Help Tuffnells run out of 006 what do I get instead

[Jellybean]

Are there any advantages to using 'soft'? Encasing is my nightmare...

[Shirley]

Soft melts quicker, so it is easier to get enough molten glass if you are using a slower torch such as a hothead.

[helbels]

Hi Madeline

I have 7 full rods of Crystal Clear skinny rods, and 5 full rods of Crystal Clear which are 8mm.  I also have another 5 rods of skinny Crystal Clear and 1 fatter one that about 2/3 rod size (I'm not very good at using a part used rod before starting a new one).  I'd be happy to swap for anything you like - Effetre, CIM whatever.  PM me if you'd like them.

For anyone else who's interested, I have 11 full rods of Effetre 006 and 4 2/3 rods if anyone wants to swap for those

Helen x

[Kaz]

004 is bit pants Tish. OK for practising but if you want to use the beads for jewellery or to sell them you need something a bit better.
Madeline - treat youself and crack open the Zephyr! Because you're worth it!
Kazx

[MangoBeads]

Are there any advantages to using 'soft'? Encasing is my nightmare...

You would live zephyr Emma its soft and smooth

[Jellybean]

Are there any advantages to using 'soft'? Encasing is my nightmare...

You would live zephyr Emma its soft and smooth

I've come to love too many things and lust after many more 

Lotti if you're not sorted by the weekend let me know, and I can send some up to Bude with mum. I have more than I need right now...

[Fruddy]

I never thought I'd say this but Zephyr is worth every penny!
Kazx

I was just going to say the same thing . I have not used 006 since I used zephyr  

To be honest, although I do love Zephyr and it spoils you, it is prohibitively expensive if you encase virtually every bead that you make, as I do.  I bought two bundles of it, which cost me about thirty quid each and when the last lot ran out, I honestly could  not justify the expense, when I had about 3lb of 006 just gathering dust, so I went back to it.

Admittedly, it took some getting used to after Zephyr, i.e. scrupulously cleaning each rod and making sure you nip off the tip before using (which did result in some ruined beads and frustration, because I had got out of the habit of doing this with Zephyr) but after that, I have to say that there aint a whole lot of difference in the finished product.

I will probably buy some more at some stage, but I think that 006 is a great clear glass.

[Dee Dee]

I never thought I'd say this but Zephyr is worth every penny!
Kazx

Yep, I'm in that camp too!

[Lakelady]

I tend to stick with 006 for the most part but use Zephyr for encasing my silver glass beads.  I did try another - forget what it was but had a terrible time of it fracturing.  Looks like you have enough offers of 006 no 

[Princess Peggy (Priscilla McGirr)]

Just a tip for using the thin rods of Crystal clear..wipe the scummy end of the rod off near the tip of your mandrel before you start using it to encase, like an extra little bead, and then rather than overheat the very tip of the rod which will give tiny bubbles as it's so thin and melts so quickly, just keep it in the flame about a cm back from the tip, and it should just flow.  I'm no expert at encasing and still get plenty of bubbles, which I don't mind unless they're huge, I've put off trying Zephyr because it sounds a bit too 'inert', rather characterless, but I'd like to see some results at FO.

Lot of 'tips' in this post but it might 'tip' someone into having a go.

[rocky]

Zephyr gets on beads quickly, smoothly, less bubbles and scumless. Less wasted beads! I'm a sucker for it too.

[Jennie Lamb]

Lottie I have a stash of 006 if you want a few rods to get you through and u can give me back once it is back in stock?  Just let me know I am back in the Studio again and 'open' most afternoons now x

[tish]

were do u buy zephre

[Lakelady]

were do u buy zephre

Tuffnells stock it 

[Lotti]

Thanks Jennie, I could have come by on Thurs, and it would have been nice to see you (am collecting my banner from Wizard), but have ordered the Reichenbach as am keen on the idea of the thinner rods (will give it a try anyway).  xxxxxx