Beginner question

[MonikaD]

Hi,

I’d like to find out how you decide whether to use COE 90 or 96? I understand that we cannot mix the two. I would just like to know what’s the rationale behind the decision.

Thank you for your answers.

Monika

[Vernelle]

Depends on what you want to do.  There are some of my projects that require I cut lots of 3/8″ strips. I use Spectrum 96 because it is easier to cut.  It also has more glass with designs already in them, like the Spirit glass and the Opal Art.  But I use BE for my smaller pieces.

You might check to see if there is a local shop near by and see what they have.  It might be a mater of price and convenience.

Both are good glass to work with.

Just my 2cents

Vernelle

[MonikaD]

Vernelle,

Thank you for your help. It’s becoming quite clear to me that I know nothing about fusing. There’s so much to learn!

Monika

 

[Anonymous]

Both companies make a quality product.  I would consider the following:

– What is available where you live?  The best glass in the world isn’t very useful if you cannot get it easily.

– Look at the color selection from both companies.  Their palettes are different.

Be careful of cost comparisons.  How glass is sold (weight vs. size), sheet thickness, buying options, etc. make it tough to get a meaningful comparison.

---

Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.com

 

[MonikaD]

Thank you, Paul. I’ll look carefully.

 

[katkramer]

I’ve used both…I did find that with dichroic (the super sparkly coated glass), the Spectrum is smoother, and works well for some jewelry designs where I etched a design and wanted it to be precise.  However, I use Bullseye glass almost exclusively.  The selection of colors is nice, they seem to do a lot of research and development.  I would say that find your local shop, look at pricing on “like” colors (maybe pick a black and compare prices).  Some colors are much more expensive, so you can’t look at a piece of black glass at one place and pick a gorgeous purple at the other place….those gorgeous purples will generally be much more expensive.

And BE CAREFUL not to mix them.  Nothing is more heartbreaking than creating a design, only to have it crack later because you mixed 90 and 96 COE.  

Another suggestion…find a good local studio, or road trip to Austin and take a class from Helios Glass.  Their boot camps are amazing.  I learned a great deal from them!

Kat
http://www.katkramer.com

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