3 Stringer questions.....

[lynn's lampwork]

Hi Everyone ...I have a couple of questions for all of you long-time lampworkers and how you deal with stringer...here they are:

1) Do you only make the stringer you are going to use for the particular beads you are going make at that particular "sitting", or do you spend a few hours making stringer in every color you have so you'll be ready at a moments notice should the need arrive...???

2) When you make your own stringer, (and forgive me if this has been discussed before on a previous thread), how long are they and what mm width are they?

3) Regarding purchased stringer: Does it come in different mm widths or is store-bought stringer usually the same size no matter where you buy it?

Thanks for you expertise!!! Lynn

[Cosmo]

I make stringer as the need arises. Occasionally I'll make up some cane or something in advance.

I don't worry about length. I worry about diameter. I generally don't pull them any thinner than commercially available stringer. I usually go about 3-4mm or so.

Most pre-made stringer is about the same size. The only offer one size, but the size may vary slightly.

[chrisdd]

I make stringer whenever I get a new glass color and have a jar sitting at my elbow. I feel like I can be more flexible and spontaneous that way.

I make all different widths of stringer because I have all kinds of uses for them. I like to make them as long as possible because it saves time.

[alexm]

I make stringer as I need it. I don't have the storage space for lots of stringer.

I make stringer thinner than the commercial kind, usually 1 or 2 mm in diameter.

Bulleye stringer is available in 2 different diameters, but it's not compatible with Moretti/Vetrofond/Lauscha.

[RyanTheNumberImp]

I almost always make my stringer less than 2mm. I use 1.5-2mm for dots and 1mm downwards for scrollwork. I try to keep my stringers over 12" long to save time but straightness and evenness are more important.

[AVCKimberly]

I make stringer as I need it and always make extra. You just never know when a creative wave will strike and you don't want to be caught with your pants down. I never purchase commercial stringer, the diameter is normally too large for me little beads.

[CorriDawn]

I make stringer as I need it, then I don't use it all, put it in a little jar which looks really pretty with all the colors sticking out, then hardly ever use what is there because I just pull more.

I pull it thinner than commercial stringer, I find the ones I have bought to be too thick

[Deb Hopeful Journeys]

I am currently using a HH, sigh. I also use the 1 lb canisters of fuel, which is kinda spendy. Anyway, when I am getting low on fuel. I like to use every last drop so I end up pulling stringers when I am low on fuel. That way I am not in the middle of a great bead or something and end up out of fuel.

HTH,
Deb in MN

[e. mort]

I make stringers when I am almost out of oxy and don't want to lose the flame in the middle of a perfect bead or marble. I make a lot of twisties then as well with leftover rod ends. I also make stringer before I start beadmaking for the day if I decide that I am going to just do my "warring states" beads that day. I go through a lot of stringers with those, and I hate pulling them as I work. But, I have to give credit to whoever wrote about using the end of mandrel to pull stringers on the fly. It has saved by behind more than once.

Eric

[SuzyQ]

I usually pull thinner than purchased stringer before the set I'm about to make. I like my stringer to be about 9 inches.
I put the extra in a jar and use it for flower centers. Or if I am smart I take out all prepulled stringer in the color I am about to pull and try to use it that sitting.
If I am having a no inspiration day I may pull stringer I use often to feel as though I haven't completely wasted my session.