's bubble squares.
Love the results - thanks for sharing!!!

[Tish]

Very pretty set Judith!

[gracedorsey]

Originally Posted by slcuniques

Angela, The way I do it, and I have had only a couple crack on me, is to encase it while the base with BS is glowing.. not molten, but glowing.

That is a very helpful tip Sandy! I was wondering what was meant by "kiln the snot out of them?" Seems these two tips are key to the survival of the bead.

[Suzan]

Thanks for the tut, Freddy...can't wait to try it! And beautiful beads Vanessa and Judith!

[sangell]

Has anyone tried this with Boro?

[RoxyV]

Thanks for the info on the fumes, I never would have thought, going to try this later, but will be careful.. my ventilation is Harbor freight un-line fan and ducting. Sucks smoke out from behind torch and all around it, I always wonder if it is sufficient cfm.. seems to be.