Glass Information and Education

Glass Archive Organized by month.
July 2006 / August 2006 / September 2006 / October 2006 / November 2006 / December 2006 / January 2007 / February 2007 / March 2007 / April 2007 / May 2007 / June 2007 / July 2007 / August 2007

September 20, 2006

How many kinds of punty can you name (let alone make)? The most common is probably the dome, because of the variety of sized pieces it accommodates. The donut is probably nest in popularity.Can you make one 2 ways? The cross (aka X) achieves a similar result as the donut; both are good for medium to larger pieces. The crown punty is like a donut punty on steroids, and good for really large work if you really like grinding (it leaves it's mark). The sand punty is good for medium to light pieces. There are a couple of types of goblet punties.Needless to say they are for small objects. Did you forget the sculptured (cheater) pronged (2 or 3 prongs) and blowpipe punties? Let us know if you want help in how to make these. Of course, if you can make others (not just variations on these) you probably don't need to read the tips at all.

September 18, 2006

Did you blow that piece out too much? Can't punty up? Apply an avolio. It's a button of glass, (well, it's actually an Italian verb form)a bit, that can be applied to the bottom an smoothed in to add thickness. Of course, it can also be used for it's intended purpose of making a button for goblets etc.

September 15, 2006

Don't like the effect you get from applying powder? Have you tried using a sieve? Yes, the kind from the kitchen. Just fill with your color of choice (in powdered form of course) and tap all around your hot piece. Don't stand too close to the heat if your sieve has a plastic handle though, and be careful where you set it to avoid it's melting.

September 14, 2006

When to apply kiln wash? When the old layer starts flaking. Many people say apply after each firing and some say apply 4- coats in the beginning but the short and sure answer is when the old coat starts to flake.