Using the end of the rod

[cezerpringle]

I have what seems to be a daft question, sorry if it's been asked before (I spent ages looking but couldn't find it).
I don't know how to use the ends of the glass rods (when you can't really hold them anymore as they've got too short), I know I shouold have a pyrex type punty or something but couldn't find one... I suspect you're meant to tack fuse it to a punty... a) anyone have a link for my as to where to get one, b) can I use the ends for lampworking without one/how do I use the end?

Thanks
Ceri

[sparrow]

You can either:

a) attach it to another rod of the same colour, and just carry on using it
b) attach it to a rod of a different colour, melt it into a blob, and pull it into stringer to use
c) smash it up & use it for frit
d) collect a whole load of them and fuse them into random shapes in the kiln for fun

(some people have done d), I hope they'll remember and be along with pics - it looked fun!!) 

[princess pink]

or get some really good pliers, forceps, haemostats or whatever and hold the shorts with them in the flame so u can use the whole thing! xx

[Billie]

You can warm the end of the short rod, while warming the end of another rod of the same glass and attach the two pieces by gently pushing together... although this creates uneven winding onto the mandrel.  Or you can use a punty as you've described. A rod holder is also a good idea for using the ends of a rod... I got mine from a guy in Germany via eBay a few years back, but you'll still be left with a short piece of glass eventually that you'll want to use by either method above.

[Kaz]

I have one of these and they are fab
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39026944
I'm afraid I throw the last three quarters of an inch away unless it's DH silver glass!
Kazx

[Kalorlo]

Kaz, you wouldn't have a rough idea off the top of your head how much the shipping was for those, would you? I have some shorts by now and want to get a rod grabber of some kind. Those look nice and hefty.

[Mary]

Martin had a suggestion for the precious stuff. Before it gets too short, pull a fat short stringer and leave it attached. Once it's cool, use the stringer as a handle, so you're only left with a skinny short.

[Yellow friend]

I do have a box of ends but when I am of a mind and the rod is about 1- 1.5 inches long & am making a largish bead, I heat the tip, wind it round for a bit and let go just using the torch to heat it in, wind it slowly and heat just under the rod.  Just be aware of a few shocky bits that may fly off. It also helps if you have a little bit wound onto the mandrel already so that the ends are neat.

[Kaz]

It's $5 for the postage. Seems a bit pricey but I have found this simple thing very useful - and keeps your fingers well away from the flame!
Kazx

[cezerpringle]

hiya, thanks for replying so quickly! so for a punty I could get a boro rod? also thanks for the advice re: ends holder... look forward to getting one
Thanks again!
Just had my first ouch moment... stupid me! I put my rod cold end first into the vermiculite as my rod holder was full and tried to pick it up 2 mins later after forgetting... so I had a play with short bits (since it smashed when it hit the floor)... hopefully I will learn from this lol
Ceri