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| Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
2009-02-16, 2:30pm
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I practice alchemy!
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Join Date: Dec 06, 2007
Location: Milton-Freewater, OR
Posts: 716
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I'm glad someone specified what an EMS was. The only thing I could think of was--emergency medical services...
Celeste
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2009-02-16, 3:30pm
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Burning Fingers!
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Join Date: Dec 30, 2006
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 2,255
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I never could get the hang of mine - it spins way too fast for me, and the glass goes all wonky because of that. You are supposed to use your finger as the brake, but I found it just made it jerky when you released the "finger brake". It is now gathering dust on my shelf. I suppose I should give it another try, maybe I was just too impatient then. Everytime I say I am going to sell it, my DH tells me not to, as he tells me that "you are not getting any younger", and your joints are giving out, so one day it may be the only way you can bead - thanks dear!
I guess I work in a more controlled manner, and I found that the EMS was just too fast for me.
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Jane P
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2009-02-16, 6:05pm
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Lover of all things color
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Join Date: Nov 25, 2007
Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Posts: 1,791
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You know I have coveted this thing for a long time and am now starting to think that I'm going to have to get one. I had thumb surgery three years ago and couple that with wrists that are starting to bother me and I almost have to get one.
Do any of you have problems with carpal tunnel? I am having a bad time with the hand that holds mandrel and glass. I'm wondering if its the spinning or that my torch isn't at the right angle. Either way I have to do something before I do permanent damage. I'm just wondering if the EMS is the answer.
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GTT Lynx-M10 Oxy-con
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2009-02-16, 7:04pm
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Unmedicated since '62
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Join Date: Jan 18, 2009
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 5,907
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i want one so badly!
i have carpel tunnel damage in my left hand so it goes numb after a while - i'm getting good at switching hands to round up the beads though...
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2009-02-17, 7:18am
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Gone Fishing!
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Join Date: Sep 06, 2005
Location: Sunny Central Florida
Posts: 806
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I think that it just takes some practice. Try just making some spacer beads on it until you get the hang of it. I honestly really like mine and actually have some fun trying to make really long beads with it. It did take some practice though.
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Ebay Id: ArtglassbyHollyYoung
Etsy ID: ArtglassbyHollyYoung
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2009-02-17, 12:01pm
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Ready to hit the road
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Join Date: May 06, 2006
Location: Zimmerman, MN
Posts: 2,418
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When I started getting achy wrists, I looked into the EMS and bought it. When I first tried it, I thought 'well, that was wasted money.' I just didn't think I could get used to using it, and I couldn't get the beads centered. After letting it sit a couple of weeks and then reading some tips (especially about using it to make spacer beads), I dug in and just used it. It took a couple of weeks, but I got the hang of it, and now every bead I make starts with the EMS. I couldn't and wouldn't want to work without it. I upgraded to the deluxe and really like it for the more variable speed, even though it's bigger and heavier. You get used to it, and it's well worth the money for the relief on the wrists.
Karen, look at my Etsy shop. Like I say, they all start on the EMS. After I get the bead centered, if I want a lentil or other shape, then I take it off the EMS and work it further.
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2009-02-17, 1:39pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 18, 2006
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 1,528
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Jane, if you feel it spins too fast, get a power box upgrade which includes a variable switch to speed it up or down. If the glass is wonky, heat it to molten and drag your rod through the centre. I really think you will find with some usage you won't even notice using your fingers to lightly brake or stop and release to speed again. Its really just a matter of retraining yourself to a new way of working and for some people that may take a little longer than others but just like when we start p p p.
I wouldn't be without mine and am now looking for a deluxe version as soon as I have some goannas to sell from this years hatchings. The $ is the only thing holding me up!
Kym
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2009-02-17, 1:45pm
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Burning Fingers!
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Join Date: Dec 30, 2006
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 2,255
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Thanks Kym - I do have a variable speed, and have it set at the lowest speed. I have also tried the "drag" method. I just couldn't get the hang of it - I tried it for about a month, and then just gave up. I just find it way too fast - I turn my mandrels really slowly when making beads, including spacers. However, I will get it out again and dust it off, and give it another try. Just have to get rid of this vertigo first!
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Jane P
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2009-02-17, 3:45pm
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Unmedicated since '62
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Join Date: Jan 18, 2009
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 5,907
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kym
as soon as I have some goannas to sell from this years hatchings. The $ is the only thing holding me up!
Kym
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........your selling goannas?
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Deb
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- my 17yo sons first novel
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- download, get organised, enjoy
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2009-04-20, 8:58am
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Junior Mint
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Join Date: Jul 24, 2005
Location: Ozone, Arkansas. Yep, that's not a typo.
Posts: 672
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Does anyone know if there are any alternatives to the EMS? I have been suffering for quite a while with pain in my hand, but I just cannot afford the EMS. I am sure it is worth every penny of the cost, but I honestly don't understand why it is so expensive, so I am hoping that there are alternatives out there.
Thanks!
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Debby
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my stuff on
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2009-04-20, 12:10pm
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what's a senior moment ?
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Join Date: Jun 14, 2005
Location: East of Atlanta
Posts: 3,002
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Quote:
Originally Posted by starlightdesigns
Does anyone know if there are any alternatives to the EMS? I have been suffering for quite a while with pain in my hand, but I just cannot afford the EMS. I am sure it is worth every penny of the cost, but I honestly don't understand why it is so expensive, so I am hoping that there are alternatives out there.
Thanks!
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To date, I haven't seen anything else even similar to it on the market.
I don't build them so I can't comment on the cost. I can only say for me personally, it was worth every penny.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
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Debbie
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2009-04-20, 1:42pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 22, 2005
Location: west of Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 5,371
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I'm with Jayne and just couldn't get the hang of it. Holding the mandrel like a pencil is just too weirdly uncomfortable for me. I've had it sitting around for a year and half. Then I think some day I will have to use it or I would sell the thing.
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2009-04-20, 2:48pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Aug 02, 2008
Posts: 116
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Pat, You should try it with the 'Rolling Marver.' That helps to shape the bead quickly. I love mine and hope to buy the larger one, although I think the smaller one does everything you would want to do except large boro. Take a look at the Barefoot Art video. It is amazing what you can do with it!
Jim
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2009-04-20, 3:16pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 23, 2008
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 352
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Quote:
Originally Posted by betsymn
After letting it sit a couple of weeks and then reading some tips (especially about using it to make spacer beads), I dug in and just used it. .
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Betsy - do you have a link or do you remember where you read the tips?
I got my EMS some weeks ago and tried it only once yet. Tried a few spacers that came out very wonky. Then I had to stop again, because I had heaps of custom orders to fill and just didn't have time to learn how to use the EMS.
I have problems with carpal tunnel syndrome and really need to get the hang of it to relieve the pain. But I'm so busy at the moment that I just don't think I have the time & patience to practice for weeks.
It would be great to read some tips and speed up the learning process. I had a look on itube and watched the videos. But that didn't help a lot.
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Judith
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2009-04-20, 3:19pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 23, 2008
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 352
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KarenBeth
That 4-6 week wait time is a killer though. Im such an instant gratification type person I dunno if I can do it.
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KarenBeth - you can order one at ABR and if they have them in stock (4 weeks ago they did), you get it within a week.
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Judith
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2009-04-20, 8:41pm
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Ready to hit the road
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Join Date: May 06, 2006
Location: Zimmerman, MN
Posts: 2,418
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TeRangiStudio
Betsy - do you have a link or do you remember where you read the tips?
I got my EMS some weeks ago and tried it only once yet. Tried a few spacers that came out very wonky. Then I had to stop again, because I had heaps of custom orders to fill and just didn't have time to learn how to use the EMS.
I have problems with carpal tunnel syndrome and really need to get the hang of it to relieve the pain. But I'm so busy at the moment that I just don't think I have the time & patience to practice for weeks.
It would be great to read some tips and speed up the learning process. I had a look on itube and watched the videos. But that didn't help a lot.
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Judith, I don't even remember where I read the tips. It helps to just practice and practice. Try starting with small spacers and after putting on the glass with a rod, heat it up until it's almost dripping, then take a thin stringer and just touch the middle of the bead. Sometimes that's enough to round it, and sometimes I have to really stick it in and drag to get it round. The trick is to have the bead molten enough, and then let it cool a little to make sure it stays round. If it starts going wobbly, heat it up just a bit, and touch it with the stringer. It really takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it is so much easier on the hands. I find that the older I get, the harder it is to hold and twist a skinny mandrel.
Maybe if I get really ambitious, I'll get my son to take a video of my doing one. Of course, then I'd have to figure out how to post it on youtube or my website 
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2009-04-20, 9:29pm
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Silver Hogs/Tool Junkies
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Join Date: Jun 09, 2006
Location: Lake Mary, Florida
Posts: 1,028
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2009-04-20, 9:53pm
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MacGalver
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Join Date: Oct 15, 2006
Posts: 9,927
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Nice beads Jack!
I use mine for more than 90% of what I make including vessels, sculptural, goddess forms, everything! I lay down at least the base footprint using the EMS, because it saves me a lot of time. Like others have said, it took a little getting used to, but once I got used to it, I would not go back. Recently I needed spacer beads, I made over 350 spacers in one sitting without any hand fatigue. It was at least twice as fast as making them without the EMS.
Jo
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2009-04-20, 10:13pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 21, 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 4,629
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350 spacers ... wow ... that's some recommendation! Lead me to it!
Think I need to see someone using this in action as I have trouble centering and hope it will help me some. I've been told my astigmatism doesn't help center a bead (wear glasses for it these days) but still have some issues.
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2009-04-21, 11:21pm
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"....Oh Honey!"
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Join Date: Jun 22, 2005
Location: There's no place like home, Toto.
Posts: 374
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Another happy camper. I have one of the original models as well, and it has saved me lots of physical wear and tear. It also is invaluable when I'm in production mode before a class or show. It took me a few weeks to really feel comfortable using it, but once I settled in with it, I never looked backed. I use it for both boro and soft glass projects. Love the brass rolling marver as well. I rarely have distortion while encasing with these tools.
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Lauri Copeland
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dvd now available
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2009-04-22, 8:45am
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 11, 2005
Location: SUNNY FLORIDA~West Coast!
Posts: 9,423
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My Opinion! It's a wonderful tool!! it odes take some getting used to but in the long run it saves time and wear and tear!
Paula
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