Product Reviews
Pros
Used to cap HP printed decals as a protection
Cons
will not cap raw decals
Other Thoughts
Fired home made HP printed decals and then capped with Clear Coat and refired. Cap prevents the rubbing off of some of the decals that happens when fired on the exterior surface of a glass piece. Decals are darker and sharper. Remember to fire decals first above 1450F and refire at a similar temp after capping.
Pros
Hold up remarkably well. Leave a nice finish.
Cons
Wish they would last just a little bit longer for the price.
Other Thoughts
Pros
I had a problem with my ring saw, and it broke a blade. I mailed the parts to Gemini, and they replaced them. I am very happy with the performance.
Cons
Read the manual and any papers attached. Don't rely on just videos.
Other Thoughts
Pros
easy to use, large with great relief on the leaf veins
Cons
None
Other Thoughts
I used med frit, several colours and then after making 3 leaves, molded them together to make a wonderful Thanksgiving dish
Pros
Very Affordable
Easy to use
Cons
This torch has a reducing flame, so you will never get the full color effect of glass requires an oxygen-rich flame to strike (like some borosilicate colors)
Other Thoughts
Overall, I would consider this to be a great (possibly the best) 'amateur' level torch. Great for the casual lampworker, but a pro lampworker will probably want to consider an oxy/acetylene torch instead.
Pros
Weldbond is as easy to use as Elmer's and actually IS as strong as they claim. I work in schools a lot and buy this to refill smaller bottles. There are times that I have had to remove glass after a few days. In this case, many times the cement board or glass will break before the weldbond gives, even with really smooth glass. Where possible, soaking in water will loosen the bond so this glue is NOT waterproof. I now use thinset for installed or outdoor mosaics but I have outdoor vertical mosaics that have held up to freeze/thaw for over a decade and the weldbond is still holding perfectly.
Cons
NONE!
Other Thoughts
Pros
I just cut my first bottles and they were all perfect! This cutter couldn't be any easier to use and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Cons
I can't see that there would be any cons with this item.
Other Thoughts
I was looking for another craft to do because my apartment is too humid to cut/paint wood right now, which is what I normally do. I'm absolutely thrilled with my choice and I'm looking forward to creating all sorts of items. My scroll saw may have to move over a few seats... Thanks for carrying this item and for the "how-to" videos that showed me exactly what I was going to be doing and just how easy it is. The bottle neck cutter is next in line...
Pros
the cd alone makes it a wonderful book combo. easier to print patterns and all off cd then copy from book deals.
Cons
none
Other Thoughts
Like to see more books like this with a cd
Pros
This is a great, safe set up. The quality and consistency make the soldering task a breeze, with predictable results. No unexpected situations occurring, no under or over heating. I like it a lot.
Cons
I was unable to turn the screw to swap the tip. I went to Home Depot, purchased a tiny head screwdrivers - unfortunately the screw wouldn't turn (I followed all suggestions) now I've gone and stripped the screw.
Other Thoughts
Easier access to swap soldering iron tips.
Include instruction for changing the soldering tip.
Pros
loved the colors and texture
Cons
no cons
Other Thoughts
would absolutely order this glass again
Pros
Heats up FAST, and it heats down fast when you need the temp turned down a bit. It is light weight and a light blinks to let you know that it has reached the desired temp. It's lightweight and not clunky like ever other iron I have used. The tip stays cleaner that any other iron I have used. This is hands down the BEST soldering iron on the planet.
Cons
No cons here.
Other Thoughts
I use this with Mastercraft 60/40 and can not ask for a better combo. You get a nice thick seam when the iron is at 310 C. If you need a more liquid thinner solder heat up to 360 C. For years I have tried to find the magic combo and this is it. I solder sea glass, cabachons, anything I can get copper foil around. I love my iron sooo much!
Pros
At a much lower price point than dicro, you can get a very interesting effect over a large area without breaking the bank. Melds like a clear (seams disappear from above, though still visable from below) and I've never had ANY issue with annealing or haze even with multiple firings -- though the longer it's in the more the flecks will move as per my experience with pattern bars.
I do get movement from the flecks, so capping will give a GREAT depth effect, but just layering it with clear underneath and hitting a full fuse will help develop the sparkle effect.
Cons
WARNING: This color can affect others being fired. 2 separate pieces fired at different times, to different temps both near the Aventurine Green in their respective firings were effected in my experience thus far.
I ended up with metallic sheen on the purple sections of purple/white OpalArt being slumped. And purple enamel on white (but not on the black of the same piece) became an olive green on the end nearest the aventurine piece during a full fuse.
Also I sometimes try to use kiln paper for a second firing to save money, but the aventurine will discolor it yellow the first time.
Other Thoughts
The scraps make great globs, reminiscent of black opals, but in a single layer it doesn't flow well, and they will retain shape to a degree. Avent. globs are my absolute favorite for bubble control.
It is rough, and not as sparkly without being fired. So it's not as great for stained glass (the green will transmit light unlike the blue or black) as I'd like. But if you have the kiln room, put it in on a slump. The texture will still be slightly present but much easier to cut. Trying to put up a pic, if it goes, slump is the longer bar and the shorter is a full double layer.
Pros
Agree cuts like butter. beautiful, more transparent overall than other Youghiogheny glasses I have.
Cons
Other Thoughts
