How to Grind Glass Beads
Grinding glass beads is an important step in glass bead making. Glass fusing is an imprecise art. Fused glass beads spread in the kiln. Glass grinding is used to shape and perfect fused glass beads. Once the glass beads are ground, they must be hand-polished or returned to the glass-fusing kiln to be fire polished.
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Things You'll Need
- Glass bead
- Marker
- Vaseline or Chapstick
- Protective goggles
- Respirator or mask
- Glass grinder
- Water
- Bowl
Instructions
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1
Wash the glass bead to remove dirt, kiln wash or fiber paper stuck to the edges of the bead where you plan to grind.
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2
Use a marker to draw the final shape of the bead on the top of the bead. Take note of where you mark the lines. You will grind glass away until you reach the marked lines.
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3
Cover the lines with grease to prevent water from washing the lines away. Stained-glass supply shops sell products to protect markings, but household products like Vaseline or Chapstick also work well.
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4
Dip the glass bead in clean water so it is well lubricated.
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Put on your protective eyewear and mask. Turn on the glass grinder and the water source, or pour water onto the grinding wheel.
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Press the glass to the grinding wheel. The diamond coating on the grinding wheel will remove excess glass.
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Follow the line you drew until all unwanted glass is removed. Stop from time to time to clean grinding scum off the glass and the grinding wheel. To do so, dip the glass bead in a bowl of clean water and pour some clean water over the grinding wheel while it runs.
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Grinding wheels come in different grits. If needed, switch to a higher grit diamond wheel and repeat until the edge of the bead is smooth, the line of the bead is even and you are pleased with the shape of the bead.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to use adequate water as lubrication when grinding to prevent the glass from cracking.
For complex shaped beads, create a paper template for the bead shape you want and compare the bead you are grinding with the paper template as you work.
Always wear goggles to protect your eyes and a respirator to protect your lungs from glass particles when grinding glass.
Take precautions when using water near the grinder to avoid electrical shock.
References
- "Warm Glass"; Philippa Beveridge, Ignasi Doménech, Eva Pacua; 2005
- "Contemporary Warm Glass"; Brad Walker; 2000
- "Warm Glass"; Shar Moorman; 1988
- "Stained Glass: Exploring New Techniques and New Materials"; Giorgetta McRee, Livia McRee; 2003
- "The New Stained Glass"; Pat Torlen, George Shannon; 2002
