Rod size = marble size? please help

[hamburger]

hello, i want to make borosilicate marbles, but im confused on what size rod to use. i just got essential marbles on dvd and he uses 10mm rod to make what looks like a 1" marble, i could be wrong though, bc he never says the marble size...what im wondering is there some rule of thumb as to what size rod will make what size marble? like a marble 1 1/2" what size rod should i start with? also what size of glass rods should i get for puntys? would 3mm be ok? thanks in advance for any help, i appreciate it.

[Jamn!]

Hamburger
I think its really what you are comfortable working with and the size of your torch. You can always make a larger gather to make a larger marble.
10mm I think would be a good size.

[Cheng076]

I use a 15mm or 18mm rod to make MIBS in the 1.125 to 1.5 inch range. I also use several different size punties; 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, depending on what point I'm in in the process.
PJH

[hamburger]

thank you jamn and cheng! i will be using a cheetah torch and simax tubing and rod. i dont really know what is comfortable for me yet bc i havent been able to try different sizes, although i would like to order in bulk to save money...just 1 more question if i was to use say 15mm trying to make a 1 1/2" marble what size of punty would you use for that size? thanks so much for your help.

[Plato]

...just 1 more question if i was to use say 15mm trying to make a 1 1/2" marble what size of punty would you use for that size? thanks so much for your help.

One that`s large enough to be a counterweight for a marble that size. You can always pull down the tip of a rod for a smaller contact point.

Personally I`d use something in the 8mm range and nothing smaller than 6mm, but you really need to buy a few rods of various sizes and find out what works for you.

I think that 3mm is too small and has the potential to snap from the weight of an inch or larger marble. Over the years, 3mm and 4mm have done the most damage to my hands.

Plato ;)