What Glass?

[Katiequiggle]

Ok so I havn't made my first bead yet have ordered some glass called Bulls eye glass rods which I'm hoping will be ok to start with I'm starting with a hothead on mapp gas but hope to move over to propane as soon as my Fil has sorted out the hose thingy for me.

If this isn't the right sort of glass, can someone tell me what is the right sort and direct me to the right place to get it.

The other thing is, is there something you can use all the odd bits of glass for. can you grind it up a bit and use it to decorate beads or anything.

Thanks

Kate x

[Mary]

I've not used Bullseye myself, because I started with Effetre aka Moretti, and it's coe 104, Bullseye is coe 90, which means you can't mix them. I did think Bullseye was a bit stiffer, slower to melt, but don't quote me on that!

Have a browse round Q's site, www.glassworks.be (I know they are in Belgium, but they do very reasonable flat rate shipping on his regular UK trips)
Or Martin's www.tuffnellglass.com

Loads of colours there, and both have mixed colour packs to get you started!

As to grinding up the bits or pulling stringer from it - yes, it's possible, as long as you make sure it's clean of bead release, but it's not expensive to buy frit (try Beadysam on here for blends and small amounts).

Hope that helps, have fun!

[Ilona]

I agree with Mary.

I haven't used bullseye, but effetere COE 104 is more widely used.

Glassworks, Tuffnells, and Sullis on ebay are brill, and Beadysams frit is fab.

I look forward to seeing your beads soon.



Ilona

[Josephine]

Bullseye is fine for making beads. The only problem you might find is that it is a bit stiffer than the 104 glass most beadmakers use (effetre/vetrofond etc). That is no problem on an oxygen and propane torch but it will take you longer on a hothead. The other thing to know about the bullseye is that it is more expensive, and while you are practicing you might prefer to use something cheaper.

You could get a starter pack of effetre from Tuffnells or from Quinton at glassworks.
https://sslrelay.com/s194998497.oneandoneshop.co.uk/sess/utn;jsessionid=154776e3bd04a24/shopdata/index.shopscript
http://www.tuffnellglass.com/index.html?lmd=38834.499780
http://www.tuffnellglass.com/index.html?lmd=38834.499780

Whatever you do, don't try mixing the bullseye with any of the other glasses, they aren't compatible.

As for using leftover bits, you can melt your short bits onto the end of a longer rod and use them up that way. If you want you could grind bits up to make frit (in an old coffee grinder or a smasher like this http://www.tuffnellglass.com/index.html?lmd=38834.499780), but make sure you don't breath in the dust, wear a mask.

Have fun.

[mariag]

Hi Katie when I first started out in the summer I ordered some of the starter packs from Q & Griet at Glassworks. I use mainly Effetre & Vetrofond glass & you get a great selection of colours to try out https://sslrelay.com/s194998497.oneandoneshop.co.uk/sess/utn;jsessionid=1546bee44711a97/shopdata/0010_Glass+Rods/0005_Glass+Rod+-+Multi+Packs/product_overview.shopscript

[*rowanberry*]

Bullseye is much stiffer to work with (as well as being quite pricey!) - I'd suggest trying out effetre first, its softer, there's a bigger pallette of colours available which are compatible with it. Most people here are also more experienced with effetre and we can help you out more and give you more tricks and tips for funky reactions.

Also I wonder how the HH will cope with bullseye. I use a minor burner with my bullseye and can notice the difference in stiffness.

I'd keep the bullseye aside for when you are more experienced and get some effetre for learning. It will be softer, and is a lot cheaper than bullseye.

Just my 2p though,

[Katiequiggle]

OMG just ordered some gorgeous effetre glass from Tuffnels, which is where my parents brought my hh torch from, (sent them a link lol)  Its hard to know where to stop isn't it, think I have enough glass rods to keep me going for a bit  had to be careful Tim (my husband) wasn't looking over my shoulder.

Thanks for your help.  Think I will save the Bulls Eye until I am a bit more experienced and have a propane set up.

[mariag]

Katie the thing to remember is that you can never have tooooo much glass

[Shirley]

Katie the thing to remember is that you can never have tooooo much glass

or enough

[Jolene]

Katie the thing to remember is that you can never have tooooo much glass

or enough

LOL

or enough storage for it