1 step forward, 2 steps backwards... $Y$TM's progression

**smolder holder** · 04-19-2012, 02:05 PM

Have you tried using blowtubes instead of pulling points? Pulling points is great practice but you waste glass. Blowtubes can be used over and over till they are to short then you weld two together.

I find it really speeds prep up. Also do you have a v-necker? Thats the other side of the equation for using blowtubes. You constrict with the v-necker which stresses the glass where you constrict and let it cool for a couple seconds. Give a quick sideways tug or two and the tube will snap right where your constriction is. Weld on a blowtube where the constriction was created. Repeat.

I find corks to be a huge time saver too. Plug the end of yout tube with a cork so when you attach the blowtube you have pressure to even out the weld with a puff or two.

Hope that helps.

**$Y$TM** · 04-19-2012, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by smolder holder

Also do you have a v-necker?

Here's a quick shot of my set up. Got that v-necker! So glad I bought that thing. It has really helped my shaping. I didn't like it on the bench so I built a custom bracket to piggy back it on the marver.
As for points versus blowtubes, I kind of use a bit of both. Usually start stuff on a half point(?). I'll do the sleeve/blowin, close down and shape a mouth piece, punty with blowtube, rip off point blowtube and shape bowl/can.
Thanks for the necking tip Smolder!

**smolder holder** · 04-19-2012, 04:33 PM

I've gotta get me one of the graphite V's. I cant use my stainless one for shaping, it leaves scum on the surface.

**$Y$TM** · 04-19-2012, 04:49 PM

Here's a better picture of the sherlock. I used too much silver fume IMO. Came out piss yellow! Getting better on the on my welds though.
Also a simple ISO spoon and a coilpot honeycomb attempt. I like how the carb came out on the coilpot piece. Finially getting the hang of adding a color wrap to the carb. I forgot who posted the tip about making a start bubble in the glob of color you are adding to the carb. That was the key for me!
And my first attempt at a GonG slide. It started to crack before I added the horns. I thought I had chased everything back and was OK but the minute I added the horns it popped. The hand pulled alien tech rod is some cool shit, I only have a few rods of it though.

**$Y$TM** · 04-19-2012, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by smolder holder

I've gotta get me one of the graphite V's. I cant use my stainless one for shaping, it leaves scum on the surface.

This one is a griffin glass tools. It works great and is smooth as butter!

**Bunyip** · 04-21-2012, 09:31 PM

Someone will love that piss yellow, I'm sure. I think it looks pretty cool myself. Good stuff.

**$Y$TM** · 04-21-2012, 11:31 PM

Originally Posted by Bunyip

Someone will love that piss yellow, I'm sure. I think it looks pretty cool myself. Good stuff.

Thanks, that is what I'm hoping. It was English Ivy so I guess I was expecting more from the color. It still looks cool though.

**Boozeclues** · 04-22-2012, 12:06 AM

english ivy likes to throw up when not encased in my experience. I like your shaping

**$Y$TM** · 05-21-2012, 10:20 PM

Tried something completely different tonight. This was my first attempt at doing a disk flip and a fillachello. Trying to push my comfort levels a little and branch out.

**smolder holder** · 05-21-2012, 11:04 PM

Nice work stepping out of your comfort zone.

**$Y$TM** · 05-31-2012, 01:29 PM

Fooling around with the cheese grater.

**Amorphous** · 05-31-2012, 03:40 PM

love the grey/yellow, it looks "refined" if that word can be applied to functional art.

**LRG** · 05-31-2012, 10:24 PM

Nice work!!!Was gunna give you sum tips on having a hard time with the bowls. Getting the holes center, not to big or to small...but that was year ago lol but looka like you got it under control ..

**eyeseeglass** · 06-03-2012, 09:49 AM

Your pipes look great! I love seeing peoples progression. I can't wait to see you making some nice sherlocks and side cars soon!

**$Y$TM** · 06-14-2012, 04:02 PM

I've had a few requests from friends for some ocean themed pieces so I've been messing around with some jellyfish. The first one (not shown) I did the encasing in the wrong order so the cap/main body of the jelly got a little deformed and not nice n' round. The second one (pict#2) I did the encasing right but didn't like the sharp air bubbles it trapped around the tentacles, plus I got the area to warm while encasing so the tentacles lost some of their definition.

I had to step back and analyze things for a second. Why not make the jelly on a rod, insert into tube, seal it off and vacuum the air out. Love those "Ahhh Ha!" moments!
So I made a small one (pict#1,3) on 7mm and put it inside some 14mm. I like the results! Even though some air bubbles got trapped they are nice and round and kind of add to the underwater effect plus the tentacles stayed nice and crisp.
I think I'm going to have to make some detailed shrooms with this tech

**smolder holder** · 06-14-2012, 07:49 PM

Try making them the same way you make a mushroom. Make some cane with clear encased silver color or fuming (this will be the tentacles so space them out to give some depth), lay it on a rod alternating with clear to give a layered effect and pull out to desired thickness. Cap with color for the head of the jelly id recomend amber purple or somerhing with soft working charictaristics and push it just like a mushroom. Makes nice looking jellies after a little practice.

**$Y$TM** · 06-14-2012, 09:06 PM

^^^^You must spread some reputation around before....
Thanks Smolder! Gonna try that next time

**$Y$TM** · 06-26-2012, 09:09 PM

A few more here...

**Aaron Ellis** · 06-27-2012, 01:57 AM

The one in the fourth pic is sweet man I Like the fifth pic too

**blueflame glass worxs** · 06-27-2012, 12:52 PM

just keep doing it and when you have questions hit people up on here for help, and you ll get it ,someones
always willing to help you. And when you get some money up, check into a class or two, then you will really storm for ward.