How to Make a Donut-Shaped Glass Bead
Lampworking, also known as flame working, is the craft of making objects such as beads from glass using a torch. One of the most basic lampworked beads you can make is a simple donut shape. Soften a glass rod and then wrap it around a rod called a mandrel. The finished bead will need to be slowly cooled, preferably in a kiln, because glass can shatter as it cools.
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Things You'll Need
- Well-ventilated workspace
- Fire extinguisher
- Cold running water
- Protective goggles and dust mask
- Bead release
- Mixing vessel
- Mandrel
- Stand for mandrels
- Heatproof protective gloves and clothing
- Oxyacetylene torch
- Glass rod
- Kiln
Instructions
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Check your workplace to make sure it is well ventilated and free of fire hazards. Check that your fire extinguisher is ready to use in the event of a fire. Ensure that you have a source of plentiful cold water in case of burns.
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2
Put on your protective goggles and dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the bead release powder or getting it in your eyes. Mix up some of the bead release in a small bowl or other mixing vessel according to the manufacturer's instructions. Coat the end of the mandrel in the bead release. Place it in the stand to dry.
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3
Put on your heatproof protective clothing and goggles. Light the oxyacetylene torch. Soften the end of a glass rod in the flame until it begins to melt, forming a soft ball of glass.
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4
Touch the melted end of the glass rod to the end of the mandrel that you covered in bead release. Twirl the mandrel to wrap a length of melted glass all the way around it in a donut shape.
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Use the heat of the flame to pull the rod away from the main body of the bead. Heat the bead in the flame of the torch, rotating the mandrel gently so that the surface of the bead becomes smooth and even.
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Set up up the kiln according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the bead in the kiln with the mandrel still in place. Anneal the bead in the kiln overnight so that it cools slowly and will not crack or break. When the bead has cooled fully, remove it from the mandrel and clean off any traces of bead release material.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you've learned to make a basic donut-shaped bead, you can add details using different colors of glass. Use picks, mashers and other lampworking tools to form the soft glass into interesting shapes.
Oxyacetylene torches can start fires and cause serious injuries if used improperly. Hot glass can shatter or spit, potentially injuring skin and eyes. Always wear protective gear and maintain a safe workspace free of fire hazards.
References
Resources
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