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Re: Slight curves

Posted By: neontek
Date: Wednesday, 16 May 2012, at 3:21 a.m.

In Response To: Slight curves (Mal)

> I was just thinking of this the other day.
> Do any of you fellow benders out there have
> any tips on how
> To keep slight curves flat on the horizontal
> plane as the unit would be sitting on the
> layout. I'm talking about a curve of only
> like 2" over an 8 foot tube.

*************************************************

Yes... these are a bit annoying (especially with 90* bends into housings).

Typically, I fuse my electrode onto glass, make a ribbon heat, and then make a doubleback or 90* bend(as required), and let cool. This works just fine for most radius bends, etc.

However, when making long units with a very slight arch like you described, I have experienced more than usual twisting/contorting when cooling. Which almost always "kicks" the (already made) doubleback or 90* bend to one side. (I'm not sure if this is also the problem you are encountering???)

Therefore, years ago, i started making a full 24" heat on the ribbon fire FIRST, as soon as glass holds its desired shape flat on pattern, i lay it flat on glass tubes on table to cool. I heat remainder of stick of glass in ribbon fire to finish off the 4' stick, let cool again. Pretty much fixing/attaining its final position. Then i fuse on an electrode and bend to desired position.
Lastly, i make the final weld to join the two 4' pc's.

I have different ways in which i let my hot glass cool (depending on the pc.), but laying flat on other glass on a table as described, seems to work best for slow curves/long ribbon heats.

Tony D.

Messages In This Thread

• Slight curves -- Mal -- Tuesday, 15 May 2012, at 2:12 a.m.
  • Re: Slight curves -- neontek -- Wednesday, 16 May 2012, at 3:21 a.m.

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