Hour Glass and Ashes.

[AC93]

Hey everyone here! I'm new to this forum and semi new to glass blowing as well! I have a question, but let me give you a little back ground info on the question first. This lady I know, was talking to me about glass, and what I thought I could make, and then asked me if I thought I could help her with something. She asked me if I could infuse her sons ashes into the glass. I said I didn't know and I would have to look it up. Then she brought up the question, if I thought I could blow an Hour Glass with her sons ashes trapped in the top section where it wouldn't fall to the bottom. I thought it was a great idea, and the concept of an hour glass seemed simple enough to me,, But I just wanted to ask you guys if you had any pointers (Or possibly tuts?) Oh hour glass making. And if you guys are aware of any other things that you can do with glass and ash combined? Sorry if this has been asked alot before, I didn't assume something like this came up alot, but then again I probably should have used the search feature before posting this. :o: Any and all help would be appreciated guys.

Happy Glassing!
Ashkon C.

[AC93]

Ok so after searching I found Misha's work but not very much informational help. ALso I can't find much on hourglasses. Is that becasue they are just too basic of shapes or?

[lhelber]

Check the consistency of the ashes. I remember when spreading a friend of mine that the remains ranged from a powder to 1/8" chunks or more. Might be difficult for the hour glass. Of course if she didn't want it to flow you can just close the neck off.


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[AC93]

Thanks for the tip! I've searched and got all I can out of the search function so any additional tips are great. I kinda think this isone of those thigns though where I'm just going to ahve to get at it and do my best if I want to see results, only so much "Metal preperation" Can go into this project, now its time for me to hit the torch.. Its so cold though and I have no ventaltions system so Im in a small garage and I have to keep the door closed and all the oxygen burns out of thre so quick and I get short of breath after 2 or so hours =/

[Misfitman]

The ventilation really should be addressed before you make anything else..

[menty666]

a) Yes, deal with the ventilation issue first. Please tell me you also have a kiln? Adequate eye protection?

b) You don't find much on hour glasses because their kind of a pain in the ass to make, even when they're made to flow. You'd want to make your shape with a hole at the top, anneal it. Then you'd want to put in your material and run the kiln at a lower temp for a few hours to dry out the inside thoroughly. Some folks will seal the hole with a dab of glass in the kiln, other folks will use a dab of epoxy.

In your case, you'd want a closed constriction in the middle, and I'd suggest leaving it open at *both* ends so you don't create a sealed implosion risk. Look for a tutorial on making bats for tips on constrictions, depending on how big you're planning to make this. Same concept regardless. You'll still want to kiln dry the ingredients.

Don't forget you'll want something to hold your glass creation (and to hide the ends).

A memorial marble (search for 'memorial beads' or 'memorial marbles') or a pendant would be easier, and it sounds closer to your current skill level. Normally I'd just say have at it, but since you're dealing with someone's cremains, try to work within your comfort zone out of respect for the deceased because this isn't the time to get your practice in.

btw:


https://vimeo.com/22396483

[snoopdog6502]

a) Yes, deal with the ventilation issue first. Please tell me you also have a kiln? Adequate eye protection?

b) You don't find much on hour glasses because their kind of a pain in the ass to make, even when they're made to flow. You'd want to make your shape with a hole at the top, anneal it. Then you'd want to put in your material and run the kiln at a lower temp for a few hours to dry out the inside thoroughly. Some folks will seal the hole with a dab of glass in the kiln, other folks will use a dab of epoxy.

In your case, you'd want a closed constriction in the middle, and I'd suggest leaving it open at *both* ends so you don't create a sealed implosion risk. Look for a tutorial on making bats for tips on constrictions, depending on how big you're planning to make this. Same concept regardless. You'll still want to kiln dry the ingredients.

Don't forget you'll want something to hold your glass creation (and to hide the ends).

A memorial marble (search for 'memorial beads' or 'memorial marbles') or a pendant would be easier, and it sounds closer to your current skill level. Normally I'd just say have at it, but since you're dealing with someone's cremains, try to work within your comfort zone out of respect for the deceased because this isn't the time to get your practice in.

btw:


https://vimeo.com/22396483

Those hourglasse's cost over $25,000.

[menty666]

Not surprised, that's some sweet work :D

[AC93]

As far as equipment goes I have everything I feel like I need except for Ventilation, sheers, a reamer (or two), and a Sopieta (sp?). I have a Bethlehem Bravo, a Paragon kiln, a very small graphite paddle (like 1.5 by 2.5 inches maybe) a small graphite bowl push, two tweezers, and a pretty small L Marver connected to my torch. I know the ventilation needs to be addressed but I simply can't afford it right now. I'm in drug court and I'm already 625$ behind with the possibility of prison time if I don't get caught up on my fines within the program. (Hence why I'm blowing glass at the risk of my health to make some spare money to help with Christmas gifts and to stay out of prison..) As for the hourglass, I knew about memorial marbles and pendants all ready, I just made my first implosion pendant yesterday and it turned out allright, and I don't have marble molds yet, but besides those facts I asked her about pendants knowing I could pick up on it pretty quick but she wasn't interested, she wants the hour glass. So I figure I just practice making the hour glass shape till I get one I'm happy with then bring it to her to see if she approves, and THEN obtain a small portion of Ash from her to finalize the procedure.

"and I'd suggest leaving it open at *both* ends so you don't create a sealed implosion risk."

My favorite tip so far! A lot of the other things I picked up from my search but I DIDN'T think to leave it open on BOTH ends. All though it should've been obvious that both ends would run the same risk if I was sealing the center I just over looked that fact. Thanks, and repped! (If I'm allowed too since I don't have any rep myself? I'm not sure on exactly how this forum runs yet)

ALSO, I know that making a full seal in the middle will make it very wobbly on the free hanging end. What do you guys think of getting the center kind of thick, and not quite sealing it, and then once its out of the kiln and ready to be filled, using a small dot of flowable silicone (I use it in my yoyos response systems, I've never used epoxy but if you think that would be better than my suggestion then please inform me of the proper epoxy to use) to seal the condensed middle shut, and then putting in Ash, and using a dot of flowable to seal the top up? I'm very open minded to all advice and suggestions, Thanks a lot for the replies guys, I'm very glad I found this forum!

Ashkon C.

[Greymatter Glass]

I don' think I saw it addressed here directly, but cremains (ashes) are really not suitable for filling an "hour glass" sand timer. They're not consistent enough, nor are they the right density, you'll just make a mess of things that are (probably) too important to play with.

[AC93]

Well since they don't want the "time" to leave the upper half of the hour glass would this be a problem?

[snoopdog6502]

I know the ventilation needs to be addressed but I simply can't afford it right now.
Hence why I'm blowing glass at the risk of my health to make some spare money to help with Christmas gifts and to stay out of prison..) A
Ashkon C.

Man, do something for ventilation, even half assed ghetto is better then flat out sucking bad air. I hope you can make things work out but it sounds bad.

[Jimi The Don]

a suggestion, if you face possible jail thyme because you don't have the money to pay your fines; then skip christmas presents this year and get your personal situation figured out. giving someone a gift on a hallmark holiday isn't worth going to prison, or losing thyme from your lifespan by inhaling vast amounts of nitrogen dioxide.
if you need money that badly, then maybe sell off your gear, pay your fines, avoid drug court in the future, and start saving up to buy a new setup that includes ventilation.
rule of thumb: if you can't afford ventilation, then you can't afford to blow glass.

[Jimi The Don]

I get short of breath after 2 or so hours =/

this isn't worth any of the things

[Misfitman]

^ listen to these guys they know what they are talking about. They didnt Just barely get into this.

[Jimi The Don]

from http://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/health-and-safety-faqs/faq-what-are-the-hazards-from-gases-during-welding-and-cutting/

"Nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide

Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) are known collectively as nitrous gases (NOx). They can be generated by oxidation of nitrogen in the air by heat from an arc or flame. Chemical Hazard Alert Notices (CHANs) were issued in UK in 2003, withdrawing the exposure limits of NO and NO2 because they were not considered to be adequate to protect occupational health. New exposure limits of 1ppm 8-hour TWA have been recommended for each gas.

Nitric oxide is a severe eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. Nitrogen dioxide is a highly toxic, irritating gas. After inhalation, nitrous gases act more on the deeper rather than the upper (nose, trachea, large bronchi) respiratory tract. The following symptoms are an indication of the primary stage of poisoning by nitrous gases:

Irritation of the eyes, nose and trachea
Intensive cough
Narrowness in breathing
Dizzines and headache
Sickness and fatigue

The symptoms of over-exposure may not be apparent for several hours after the cutting activity has ceased. Severe over-exposure may lead to an accumulation of water in the lungs which impairs oxygen supply to the blood and may lead to death.

Welding generates only small amounts of nitrous gases so exposure to nitrous gases during welding does not present a problem. Exposure problems may arise during cutting activities, particularly if the cutting is hand-held, as this places the operator closer to the emissions. Hotter flames generate higher concentrations of nitrous gases, so using acetylene generates more nitrous gases than using propane or natural gas.

The risk of over-exposure to nitrous gases is considered to be low for oxy-fuel gas cutting, unless the work conditions are unfavourable e.g. hand held cutting in a confined space with a high duty-cycle.

Plasma cutting with air or nitrogen generates higher levels of nitrous gases than oxy-fuel gas cutting and there is considerable risk of over-exposure.

Free-burning flames generate the highest concentrations of NO and NO2, and the risk of over-exposure is also highest. Caution should be exercised during activities such as flame heating, flame straightening, flame brazing, flame spraying, etc - particularly as emissions from these processes are difficult to control. The flame should be extinguished when not in use."

[AC93]

Thanks for the insight on the health effects everyone. I recently read in a different post about http://www.fantech.net/globalassets/downloads/leaflets/english/450396-fkd-series-en.pdf being a pretty good option and am in the process of convincing the fam to come together and get that solely for me for Christmas, as well as Birthday, *Since I can't find a price on their I am going to have to call them tomorrow but am all ready assuming that it's going to be a couple hundred dollars. Selling my equipment isn't an option at this point since it's my only source of income. I live in a relatively small population town and am having SO much trouble finding a job with my felonies right now. I knew it was bad for my health but wasn't really sure of how bad. Now that I have more of a reference source to show my family the effects of doing what I have been doing then hopefully this will help me get a fan soon. I all ready have a little change saved up that I will throw down with them to help. And not that it matters to anyone but I did complete my Christmas shopping ( I know it is a petty ego trip but this is the first time I have been able to provide Christmas presents for my family with legitimately earned money, before this I was straight slanging multiple illicit substances to provide for myself and my fam since I was 17 so it felt SOOOO good to be able to use a trade to make legitimate money for this) Allthough I am over my self righteous high now and am buckling down on my fines. Glass blowing saved my life and now you guys are helping save my life from glass blowing! Oh how the tide has turned.

[JayBoogie]

This fans is realitivly cheap and I've heard good things about it http://m.homedepot.com/p/Master-Flow-1450-CFM-Power-Gable-Mount-Attic-Fan-EGV5/205924915

[Cerberus]

This is the fan i installed soon after I noticed the symptoms you are describing. Best decision yet.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Air-Vent-18-in-Dia-Electric-Gable-Vent-Fan/1094913

[snoopdog6502]

Thanks for the insight on the health effects everyone. I recently read in a different post about http://www.fantech.net/globalassets/downloads/leaflets/english/450396-fkd-series-en.pdf being a pretty good option and am in the process of convincing the fam to come together and get that solely for me for Christmas, as well as Birthday, *Since I can't find a price on their I am going to have to call them tomorrow but am all ready assuming that it's going to be a couple hundred dollars. Selling my equipment isn't an option at this point since it's my only source of income. I live in a relatively small population town and am having SO much trouble finding a job with my felonies right now. I knew it was bad for my health but wasn't really sure of how bad. Now that I have more of a reference source to show my family the effects of doing what I have been doing then hopefully this will help me get a fan soon. I all ready have a little change saved up that I will throw down with them to help. And not that it matters to anyone but I did complete my Christmas shopping ( I know it is a petty ego trip but this is the first time I have been able to provide Christmas presents for my family with legitimately earned money, before this I was straight slanging multiple illicit substances to provide for myself and my fam since I was 17 so it felt SOOOO good to be able to use a trade to make legitimate money for this) Allthough I am over my self righteous high now and am buckling down on my fines. Glass blowing saved my life and now you guys are helping save my life from glass blowing! Oh how the tide has turned.

Man , if the glass is motivating you to better your life fucking go for it like a chainsaw stuck wide Open. You can do it.

I was a drunken ass hole for many years, I got sober, spent the $500 a month I was pissing away on vodka on my glass shop and 2+ years later have a sweet shop with bad ass Torches and oxygen system, stocked with glass.

I need to stop smoking cigarettes, that would fund a good sized order of colors every month.. Its tough though.

I dont make a lot of money but the rewards it gives me are priceless.

Stay focused, safety first, then have lots of fun, good luck.

[AC93]

Are those fans mentioned above the ones you would install in your wall directly in front of your torch? I feel like I read somewhere on here people debating about over head vent hoods compared to those but realistically something is better than nothing as stated above so I will definitely get one of those two this month since they are so affordable but I would like to here you more experienced folk on your opinion of over head VS. front loader (?) vent systems if you have the time to share your thoughts with me.

[dustyg]

You install those fans on the back wall of your vent hood, toward the top, where you've cut a hole in the wall for it to blow air out (no ducting - just mount it directly over the hole). Just like any fan, they work best if you've got some sort of a hood to help it direct the airflow.

You should be able to get a decent attic fan for about $100 and get a hood built for under $200 (mine was $100). Overhead vs back-mounted fan doesn't make as much difference as hood vs no hood.

[snoopdog6502]

Mine is Ghetto, a Master flow 1,540 CFM attic fan mounted in plywood in a basement window that sits high up close to the ceiling.
I do need to make a hood to get the most of it but it sucks real good.

Here is an example with 3 smoke bombs. Not the greatest, there is room for improvement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwWqj_HuDsg

[AC93]

Ok so with the ashes if I decide to make an implosion style pendant with them what is a good color to back it with to show the ashes best? Also if I fumed then rolled the fumed bubble lightly in ashes like frit would this work? I normally would just try before asking questions but this is human remains so..

[Shattered Dreams]

it might be a little different, but cash out a bowl and use those ashes for practice.