Copper Fusing Tute now available

[Tela]

Well, folks, I got it done! YAY! That's why I have been so quiet. I've finished a 25 page pdf (book) and 3 videos!!! I'm so proud of the videos. For my first ones they aren't bad, at all. It's really hard to film torching, but with the didydium lens, there is no flare to obscure what is going on in the flame. There is no audio. Don't need it, it is all in the comprehensive pdf. By leaving out the audio I was able to use low compression, large video. It's quite good. The 3 vids have 3 different views of a heart being done. Anyway--- I'm real tired right now, but couldn't wait to post about it. You can read more about it in my store. I know you'll be happy with it.

tinyurl.com/6sfv7g5

[christine]

Congratulations! ;D Reading through the PDF and then looking at the videos, it all makes sense. Very well done. I am excited to try it out tomorrow although realize my torch is butane....please tell me it will still work
You out did yourself with this project. I am very proud of you. Thanks for sharing all of your trials and errors. I love a good tutorial as I am able to learn after someone else has worked out a lot of the kinks. It saves so much energy for me.

[Tela]

Thanks, Christine ;D

This will not work with butane, the flame is not hot or big enough.

I'm glad you think it makes sense. This was a whole new kind of venture for me and I worried the whole time if I was getting everything across ok.

[christine]

You did get everything across very clearly in both the wording and the video. I am so disappointed I won't be able to utilize this great technique I now have. Maybe someday

[Tela]

I'm really sorry

The upside is that the propane torch is actually easy to find and cheap. The tanks are cheap and last a long time, too. I wouldn't have invested a lot of money in either and luckily, I didn't have to.

[glenda]

Hey Tela!

My torch is 65% Butane and 35% Propane. Do you think It will work?

I did manage to ball some ends the other day so I am thinking it should be ok?

[Tela]

I haven't tried it with that combo. I'm leaning towards no. But, you can always try it. Wish I could tell you for sure.

[maryalece]

Tela, I have a question about your copper fusing tut. I have read that melting copper, even pure copper, can cause fumes, which can be harmful. I know better than to breathe ANY kind of fumes, but I am hoping that you added CYA verbage into your written tut somewhere that tells those who may not have the sense to know better, that they shouldn't breathe in the fumes. I think I'd make sure it mentioned that it is a very bad idea to melt copper alloys - such as are found in pennies, plumbing pipes, etc, as those fumes are really harmful. I guess I am mentioning this because that is part of my past professional training to pay attention to these things and because you are such a sweet person, I would hate to see anything come back to you because there are potential dummies out there. I hope I made sense and that I have not offended you by writing this. I tend to be very protective of anyone I believe is special, like you! Anyway, you can always mention to me to mind my own business, and you certainly wouldn't be the first, LOL!!! This is written with love and friendship in mind.

[maryalece]

Tela, I have a question about your copper fusing tut. I have read that melting copper, even pure copper, can cause fumes, which can be harmful. I know better than to breathe ANY kind of fumes, but I am hoping that you added CYA verbage into your written tut somewhere that tells those who may not have the sense to know better, that they shouldn't breathe in the fumes. I think I'd make sure it mentioned that it is a very bad idea to melt copper alloys - such as are found in pennies, plumbing pipes, etc, as those fumes are really harmful. I guess I am mentioning this because that is part of my past professional training to pay attention to these things and because you are such a sweet person, I would hate to see anything come back to you because there are potential dummies out there. I hope I made sense and that I have not offended you by writing this. I tend to be very protective of anyone I believe is special, like you! Anyway, you can always mention to me to mind my own business, and you certainly wouldn't be the first, LOL!!! This is written with love and friendship in mind.

[Tela]

Mya, dear- I am thrilled that you wrote that!!! Where safety is concerned you should always give your opinion.

I used to work with several hundred other glass blowers and on my own. We used gold and silver to fume hot glass to produce beautiful colors. We didn't use copper because it didn't work as well.

Yes, in the tute I explain the green fume and the need for adequate ventilation and to back off the flame if you see a lot of fume. With adequate ventilation and careful fusing, I believe it to be safe. The good thing is you can see the fume. I also explain to use pure copper and not a wire that you think is suspect.

I was real worried about doing this tute because it did involve fire and melting metal. But, I think I did a good job keeping it safe. I believe it is every bit as safe as making balled headpins.

Thank you, I'm really glad that you mentioned this and I take no offense, at all.

[maryalece]

Oh, thank you, Tela! I was worried about this and have only just now had a chance to check on your response! I know you are the most responsible and caring person ever and that it would be highly unlikely for you to skip over warning folks about it! And knowing that the fumes are green, maybe i will even feel confident enough to give fusing some copper a go!!! Yay!!

Wish hat I could work less, earn more money, and have more free time to play in the studio, lol! I'm all ready to light up a torch now, but I have to go work, arrrrgggghhh! I have a fantastic vision in my little head about some fused copper and a bezel setting that would be so cool, if I can make it work.

[Tela]

Don't be too worried about it. I think that if you are planning to do a lot, then doing it outside or with a ventilation fan to the outdoors is a good idea, but for the small amount presented in the tutorial, adequate ventilation - meaning good air circulation- is sufficient (if you aren't fuming it a lot). I have an exhaust fan to the outdoors in the kitchen and work near it.

After working for so many years doing glass work, I got over being afraid of it. I am cautious, but I'm not real worried. Following sensible safety precautions is a must and should become a habit. If you know what you are doing is safe and that you've taken the correct measures, then you are more free to relax and have fun.