Thanks Starlia.
> Roxan
> > I can do the stretch test when molten. If it makes a certain arch it > isn't
> > compatible. I would have to find old posts on WC to find the angle. > >
> > My favorite way is to make several test beads and if they break then the
> > glass isn't compatible. Since they can break after annealing I give it a
> > few weeks. In the meantime, all the test glass was marked so I can
> > reference the beads.
> >
> > Most of my sheet glass is BE. Very little is Spectrum, although I like > that
> > glass. My main supplier only sells BE in sheet so it's not a huge > problem.
> > Still, I make sure I test most of my non-fusable glass. I used to > purchase
> > a lot of fusable glass, but I'd rather save the bucks and test.
> > > Starlia,
> > > How do you test your glass to make sure it has the same COE when you > don't
> > > know for sure it is compatible?
> > > Roxan
> > > > I think you already have good information on reduction in red glass. > Red
> is
> > > > always a PITA. I love it though and I work with it a lot. You just > have
> to
> > > > work it very cool and not get it boiling.
> > > >
> > > > Kalera pointed out that there are different types of glass and some of > them
> > > > aren't the same COEs. I usually test them first. I usually make a > test
> > > > bead with the colors I want. That's not to say that I don't usually > stick
> > > > to Bullseye to Bullseye or Spectrum to Spectrum, but some of the glass > I
> > > > can't remember and so I test.
> > > >
> > > > I try to keep the different manufacturers separated in sheet glass, > but > I
> > > > definitely have them separate in rod form. Even if they are > compatible
> with
> > > > Moretti I keep them in their own containers.
> > > >
> > > > Have fun and let us know if you have any problems or any good items as > well.
> > > >
> > > > Starlia
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I am just learning to make glass beads. I have been using glass > scraps
> > > > > that are left over from the stained glass windows and crafts I have
> > > > > been making. I am wondering why my beads are not the same color as > the
> > > > > glass scraps. I started out with a very beautiful and vibrant red
> > > > > glass and when my beads cooled they were a very ugly gray color with > a
> > > > > slight bit of the red color showing in some places. I used two
> > > > > different kinds of red glass and this happened each time. Some of my
> > > > > beads broke and they were red on the inside. the gray only shows up > in
> > > > > a thin layer on the outside. Am I doing something wrong? What could > be
> > > > > causing this?
> > > > > Crystal
> > > >
> > > >Thanks to all of you for your help. I'm also just learning how
to use the group sites to ask questions and find information so bear with me. I probably am holding my bead too close to the torch. I have had other problems because of this. How do I know what kind of torch head I have? It came in a kit for making beads. I have a little knob on the silver part of my torch head that I can turn to let more air in but I'm not sure how to use it properly. So far I have just kept it closed. I experimented with it once by opening it to different degrees but then I had trouble just forming a bead. The kit instructions did not explain it at all. I know that the glass I am using so far is all spectrum. I get the ugly gray even when I do not mix colors though. I have also used a tan glass (spectrum also) and my finished bead was mostly black. It was beautiful but not what I expected. Is it common to get a different color than what I started with or is it my technique? Also My kit did not come with tinted glasses. I have been using regular safety glasses. Do I need tinted glasses to protect my eyes or just to be able to see what I am doing better. Thanks again, Crystal
> >
> >
> >