I currently work with both Effetre/Moretti and Bullseye glass and an oxygen/propane mix torch called a Minor Bench Burner. Once the beads are made, they are placed in a kiln to be annealed for lasting durability.
The Glass
Effetre/Moretti is a soda lime based glass and has a low melting temperature, holds heat longer, has a longer working time when removed from the flame. It is also softer and easier to manipulate. The various colored rods are turned in the flame which evenly distributes the heat. Bullseye is also a type of soft glass.
Moretti is manufactured in Venice, Italy on the island of Murano. The glass is available to lampwork artists as glass rods. The island has been designated as an industrial center for glass work since 1291 AD. Venice has served as a world leader in the glass arts industry since the 1500's.
The processes used to create the glass rods are closely guarded secrets and have been handed down over many generations. The color in beads created from Murano glass in the 16th century is as bright today as when the beads were originally made helping to ensure that the beads you purchase today will maintain their beauty for many years to come.
The Torch
I currently work on the Minor Bench Burner by Nortel. This torch uses two gases, oxygen and propane. The propane is in small barbeque type tank and the oxygen is supplied by either an oxygen tank or an oxygen concentrator. By pumping oxygen into the torch, the flame is much hotter. This makes a quieter, smaller and more pointed flame which allows for detailed work with a faster and hotter flame.
The Kiln
I use a small Aim electric bead annealing kiln.
Glass beads are known to last for hundreds and even thousands of years and by annealing the finished beads in a kiln it ensures that your bead purchase will also last for years to come. In the annealing process, the bead is reheated slowly and kept at a near molten state long enough for any tension or stress trapped as the bead was formed to even out. The beads are then cooled slowly. This process ensures that the beads will have lasting durability and can be handed down from generation to generation.
