Delphi did me dirty – images

[Anonymous]

Hi again,

Thanks for your interest and care out there in glass world.  Glassana, I also have used Delphi for years (over 20) and have had fair treatment from them in the past.  I’m not a “hater” and plenty of other things to do, but yes I do thinking posting my experience might be helpful for others.  One purpose of this forum, as I see it, is to advise each other of the experiences we have in dealing with the “commercial world”.  In that interest, I have posted these pictures and my experience of total non-accountability from Delphi for a mold which cost over $50 with shipping.  Thank you Glass Fever for informing me it’s a casting mold, not a slumping mold.  If you wanted to make me feel stupid, you did, but yes, I do think Delphi bears responsibility for informing its buyers of the appropriate use of the molds they sell.  This mold was sold “ready to be used as is for sheet glass”.  However, a more helpful (and more compassionate) suggestion came from another forum response, and something I should have seen myself in the first place…there needs to be holes in the mold in order to slump using sheet glass. I knew this…just went with Delphi’s “it’s ready to go after kiln washing”.  Just for your info the description published under the images of the mold reads like this (says it SHOULD have worked as I used it) : “

Running thoroughbred horses tile mold is designed to make spectacular tiles and plaques. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. You can also use it like a texture mold by firing sheet glass on it to imprint texture. Then, once fired you can slump it, texture side up, to create bowls and plates with amazing detail. Must kiln wash before use. Measures 5-1/4″ x 10-3/4″ x 1-3/4″.

[wordana]

I have two similar molds from Delphi, though the pattern is recessed rather than raised. I filled the recesses with frit, placed two layers of sheet glass over the top, and fused away. They turned out fine. I did not drill holes in the mold. (picture of one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/89256790/fused-glass-plate-with-purple-flowers)

From my perspective the real detail of a mold like that comes from the frit, enamel, or paints you use. The mold itself merely provides some dimension.

I do think it is an unrealistic expectation that you can use a product and then hope to return it because you are unhappy with the results. I’m suspect if you had asked to return the mold before you used it, Delphi would have accepted the return.

 

Dana W.

 

Jester’s Baubles Fused Glass Designs

http://www.jestersbaubles.com

[glassy]

Hi,

I’m sorry to learn of your experience. I do agree that firing molds should come with their own usage instructions. I have had to contact Delphi several times when uncertain how to arrange the glass or to prep the mold. I also believe molds should come drilled when sold. Some people don’t have the tools for doing drilling their work. Maybe bisque molds easily break during packaging if pre-drilled? However, there is absolutely no reason why stainless steel can’t be sold pre-drilled! Good luck with your projects as well as your shopping experiences.   

 

 

 

include the

[Anonymous]

I have a different opinion – I don’t think that Delphi should (or really can) be responsible for customers using products correctly.  They are selling products – not education.

In this case, I think the description of the product is dead-on accurate. First, the product is called a “Tile Mold” – not a slumping mold.  Second, the description clearly states “once fired you can slump it”.  That, for me at least, clearly communicates that slumping is intended after using the mold.

Lastly, and this is true of lots of stuff – not just fusing products – consumers need to understand that you can pay a little more and get a human being to support your OR you can buy online at low prices and be on your own.  If you are expecting both you will be disappointed.  Everybody says they are willing to pay for good customer support but when it comes time to buy it is off to Amazon to find the lowest price.

Stepping off my soapbox.

---

Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.com

 

[Stephen Richard]

Jolinda,

I have seen your dissapointment on another discussion list.  But now you have shown the picture of the object and its description, which is helpful.  This is an example of user error rather than an innappropriate product.  The description you provided:

“Running thoroughbred horses tile mold is designed to make spectacular tiles and plaques. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. You can also use it like a texture mold by firing sheet glass on it to imprint texture. Then, once fired you can slump it, texture side up, to create bowls and plates with amazing detail. Must kiln wash before use. Measures 5-1/4″ x 10-3/4″ x 1-3/4″.

This description makes clear how to use it. A quick reading of the description could give an incorrect impression of how to use it.

You do not drill holes in a casting mould, as the glass would run out of the mould through the holes.

I think you are doing the seller an injustice.

Stephen Richard

blogs at: http://www.verrier-glass.blogspot.com/ and  http://www.glasstips.blogspot.com/

[Becki]

 

 I have to agree with Dana, Paul and Stephen.  The description of this mold was quite clear.  I have used this and similar molds with success. Education is your responsibility…not the responsibility of the supplier.

You have indeed done Delphi an injustice.

 

 

 

[Jolinda]

Thanks for your time here and your perspective, and I never mind taking correction when that’s due. I did try to post a picture several times, and have now done so again, but I don’t seem to be successful. If you like, here’s the link ...http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=fcef5bf57e724338bcfd7207a7b1fe91

I do still feel that the description of the mold (which I purchased for a student as I previously have only purchased BE molds or made my own) is not as it should be, stating: “You can also use it like a texture mold by firing sheet glass on it to imprint texture.(I did this – texture turned out like lumps) Then, once fired you can slump it, texture side up, to create bowls and plates with amazing detail. (of lumps, not details).  But honestly, I’m over it now and took actual pleasure in throwing the dumb thing in the trash as to be honest I never would have ordered it for myself.

I agree with Paul about the internet for sales and the service you are entitled to expect and also have learned my lesson about never again ordering anything for anyone else.  Let them deal with companys who don’t support or describe their products any better than this….I’ll stick with Bullseye molds or continue to make mine myself from now on.   Thanks again for your care and time in posting…

Happy Glass Making!

[Anonymous]

Hi Jolinda –

I believe the issue with the photos is that you are using links that are only available to you when logged into Shutterfly.  I fixed this in your original post (by linking to Delphi’s image).  I’m not familliar with Shutterfly – but most image hosting services have options for making images public.

Cheers

---

Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.com

 

[hopeit]

Jolinda, as an instructor, as you say, should know that when using a casting mold you must fire to a higher temperature that just a slump. I have used these types of molds in the past and never have had a problem. A little bit of Boron Nitride and the piece falls right out.

As far as Delphi goes, I am fortunate enough to live in the vicinity and love going there in person. The products are just as they are described in their catalogs and on line. Their staff is more than willing to help if you have any questions or problems and they have always worked with me if I have been unhappy, which has been very rarely. I have never found a problem with their phone support either; if the person I am talking to doesn’t know the answer, they find out or direct me to someone who does know, and I have asked some very technical questions. I think that you need to give them a second chance, after all I do not believe that they were to blame for your error.

[Author]

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