A question about spectrum and punty

[jessicah]

In the Step by Step Beads (Lap Journal) Summer 2002 issue, Kate Drew-Wilkinson has a project for Glass Tree Beads. In the instructions for making stringers, she advised to attach a clear punty to the spectrum glass. What I need to know is if you can use a clear moretti rod as a punty or if you should use something different?
Jessica

[BillBrach]

Jessica,

Ideally, a punty made of the same type glass is best, from a 'safety' standpoint. What I mean by safety, is that if you contaminate your attached glass with some of your punty rod, then it could be a problem if it is NOT the same COE glass.

Bill

[SamB]

I agree with Bill about the possibility of mixing glass. You should always trim the ends of the stringers to make sure they are clean. I vote for using a small boro rod as a punty. It will not melt easily into the softer glass. It will stay attached as long as you keep the joint warm enough - it will pop off if you let it get too cold. From a safety standpoint you should be aware of that. However, the COE incompatibility works to your advantage because when you are through pulling the stringer the punty pops off pretty cleanly and can be reused. Your stringer is likely not to have any boro glass on it either.

Sam

[quill]

I find just using a pair of pliers to pull stringers works great! Or you can use a strip of clear Spectrum as a punty if you like. That works too.

[ValorieCox]

I used to use thick boro rods as punties for melting my Bullseye, but found the Lynx torch too hot, as it would often melt the boro right along with the soft glass. I've since switched to stainless steel punties, and much prefer it!

Valorie

[MaryBethC]

I managed to melt Boro into Spectrum using Boro punties (really thick too)! And this was on a HotHead! I also prefer the stainless steel chopsticks.

[AlexM]

I'm in agreement with Valerie. The torch tends to melt glass punties, introducing a variable that I would rather do without, never mind the incompatibility issue.

I went to the hardware store and got a couple of 12" stainless steel bolts. They work great, cost little, and never melt.

Alex

[jessicah]

Thank you all for the info. I thought the Moretti would be incompatible, but wasn't sure what else to use. Where could I find stainless chopsticks or punties? I guess I may be going to Home Depot for the Bolts. Great Idea:)
Jessica

[ValorieCox]

Jessica, The stainless steel chop sticks are Korean. You can pick them up in Korean markets. The other alternative (which I use) are large 1/8" mandrels or larger. Good luck! Val

[MaryBethC]

If you do not have a Korean market Heritage Glass has them - they are $3.95 a pair:
http://www.heritageglass.com

Look under glass beadmaking supplies.