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Thread: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

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    Default Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    I use opals a bunch in pendants and as attachments on pipes and they look great. But pretty much every time I try to put one deep inside a marble it loses its fire. Looks almost like there is a haze on the surface of the opal. I can't seem to get a photo to upload right now best I can do is a link to the photo https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Td...N76K2-c-XFvr3v thanks for any ideas..

    Don

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    my guesses would be dirt or salt
    don't wash your hands with your sammich.
    naive
    *of or denoting art produced in a straightforward style that deliberately rejects sophisticated artistic techniques and has a bold directness resembling a child's work, typically in bright colors with little or no perspective.

    your linework is naive maybe try some fuming?
    GTT Phantom on Homefill
    first time on torch 07'

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    Do you all clean your opals when you get them? I do..

    I'd say too much heat. I would try working slower and further back in the flame. Can you see what point in the process it's happening?

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    Quote Originally Posted by rez cash View Post
    Do you all clean your opals when you get them? I do..

    I'd say too much heat. I would try working slower and further back in the flame. Can you see what point in the process it's happening?
    i clean them prior to use, meaning moments before i drop it into the tube to encase.

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    If you drop the opal into a hot tube, the cold opal will scuzz more. If you drop the opal into a cold tube and slowly bring it up, they look way better.

    Same as a blow out. If the outer sleeve is not as hot, you trap lots of air bubbles. If they are similar temps you trap way less.

    I could be nuts, but it makes the difference for me. I also have very dirty hands and I never wash my opals. I know I should, but I never get anything but the occasional trapped air bubble.

    Also, if you can make them work in smaller marbles, why not build it small then add a big Lenz?

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    Quote Originally Posted by BORO View Post
    If you drop the opal into a hot tube, the cold opal will scuzz more. If you drop the opal into a cold tube and slowly bring it up, they look way better.
    interesting.

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    Quote Originally Posted by BORO View Post
    If you drop the opal into a hot tube, the cold opal will scuzz more. If you drop the opal into a cold tube and slowly bring it up, they look way better.
    Or gently heat the opal/bushy flame, and drop it in the warm tube.
    you will shank me later

    Quote Originally Posted by FifDeez View Post
    I like the idea of burning water. Sounds mystical even tho I understand it completely.

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    too much heat for sure. darker shaded opals will show it 100% of the time if they were cooked out. I treat opals similar to fume work, if the glass becomes liquid gobbing it will most likely burn out the fume/opal.

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    Default Re: Any tips for deep encasement of opals in marbles?

    Thanks for all the replies. I do clean them and they look great in pendants. I was thinking to much heat just not sure how to make the marbles without that much heat.



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