Foolproof firepolish program for the Paragon sc2

[julieHB]

Hi,
I do glass fusing, mainly jewellery.  I have recently become the very happy owner of a glass diamond ring saw, which enables me to shape the fused glass.  Although I have tried several firepolish programs suggested in numerous books, I am still often left with some of the pieces (in particular those with thick clear glass on top) with edges being slightly cloudy.  I don't like it.  I once fired following a rather complicated program (concocted by myself as a mixture between several "recipes") which resulted in perfect cabs...........however, I managed to overwrite the program before recording what I had done!!! Does anybody out there have a good firepolish program for the sc2???  I would be so grateful! 

Julie

[Mary]

Hi Julie!
I'm afraid I don't know the answer (don't do much fusing), just wanted to ask - is that Tony Robinson in your Avatar?? Maybe he has a cunning plan! 

[julieHB]

Hi Mary,
Tony Robinson knows a lot of stuff, good idea.  Have never heard him likened to a troll before, must be the eyes, don't you think?  Anyway, I thought Norwegian is vikings is fjords is mountains is being a very beautiful country is being trolls.....trolls like precious things, I like precious things so me be a troll...perfect..got it???

;DJules

[BlueMoon]

Hi Julie.....I think the cloudy edge problem is not due to a faulty fire polish program but is caused by the glass dust that is on the edge after grinding. Even if you clean it real good, it can still be a problem. The solution I found was to shape the edge with the standard grinding bit and then change to an ultra fine bit (600 grit) and grind the edge again. The ultra fine bit leaves an edge that is so smooth that there won't be any glass dust left on the edge. Then fire polish. This works for me. Hope it helps.
Jim

[julieHB]

Hi Jim, and thanks for your answer!

You are quite right, it does firepolish much easier when grinding with a fine bit.  However, as I have just acquired a ring saw, and therefore am looking into creating intricate shapes with curves that a grinder bit would not be able to reach, I am interested in knowing if it is possible to still achieve a perfectly firepolished piece.  Well, I sort of know it is possible, I just don't know the most important factor, and keep getting it wrong with some of the the thick pieces with clear glass on top.  I shall have to keep trying, and make sure I write down the program each time!! 

Julie