16 mm cobalt rod

[chayes]

Works great for handles when making large stuff, it takes the heat and doesn't flop around when trying to heat large masses of glass like a clear rod would. If you don't have a metal punty this is a great substitute.

[Mac Maestro]

I just repped you for the good idea.

Just had a thought, tho. With that chinese rod 16 and up, when you heat the end of the rod and let it cool down, 80% of the time (for me cuz I beat that stuff up) there ends up with a deep crack an inch down from the tip. The crack where you just tap it and the whole end comes off. Even the times when it doesn't crack, Im sure there is stress there. I'd be ragin mad if I had something big on chinese rod and it failed...

[jr23]

you could always throw one in the kiln the night before and anneal it up!

[chayes]

definitely not a end all. Just remember to keep it hot. I haven't had too many issues using it this way though. Also works good for drill mixing colors, and then heating the whole mass to pull.