quartz rod supplier? & 24kt casting grain?

Marie-Claude Chapman · #1 07-12-2003, 07:02 PM

Hi everybody ..... Anyone know where I can source a bit of quartz rod from .... I'm just needing about 10" or so, so I can cut them up and use them for fuming.

Next I'm looking also for fine silver casting grain and 24kt gold casting grain. I've tried '550' but they don't stock it and Rio Grande don't have the gold either.

Any suggestions would be VERY appreciated.

Thanks

Marie-Claude

DonnaB · #2 07-12-2003, 07:49 PM

Hi Marie Claude, I haven't had to purchase quartz rod yet, as mine hasn't run out, but I think I recall hearing that Wale Apparatus carries it.

My quartz rods are about 5-6mm in diameter. I heard that you need to get them this thin for fuming, although I don't remember why! But when it is time for me to order, I will get 5-6mm again.

I order the thin 24k wire from Rio to ball up and put on the end of the quartz rod. I get the 26 guage 24K wire from them. It forms easily into a little ball with your fingers and tweezers.

I hope this helps, it is just what I have been doing lately.

(If you order 6-12 inches of the 26 guage wire it will last a long, long time, and fume many beads.)

For what it is worth, hope it helps!

I love your work Marie!!!

Marie-Claude Chapman · #3 07-12-2003, 08:08 PM

Thank you so much Donna ... that's very very helpful

. I'll contact Wale Apparatus and post back on this thread with any more info I get ... so others can know too.

Thanks for the handy hints!!!!!!! Yikes! That's so straight forward ... didn't even think of the obvious (LOL)

Marie-Claude

DonnaB · #4 07-12-2003, 08:16 PM

Actually, if you do the wire thing, get more than six inches if you get the 26 gauge wire. Get at least a foot. I just received my order yesterday, I got two feet! woo hoo!

Yes, do let us know if you get your quartz from Wale. Or maybe someone else will post and say what they have been doing. I just dread the day my quartz rods run out! I have two 3 inch lengths. They do seem to be lasting quite a long time.

rlisfolks · #5 07-12-2003, 08:30 PM

Santa Fe Jewelers Supply has casting grain, in various carat weights. Here's a url to their catalog with 24Kt grain, I have no idea if this is a good price or not, but if you get wire, you're paying for them to make the wire in the cost of it...like how the leaf and foil costs so much, but the actual gold or silver value is really low, it's the process to make it that makes the price.

http://www.sfjssantafe.com/GcastingG...n&DepId=metals

Dawn

bjcohan · #6 07-12-2003, 08:31 PM

Wale does have quartz rods. I looked at them when I went to pick up my kiln. Didn't buy them because I didn't need them yet, and I was already spending waaaay too much there.

Their website is: http://www.waleapparatus.com, or you can call them at 1-800-334-WALE. At Karen (DesertDreamer) Kreider's suggestion (thanks, Karen!), I deal with Elliot there. She told me he's an angel and she's right. He's wonderful.

For casting grain, look at http://www.hagstoz.com. I believe they have a toll free number, too. They are also right around the corner from my office, so if you need me to run in for you, let me know. They have ALL kinds of goodies and reasonable prices too. Their staff is very knowledgeable and anxious to help.

Barb

paintfool · #7 07-12-2003, 09:16 PM

Found these in the glass class 101 thread. Hope you find what you're looking for.

bjcohan · #8 07-13-2003, 01:38 AM

Wow, Cheryl, your post looks like a MALL!!! Maybe we oughta call it WC! MILLS!!!

Gotta check those out for all kinds of goodies!

Thanks. Guess I should spend more time looking at the stickies.

Barb

paintfool · #9 07-13-2003, 04:29 AM

LOL Barb! I've been waiting for the right opporuntiy to do that! LOL! I'm so easily amused!

Marie-Claude Chapman · #10 07-13-2003, 07:39 AM

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Cheryl!!!!!! What a hoot!!! That's so funny

!

Can't wait to go browsing through that ... geez! I just have to give up my day job and just loaf around here ... heaven

Barb .... Thanks so much for the offer. That is soooo sweeeeet of you

I emailed Wales and will wait for their response. Will let you all know of the details.

Marie-Claude

Marie-Claude Chapman · #11 07-22-2003, 06:30 PM

Hi everybody ... just letting you know it's been a good 10 or so days now and I still haven't heard back from wales. I'll email again. Will keep you in touch once they answer.

Marie-Claude

bjcohan · #12 07-22-2003, 06:39 PM

MC, try to reach Eliot at elightner@yahoo.com or at elightner@waleapparatus.com instead of using the general mailbox.

If you don't hear back, let me know and I'll call him for you.

Barb

fireglässgirl · #13 07-22-2003, 09:02 PM

I took Kate Fowle Meleney's workshop where she demonstrated fuming with quartz rod. It looked to be about 1/4" in diameter. What is the best size to buy for fuming anyway? Also, Wale's website offers it in 4 foot lengths - that seems like enough for two lifetimes! Does it ever wear out?

Marie-Claude Chapman · #14 08-05-2003, 03:24 AM

heard back from wales about a week ago and that was it! Sheesh! I guess I must be small fry to them as I only want a tiny bit. They say 5 yo 6mm diam is what is needed for fuming.

I've tried emailing Elliott just now .. thanks Barb for the info.

Might take you up on your offer for the casting grain too. I'll get the rods first though.

Marie-Claude

P.S. Don't know what I've done but I don't seem to get notified anymore when posts are added to threads I'm in ..... hence my slow response to you all.

Marie-Claude Chapman · #15 08-05-2003, 03:27 AM

OOOOOOOOO .. well how about that Barb! The email I just sent to Eliot just bounced back with that fatal error message ... don't know what's going on there?!?!??

Will I ever get any quartz??????? Of course I will?

HEEEEEEEE ... maybe we can all do a bulk buy and get a whole foot and divide it between us .... just kiddin'

Marie-Claude

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