Hi Everyone
I have just bought my first lampwork kit, running single gas propane....I am starting to melt my first rods and they are quite discoloured, smokey? is this my torch or gas setting or something?
what torch are you using?
what colour is the flame?
if the flame is yellow, can you adjust it (allow more air) to make the flame less yellow and more blue?
What colours are you using?
Some colours, turquoise springs to mind, can discolour in the flame - the colour can be brought back by soaking in Cilit Bang Lime and Grime.
Thanks Guys, my flame is blue, I am using a Propane torch like the Hot Head
So it isn't actually a hothead? Is it designed for glassworking? The reason I'm asking is because the torches that are designed for glassworking have been made to pull more air through and create a better propane/air mix. If there is too much propane then your glass can discolour.
Try melting the glass further out in the flame, away from the body of the torch. I would suggest digging out the turquoise or rubino as these are probably the two that will show the dirtiness most quickly, developing a silvery sheen.
Other possibilities are a bad batch of gas, or a tank that is getting empty and is dragging up the dirt from the bottom.