* Glass will continue flowing while molten - always keep the mandrel turning so it doesn’t droop.
* Work gently so you don’t break the bead release.
* Tools and glass will remain hot after being in/near the flame - use caution.
* Keep water nearby for bits of hot glass and potential burns.
* Try to not put tools directly into the flame.
* Work above the brighter blue cone to make sure you don’t reduce the glass - this will discolor it.
* If you go too low in the flame, the sound changes and gets louder.
* Be sure to not turn the flame up too high - it will burn colors easier then.
To Pull A Stringer
* Light the torch with wooden matches or a striker. Turn on the torch a little and light it, then adjust it.
* Heat the glass rod slowly to avoid thermal shock.
* Pull off any scummy cut ends as they will discolor your bead.
* Heat the end of the rod until it forms a ball.
* Pull it out of the flame and let it form a slight “skin” before grasping with pliers and pulling.
* The faster you pull, the thinner the stringer will be.
* You can also use another rod or stringer - attach it to the molten glob and pull a stringer.
* As another method, you can use the center of a rod and use both sides to pull.
To Make A Basic Round Bead
* Light the torch with wooden matches or a striker. Turn on the torch a little and light it, then adjust it.
* Pull any stringers needed, and pull the scummy cut ends off of any rods before starting beads.
* Heat the mandrel you will be using until it is glowing.
* Heat the glass rod evenly - turn while heating.
* Make a very small footprint - an even wrap of glass around the mandrel on the bead release.
* Add glass as needed to create the bead, add evenly and keep spinning the mandrel while adding glass.
* Keep the mandrel level so the bead stays level.
* You can bring the bead higher in the flame so it sets up more if it’s too molten.
* Shape the bead until you have a sound base bead with dimpled bead holes.
