BS!!!! help!!!! condensation drips from blowtube keeps murdering my nice work!!!!

[OracleGlassArts]

I think the title says enough, but I keep getting 99.9% done with pieces just to have the one cocksucker drop of water drip down and crack my mouthpiece or the whole piece. its unbelievably frustrating, and one of the only things that goes wrong anymore. does anyone have any tricks or tips to help with this shit? i periodically tap the water out, i need like a 12mm squeegee on a stick or something....anything else anyone has come up with? im at my wits end with this shit!!!

thanks in advance!!!

[dplaza]

http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showt...tion-in-a-tube!!!!!!!!!!!!!

been havin the same problem i saw this in the related threads at the bottom tho has a couple ideas ima try.

[Trevor]

I've flashed the blow tube in the flame for a second to clear up condensation. works great for getting out a piece of frit or two. I don't know if this is helpful, id be afraid to do that with anything very nice

[JBob]

Fuzzy craft style pipe cleaners soak that ish up

[LooseSeal Baller]

i just shake it out... like a whip

[Alley Kat]

Ear plug in the end

2

[LooseSeal Baller]

Ear plug in the end

2

whats that gonna do?

i use the ear plugs like mini corks for blow tubes & stuff not sure how it will keep the condensation out though...

[istandalone24/7]

^^not solve the condensation issue i can tell you that!

[LooseSeal Baller]

I always thought it was from all the "hot" air in me...lol

My blowtubes always get all crusty and nasty too

if you soak the piece in the kiln to warm up the mouth piece that should help with your cracking, as well as the condensation.

if you've already spent hours making a "nice" piece then an additional 30 minutes or so in the kiln shouldn't be a big deal.

don't rush

[istandalone24/7]

i usually take a second to give the mouthpiece a nice wipe with alcohol, and run a small ball of paper towel down the inside of the tube.

[BORO]

Saw a neon guy in salt lake use one similar , his looked like a tiny bubbler , catching moisture in the can bottom . I think the foam works better. It has to be porous enough that it will not pull vac , and do weird things to the glass, tissue paper may be a good option if your worried about pressure .

( Anyone know the real name for the blow hose catch can thing ?)

Too bad I can't get it on a handle ( no hose ) I never tried to put something in the end of a normal blow handle . I do know my friend makes production , and uses a filter for rolled cigarettes , it keeps the heat from the handle (in side out style , when you flame the inside ) and he still can blow air through the filter when need be ( later on, just leaves it in the tube ) It will pull slight vacuum tho . He just has his technique dialed so no issues for him.

If you only have problems right at the end , you may not have vacuum if you go this route / or something similar as a answer ...no issues if other holes are already in place , and relieve pressure .

I will usually use a bigger handle , or even a bigger connection right at the mouthpiece. Especially if it is something I have a good amount of time invested in. This vid w/ banjo talks about it. Stronger than a "stock" blow tube for sure .

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=c...&v=EZHgxnXMluU

[smolder holder]

Stick the piece as far into the kiln as it will go for five minutes. The condensation will evaporate and after five minutes pull it out to normal and let the blow tube cool down.

[LooseSeal Baller]

Stick the piece as far into the kiln as it will go for five minutes. The condensation will evaporate and after five minutes pull it out to normal and let the blow tube cool down.

thats basically what i was implying... just forgot to stick it in all the way. thanks smolder

[Loki Glass]

A tiny bit of cotton ball stuck into the end of the blowtube works great as well.

[dnug42]

so funny I was gonna post same thing yesterday- if there was a tool for this very problem...lol. not havin cracks, but its super annoying...good tips gang!

[OracleGlassArts]

amazing stuff! i wasnt even expecting it! thanks guys! to add to the cotton ball i was thinking of leaving a q-tip or 2 in the blowtube or a piece of sponge in the middle to soak up any moisture that builds to the point of being able to run or drip.
happy torchin, may the glass gods shine!

[MrNiceGuy]

Stick the piece as far into the kiln as it will go for five minutes. The condensation will evaporate and after five minutes pull it out to normal and let the blow tube cool down.

This^^^

Nobody needs to jam anything up their blowtube.

[Jimi The Don]

it's essentially a desiccant tube. on the scientific side usually made with a flask. stick a stopper in aforementioned flask with two holes in it and fill with desicant. that little bubbla looking one is just a more portable version.

[ineedanewusername]

When I used to paint cars we had a condensation filter connected to the spray gun, water on fresh paint sucks donkey nutz, anyhow maybe someone could attatch one of those to your blowtubes. They are fairly cheap and could be found at any auto paint store (napa). Just an idea

[Deez]

Step one shop vac or other vacuum.
Step two put vacuum hose up to blow tube.
Step three suck the condensation out of blowtube.
This takes a about 1 to 2 seconds
Big ups to Eush for dropping this simple trick. Enjoy