Anyone seen this?

[Mike_Aurelius]

From Dennis Brady. I'm wondering why he didn't post it here... He has threads on LE, WC and GL:

http://www.glassline.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6267
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513692
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101466



I'm compiling an article on the advantages and disadvantages of different glass and would appreciate any comments or suggestions:

One of the most difficult decisions glass workers must make is deciding what kind of glass to use. You can’t mix non-compatible glass and few can afford to keep a stock of more then one kind. Some artisans will alternate their work with different makes of glass but most prefer to chose just one and use it exclusively. Whether you are blowing, casting, flameworking, or fusing - there are advantages and disadvantages to different makes of glass. Those that are involved only with flameworking are likely to chose a different glass then those involved only with kilnforming, and those that alternate working in various ways might make an entirely different choice.

COE 33 (Borosilicate) advantages
Silver glass look at cheap prices
More forgiving of temperature variances during working than soft glass
Allows complex constructions through the joining of separate components.
Using clear base for canes makes color go a long way
Clear rod and tubing available in a wide size range allows for blowing with a torch
Colored boro rods are US made
Exceptional clarity
Clear glass very low cost
Very good for organic flowing shapes
Finished object can be safely used in high heat applications.

COE 33 (Borosilicate) disadvantages
Limited availability of easily worked primary and pastel colors
Limited availability of sheet material
Higher temperature requirements to work requires a larger torch and oxygen supply
More susceptible to devitrification than soft glass.
Not as good as soft glass for fine detail and definition.

COE 90 advantages
Reliable COE consistency
Extensive color selection
Available in sheet, frit, or rod
Extensive technical support
Equally suitable for both torching & kilnforming
Made in the USA

COE 90 disadvantages
Sheet glass more expensive
Sheet glass more difficult to cut
Sheet glass textured and more likely to entrap air
Higher temperature required to melt

COE 96 advantages
Sheet glass less expensive
Sheet glass easy to cut
Sheet glass smooth and less likely to entrap air
Equally suitable for both torching & kilnforming
Available in sheet, frit, or rod
Made in the USA

COE 96 disadvantages
Less color variety then 90 or 104

COE 104 advantages
Much more rod color selection then any other soft glass.
Slightly lower melting temperature than 90 or 96
Rods less expensive then 90 or 96

COE 104 disadvantages
Unreliable compatibility consistency
Extremely limited availability of sheet material
High likelihood of devit when fused
Imported - price likely to steadily increase

COE 120 (Satake) Advantages
Melts at very low temperature and can be worked without oxygen. Great for Hot Head.
Holds heat – longer working time.
Available with or without lead content.
Lead content glass melts at low enough temperature no fumes are produced.
Has many colors unavailable in other glass.

COE 120 (Satake) Disadvantages
Melts very quickly and can be difficult to control with regular torches
Less color selection then other glass.
Imported – price likely to steadily increase.

COE 82 (Float) Advantages
Clear float is the least expensive glass
Armstrong and Youghiogheny have a variety of float fusible sheet glass and frit

COE 82 (Float) Disadvantages
Not as compatibility reliable as COE 90 or 96
Clear float is more susceptible to devitrification then 90 or 96.
Requires higher heat to melt.
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[menty666]

Probably didn't post on here because it seems every time he posts here people do the internet equivalent of throw rocks at him.

I think his politics are a little wacky sometimes, but mostly he knows his stuff so I don't mind him. *shrug*

[skip]

I think he was banned.

[Mike_Aurelius]

What got me was the "disadvantages" of boro -- all very indicative of someone who has only dabbled with boro not not really spent any time on to learn it.

Which is really sad, because he tries to pass himself off as an "expert" but a couple of those are so out in left field (like a lot of his safety advice) that it is painful to read.

[menty666]

I think some of his listed 33 disadvantages are a little bit of a stretch too. The are easily worked primary and pastel colors, and for the pastels, it's easy enough to make them through good layering.

The sheet availability issue is kind of a moot point for most people.

I've had more of a problem with devit on my 90 than my 33.

After seeing a demo this past weekend by Emilio Santini where he worked both, I kind of agree about the detail work item.

[Mike_Aurelius]

The only reason he brings up sheet glass is because he's a fuser/slumper at heart (plus some stained glass). If he was "flame trained" it wouldn't matter in the slightest.

And FWIW, there "is" sheet boro available, where else would all the dichro images come from??? Just because we don't use it to any great extent as artists doesn't mean it isn't available...

[mer]

Probably didn't post on here because it seems every time he posts here people do the internet equivalent of throw rocks at him.

I think his politics are a little wacky sometimes, but mostly he knows his stuff so I don't mind him. *shrug*

he's been banned. not for his wacky politics but for his shady business practices and his inability to follow the forums rules. he was given many chances.

[Meerkat]

What is "silver glass look" ???

[bc]

Pipes yo!

[menty666]

And FWIW, there "is" sheet boro available, where else would all the dichro images come from??? Just because we don't use it to any great extent as artists doesn't mean it isn't available...

In the latest Glass Line there's a tutorial on making a clear eagle where the guy used clear boro sheet for the wings. The source he mentioned, S.I. Howard, is about 5 miles from my house. :)

[FiredDesires]

It's nice that he is trying to make a difference and compiling this information, but it really needs tweaking somewhat. He has asked for opinions/discussions about how to improve it.

I don't like the statement about Satake, not using oxy just propane flame only. While it probably CAN be worked that way, optimal performance would be adding oxy to the flame. I'm going to research that a little more and see if I can't get him to re-word his statement.

He is pretty knowlegeable about many things..but since he is NOT a torch worker..there's much that he can't or won't understand about some of the issues that center around that aspect of glassworking.

[Swampy]

^ :-) BC


Hey but surely it's better for you guys that want to discuss to do on the forums Mike gave you the links to.

Then the man can address your points directly, like how my learned friend Mer done tell you he's banned from this place.