Melting Pot Wiki - User contributions [en]

Bench Rollers

2007-04-12T19:01:44Z

JDeMoss:

'''Bench Rollers'''

Bench rollers are used to hold heavy glass on while you spin it. They come in several different types including the two wheel Yoke style and the multiple wheel Bench Roller. They provide quality support for pieces that must be heated or rotated uniformly and can take a large amount of pressure off of the wrists while working with heavy pieces. To buy new rollers you should expect to pay between $80-$150. Although it is possible to make your own.

Bench rollers are made up of a base, an adjustable or non-adjustable center, and the rollers, which also may be adjustable.

The base can be magnetic, to hold it in place. If it is not magnetic it needs to be large enough and heavy enough to remain stable.

The center is usually adjustable between 6-12 inches.

The rollers usually consist of wheels on ball bearings to ensure a smooth turn. These are also adjustable to accommodate different sizes of rod or tube.

Bench Rollers

2007-04-12T19:00:46Z

JDeMoss:

'''Bench Rollers'''

Bench rollers are used to hold heavy glass on while you spin it. They come in several different types including the two wheel Yoke style and the multiple wheel Bench Roller.

They provide quality support for pieces that must be heated or rotated uniformly and can take a large amount of pressure off of the wrists while working with heavy pieces.

Bench rollers are made up of a base, an adjustable or non-adjustable center, and the rollers, which also may be adjustable.

The base can be magnetic, to hold it in place. If it is not magnetic it needs to be large enough and heavy enough to remain stable.

The center is usually adjustable between 6-12 inches.

The rollers usually consist of wheels on ball bearings to ensure a smooth turn. These are also adjustable to accommodate different sizes of rod or tube.

To buy new rollers you should expect to pay between $80-$150.

Graal

2007-04-12T02:38:40Z

JDeMoss:

'''Graal'''

Graal is a decorative technique that was developed around 1915. The name Graal, chosen by Albert Ahlin was a literary reference to the chalice that supposedly held Christ's blood.

''Graal in off-hand glassblowing''
In off-hand glassblowing the technique consists of blowing a blank of cased glass into an open receptacle. After cooling, the blank can be carved or etched with sand or acid to create the desired decoration. The piece is then re-heated and blown into the desired shape.

''Graal in lampworking''

In lampworking, a tube is blown out and wrapped with colored rod or powder. Then another layer (or multiple layers)of powder is added. After cooling, the blank can be carved or etched with sand or acid to create the desired decoration. The piece is then re-heated and blown into the desired shape.

With solid work, a piece is covered with powder, allowed to cool and then sandblasted. It can then be reheated to melt the design in smooth.

''Encasing Graal''

To encase graal, such as in a marble or paperweight, make a colored disc of glass and add a layer of glass powder. Once it has cooled a design can be sandblasted into the disc. Re-heat in the kiln and add clear lenses to encase the design.