karenbeads-What do you love?

karenbeads · #1 2006-07-27, 12:51pm

Hello to everyone here,
I am new to LE but not new to lampworking.
My question for you today is simple, What do you love about your studio and what would you change if you could?
I moved a few weeks ago and have a large area in the basement of my "new" old house for my lampwork studio. It is a blank space just waiting for me to create the perfect lampwork area. Or better stated,,, for the DH to build my perfect studio. I have a few ideas of how I would like the table built, but that’s it. If money was not an option what would you do? (not that that's the case for me LOL) Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Karen
karenbeads.com

Phoenix · #2 2006-07-27, 1:23pm

I love my glass in reaching distance from my seat

I would change - making it a higher table and using a stool so i could stand easier

chrisdd · #3 2006-07-27, 4:56pm

I love having my tools at my fingertips with my magnetic strip.

I love the convenience and low cost of an oxycon and NG setup.

If I could change one thing, it would be to have my glass storage higher. Mine is low to the ground, and it can be difficult finding what I want.

Kaye · #4 2006-07-27, 6:05pm

I love my assortment of glass and am happy with my torch...a pirahna, and my husbands minor/concentrators and two kilns...tools..

I hate where it is: in our garage with garage stuff...I would LOVE a REAL studio...but...I work in the garage

I can get it done, just not flash and coolness...I have had people who buy my beads that were going to be close and I had to tell them, its very unglamourous and I work in part of our garage...no studio per say.

I keep hinting...someday...when I get famous enough..maybe Dan will make me a "real" studio

karenbeads · #5 2006-07-27, 7:32pm

Kaye,
If that’s the kind of beads that are made in a garage maybe I should rethink my location.LOL! You both do great work!
I do understand what you’re saying though; I am just lucky and now have a second chance at a happy marriage with a great guy and a new house that lets me have my dream "in-house" studio.
Karen

karenbeads · #6 2006-07-27, 7:35pm

Crispy Critter,
I hate to sound like I don't know lampworking but,,,,what is a NG set up?
Karen

Miss Kate · #7 2006-07-27, 7:39pm

Natural Gas

Kevan · #8 2006-07-27, 7:40pm

I do not love the studio I have in this house. It's not my house and I can't have it the way I want it.

karenbeads · #9 2006-07-27, 7:42pm

Jessica,
I know what you are saying about your glass being at eye level within easy reach while working at the torch. I have that part figured out using a U shape for my table set up. I will have Boro on one side and soft glass on the other. I have shattered many a bead because I mixed up my glass.
I have never tried standing up while at the torch, that has my interest. Why is that what you prefer?
Karen

karenbeads · #10 2006-07-27, 7:50pm

LOL Miss Kate,,,,
That picture of Kramer (sp?) makes me laugh every time I see it on a post.
So,,,NG means as you said, natural gas. How would that compare to propane and the heat it puts out when a higher temperature is needed for melting Boro glass?
It would make life much easier to run a NG line into the studio and never have to worry about my tank of propane being in the house. But I need the hottest flame possible to melt Boro using one oxygen concentrator and a Bobcat torch. (I am working on purchasing another OC)
Karen

Phoenix · #11 2006-07-27, 9:15pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by karenbeads

Jessica,
I know what you are saying about your glass being at eye level within easy reach while working at the torch. I have that part figured out using a U shape for my table set up. I will have Boro on one side and soft glass on the other. I have shattered many a bead because I mixed up my glass.
I have never tried standing up while at the torch, that has my interest. Why is that what you prefer?
Karen

A couple reasons-
-makes me feel less lazy- I sit behind a computer all day in the office
-I use a lot of the things I've learned in hot glass on a small scale- like swinging the glass- much safer when I'm standing
-I can move from popping or mekting glass quicker
-I can reach more including a kiln that until recently was behind me
-I can stretch, move etc - I cross my legs when I sit by habit- feels better to stand
-I like to sneak up on the torch from all angles- don't know why

DesertDreamer · #12 2006-07-28, 8:08am

I love my workbench and my drafting chair (both from Ikea). They're infinitely adjustable, and the bench has these way cool swing out shelves where I store my frit and and grab them and search as needed (the Ikea lazy susans help, too). It's just plain perfect, and it wasn't expensive, either.

http://snipurl.com/u0ii

e. mort · #13 2006-07-28, 11:29am

I love my built in lazy-susan for my kiln, my work-bench and studio lighting.

I wish I had a more powerful A/C unit, baffels for the hood, a deeper hood, and that I had mounted my hood lower. I wish I also had backlighting for my glass storage area. Oh, and maybe cable TV, and a foot operated speaker phone.

Eric

karenbeads · #14 2006-07-28, 12:18pm

LOL Eric,
A foot operated speakerphone,,, how cool would that be? How many times has it happened to all of us that the phone rings right in the middle of creating a perfect bead.?

Any helpful advise out there on exhaust fans? I had a top of the line kitchen range hood for my last set up. (as top of the line as you can buy at Menards) I want to put up something bigger this time because I am now working a lot with Boro. What would be considered to big, what is the line of thought on the proper size? I know,,,I know,,, can it ever be too big? In this one case I am sure the answer is yes.
The DH will fabricate whatever it takes to keep my air healthy. He kind of wants me around for a few more years.
Thank you all for your suggestions so far,
Karen

melissabeads · #15 2006-07-28, 2:32pm

Karen.
If at all possible try to get natural sunlight into your studio. I know you mentioned you are in the basement, but if you can dig down and make a deep window well for sunlight I think you would be happy!

chrisdd · #16 2006-07-28, 2:41pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by karenbeads

So,,,NG means as you said, natural gas. How would that compare to propane and the heat it puts out when a higher temperature is needed for melting Boro glass? It would make life much easier to run a NG line into the studio and never have to worry about my tank of propane being in the house. But I need the hottest flame possible to melt Boro using one oxygen concentrator and a Bobcat torch. (I am working on purchasing another OC)
Karen

Depending on your NG output, you might need to get a booster. Also, I've read that 1 oxycon might not be enough to do boro.

kentaymom · #17 2006-07-30, 6:38am

I'm finding this thread to be very interesting - we're building a new garage and I'll have my own little space in it. They're starting tomorrow! Woohooo!

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisdd

Also, I've read that 1 oxycon might not be enough to do boro.

Just my 2cents - I'm doing boro on my Pirahna and one oxycon (I'm using an oxygen unlimited 20p that I purchased from Mountain Glass Arts). Keep in ming that I am new to all of thins - so what I consider to be "hot enough" may not be for someone more experienced.

karenbeads · #18 2006-08-01, 11:06am

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisdd

Depending on your NG output, you might need to get a booster. Also, I've read that 1 oxycon might not be enough to do boro.

I am self-trained and don’t follow the “Rules” because for the most part I don’t know what the “Rules” are. What I know I have learned from books and trial and error. (lots of error)

That being the case I try everything and anything. I make Boro beads and pendants using 1 oxygen concentrator and a Bobcat torch. Granted,,,, it probably takes me a bit longer to melt a thick rod and I can’t adjust my ox to achieve some of the colors but so far I am doing fine.
My thinking behind wanting an extra concentrator is so that I can have a bit more control when I want to put the ox up higher.
I would give my left,,,whatever,,sorry can’t say nut cuz I don’t have one,,, to take a class on Boro,,,, anyone in the southeastern WI area that could show me how they do it?

Karen
www.karenbeads.com

playswithfire104 · #19 2006-08-01, 5:24pm

I'm enjoying this thread too. DH told the "handyman" who is going to be working on my set-up in the garage about ventalation. I think all he did was confuse the poor guy. So I tried to explain what I wanted. Can you say "Really confused?". So I said "Wait let me show you something." I brought him over to my putor and brought up a ventaliton thread here and voila! He knew exactly what I was talking about! He said print out a pic of what you want. He has a guy that works for/with him that is really good with figuring out the details and whatnot and said he could fabricate anything I wanted! Too bad the rest of life isn't that easy!

LadyCrow · #20 2006-08-01, 5:33pm

I wouild do anything for air conditioning in my "dream" studio.And it would be a free standing building behind the house. I'd love loads of windows (a nice view would be nice too,the ocean,the mountains, or a cute neighbor working out his rippling muscles).
And it would be painted lavender.
Right now my favorite part of my "studio" is my big desk and my mandrel holder DH made for me.