Product Reviews
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
Pros
Stunning Glass, many compliments on just the glass . Looks great as is w/o back lighting - glows with just the slightest back light.
Cons
Doesn't cut as well as others by Youghiogheny. micro fractures unpredictably. Still I look forward to using it again.
Other Thoughts
Worth the effort but be prepared for "design improvements"
Pros
wonderful for small spaces. will hold lots of different sized glass. Very easy to assemble.
Cons
none I have experienced
Other Thoughts
Pros
Exceptional colors for Southwest projects.
Cons
back of piece is only light blue and white. Still very pretty.
Other Thoughts
This is a stunning piece of glass and, as a fan of Southwest design, this glass will be a hit! The colors are outstanding.
Pros
The water feed is great.
Tilt top.
Cons
Other Thoughts
I love my new Grypon grinder!
Pros
It took a few tries to get the hang of it but it's a real time saver. I recommend this tool to anyone doing stained glass work
Cons
It's a bit clumsy for very small pieces so I still do those by hand.
Other Thoughts
I have the foiler attached to my work table, but I think it would be easier to use if it were elevated an extra 10 inches or so. When I have time I will make a stand to raise it up more.
Pros
nice colors good lots of sizes
Cons
Other Thoughts
Pros
I have had mine for 30 plus years, and it is still going, ordering another as mine is now a grinder in a friends studio. I have the small ones also for classes and they are still going also. Don't know if the new ones hold up as well, but Glastar is a good choice in my option.
Cons
No one talks about putting grease in the grease zerks in the motor, but it is a good idea. Makes it last longer.
Other Thoughts