Friday Night Fusing Clinic
March 10th, 2006 ... Introduction to Beadmaking
This session was intended to be a simple introduction to the basic tools and procedures involved in beadmaking.
Equipment Used:
- Hot Head Torch
- Bottle of MAPP gas, (Canadian Tire has them, around $10)
- Moretti 104 or System 96 rods. We were using 104 rods
- Heat-Resistant surface: graphite sheet, steel sheet, etc, to place any hot glass rods or tools down on without scorching or burning your table top
- Bottle Clip, to secure MAPP gas bottle to table’s edge safely
- Didymium glasses, reduces flare from flame, allows you to see bead better
- Steel Mandrels
- Bead Release. Similar to kiln wash in principle, but thicker. Best kinds you can apply and then flame dry and use right away.
- Fire extinguisher, just in case
Ventilation requirements:
Make sure you have a good supply of fresh air coming into the room, and a fan to suck the exhaust from the torch out from the room and vent it outside. Inadequate ventilation can lead to headaches and sore eyes, or worse.
Heating the bead release on the mandrel.
Warming the rod in the flame.
Melting COE 104 glass rod onto the mandrel.
Results from Friday night!.
Close up of Beads.