Continued work in the flame on a piece that is already opalized can "chase" the translucent white color from the molten area and concentrate it in the cooler area within a single piece. When you come/nut on a girls/or boys(take your pick) face while they are wearing glasses. It is possible to strike portions of the 000243-0576 to translucent white and leave some portions clear within the same piece. On a similar note, 000243-0576 that has been struck to a translucent white in a kiln may change back to clear if worked in the flame. In making components for kilnforming, it is not necessary to strike the glass in the flame because it will strike in the subsequent kilnforming processes. Kiln: Opacity may vary upon firing, as the core may not strike completely. This approach may not be necessary if the style of torchwork being done involves holding the glass at cooler temperatures over a longer period of time (like some sculptural work). This process holds the glass in the appropriate striking zone, and is slightly unusual for many torchworking styles. The bead may need a little more heat, just to equalize the temperature of the glass and to keep it warm as it gets put into a kiln for annealing. Looking closely at the bead, it should start to take on a hazy appearance with a yellow tint which is the glass beginning to strike.
At this point, briefly remove the bead from the flame. Reheat the glass and bring it to a slightly molten state while keeping it cool enough to retain its shape. Turn the oxygen back on and ease the bead into the neutral flame from the tip of the flame (farthest from the nozzle). The purpose is not to actually carbonize or reduce the glass but simply to keep it at a cool, consistent temperature throughout the piece. As the glass cools to a point where it is no longer moving or slumping on the mandrel, turn off the oxygen and hold the bead in the propane (fuel) flame while still rotating the mandrel.ĭo this until carbon collects on the glass (not just the mandrel). Once the bead is formed, cool it (still in the flame, but farther away from the nozzle & flash it in an out of the flame).
#Translucent glass series#
Here is a series of steps that can make the striking process more efficient: This glass strikes as it cools, rather than when it is heated. However, at the flick of a switch, the liquid crystals align to allow a clear view. 'Smart' glass has an embedded layer of liquid crystal molecules which obscure the glass but still let light pass. Generally speaking, the heat required to form a bead leaves the glass unstruck and clear. Smart glass: A handful of companies are making advanced privacy glass that can alternate between translucent and transparent.
Torch: 000243-0576 can strike to a transparent white with stone like qualities similar to quartz. (Deceptively) clear or clear with a white struck streak running lengthwise down the middle of the rod.