SunflowerGlassworks Profile

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sunflower505 comment on Dachshund Rescue
January 4, 2011

Nice job! I am a New Mexico glass shop owner and dachshund rescue mom of 2 at present - it is like living in a circus most of the time. Yay for dachshund rescue fundraising efforts like yours!

sunflower505 comment on Chessy & Corey
September 8, 2010

I can just hear them barking and playing. I have three doxies - this is a great piece - nicely done - congratulations!

Gryphon Wet Belt Sander

Item# 84101

2 of 4 found the following review helpful:

Sort of get what you pay for, August 9, 2010 3 stars

Pros
If you're expecting a commercial grade tool, this isn't it. I use this in a commercial glass studio A LOT. Belts do slip (especially cork) and water cooling system needs improvement. Not feeling like I'm going to have a long term relationship with this equipment as I will wear it out with regular use. Great for the occasional hobbyist. If you value your hearing you will be REQUIRED to use earplugs or earmuff type hearing protection. Must wear safety glasses (have a belt snap and you'll be glad you did). Would be better with more grit choices for belts. Overall, I've accomplished what I've needed to do with it but wait for the day when I can purchase a larger, more powerful, even running machine. Definitely more time efficient if you finish multiple projects at a time. I like the upright working area rather than a lap grinder horizontal surface.

Cons
Not enough horsepower, poor water/cooling system. Motor bogs down regularly. You will get WET using this equipment and so will the area around this tool. Needs a better written user guide to explain what you want to accomplish with each belt.

Other Thoughts
Wish they'd make one just larger and more powerful in a mid-price range. People need to understand that this is a process - if you don't work ALL the belts and do so long enough at each step, you will not get close to the results you are hoping for. To do it well, this is a time consuming process but with patience and really watching your work through each step, you can get some good results. Don't expect to zip through the grits to perfection!

Burnisher

Item# 2553

Easy and Comfortable to Use, January 23, 2009 5 stars

Pros
This fid/burnisher is the only one I've used in 16 years of stained glasswork. Easy to hold, somewhat flexible and just stiff enough to get the job done. Your soldering is only as good as your foiling and this fid is a perfect way to smooth good foil technique. I've never snapped one either!

Cons
Ends turn dark with use and will get scratched up over time but you're working against metal so that should be expected.

Other Thoughts
Burnishing foil leaves a silver cast on the ends of your fid. Take alcohol and a little soaking, then a little scrubbing and they clean up pretty good. They also clean up nicely in the silverware rack in the dishwasher.

Studio 100 Iron

Item# 425679

5 of 6 found the following review helpful:

One Great Soldering Iron, January 23, 2009 5 stars

Pros
This is a quality, rugged soldering iron that has the heat and the power to make soldering a little easier. It's a good price for a good iron. This iron is part of the starter kit for ALL of my stained glass students and the only one we use in our student area in our glass shop. This iron is easy to handle and the grip stays cool to the touch.

Cons
The black foam-like sleeve will come loose and slide around but a little glue at the coolest end puts it right in its place again. Slightly annoying but does not affect performance.

Other Thoughts
A great iron. Invest in your iron - you get what you pay for. You should buy it to keep it, not to change it out for something else later.

Morton Twister

Item# MT01

Twist it up!, January 23, 2009 4 stars

Pros
The Twister is so easy to use to get some great wire effects. Whether you're twisting a little wire or a lot it's simple and quick and you're back to your project. It's easier than hauling out a drill and a vise. I'm not big on gadgets but this is a fun tool to have.

Cons
I've worn two of them out - but I've twisted spools and spools of wire!

Other Thoughts
Try twisting with 18g or 20g wire. Then for a really great look, do a "double twist" - twist the wire you just twisted. The 18g wire takes on the rugged look of barbed wire.

Foil Dispenser

Item# 5181

0 of 3 found the following review helpful:

Must Have for Foiling, January 23, 2009 5 stars

Pros
The foil dispenser is a must have for foiling. It keeps things organized and most important - your foil doesn't twist or run away compared to feeding from the roll on a table or in a bag. All of my students get these as part of our custom startup kit. You only have to buy it once and it's a workbench friend forever!

Cons
May require a quick cleaning now and then with soap and water, or we use alcohol and a q-tip to get the little bit of adhesive from the tape from the inside of the dispenser. Quick and easy to do and keeps foil running smoothly.

Taurus 3 Ring Saw

Item# 57003

0 of 3 found the following review helpful:

Only saw I'd use - I'm on #2!, August 18, 2008 4 stars

Pros
Great saw and instructional video. This is my 2nd ring saw (had the original Taurus) and it goes, goes, goes! Worth it for tough cuts but I wouldn't cut a whole project with it. Know how to cut glass first- don't compensate by buying a saw. The saw is not a cure-all. Plan to get wet (even with hole reducers) and wear safety glasses. The shield is good protection but I like more protection than that. Adding the blade stabilizer was a really good idea. KEEP IT CLEAN!

Cons
Noisy and if you use it a lot, expect a fair amount of regular maintenance and replacement parts including blades $$.

Other Thoughts
Also like the accessory kit and different blades available.

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SunflowerGlassworks

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SunflowerGlassworks's info

joined:	Jan 20, 2005
location:	RIO RANCHO, NM US
display name:	sunflower505