Glass Frit/Powder Sifters
“Frit” is glass which has been broken up into pieces of varying size. You use different sized chunks for different purposes (eg large chunks could be used for mosaic style work, while glass powder could be used to fill in small holes and prevent bubbles). You generally need a way to separate it into differentContinue reading “Glass Frit/Powder Sifters”
Fused Glass/Metal Experiments
I’ve been trying combining fused glass with various powdered metals and metal compounds to see what effect it has on the glass colour. I’ve been intentionally avoiding compounds which – when heated – might decompose into harmful byproducts (eg chlorine containing compounds). I didn’t take photos of all the experiments prior to firing, but hereContinue reading “Fused Glass/Metal Experiments”
Fused Glass Attempt # 1
The first thing I tried with my new kiln was some glass fusing. Tools To cut glass I needed some new tools: Toyo Glass cutter and cutting oil (appears to be just a very low viscosity mineral oil). Metal running pliers. Glass I had bought a “student pack” of glass manufactured by Bullseye Glass Co.Continue reading “Fused Glass Attempt # 1”
New Tool! Jewellery Kiln
I’ve wanted one of these for ages, so I decided to buy one a couple of weeks ago. I went for a “Prometheus Pro-1 PRG” which is a small, comparatively cheap desktop kiln: Its ideal for a beginner. I paid a bit more for the programmable controller since I need some multi-stage programmes for someContinue reading “New Tool! Jewellery Kiln”
Cyanotype Attempt #2
I tried the Cyanotype process again. I used the same method as before, with the following improvements: I had sponge brushes to paint the fluid on the paper consistently. I made sure not to leave any “pools” on the paper. I sandwiched things between my two new A4 glass sheets to fix any focus issues.Continue reading “Cyanotype Attempt #2”
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisii) Pollen
My Peace Lily has flowered and is scattering pollen everywhere. I think might even be giving me mild hayfever. Clearly the only thing to do is investigate! I happen to have this microscope slide equipment in the cupboard. So I put some pollen on a slide and mounted the cover glass (I spread the pollenContinue reading “Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisii) Pollen”
Cyanotype Attempt #1
A Cyanotype is an early photographic method which yields a characteristic Prussian Blue image. It is literally how you make a “blueprint”. I’ve done this before on a small scale, but I’d forgotten the exact quantities required. Luckily, NileRed has a reasonably comprehensive video on the subject, so please do watch that! Basically, you mixContinue reading “Cyanotype Attempt #1”
Epoxy Resin Casting Attempt #3
I wasn’t going to post another of these attempts as I’d hoped to be actually doing something with it now, but as it turned out, the red owl was a failure. It never cured properly: I figured out I’d simply not been careful enough measuring the quantities, so it remained really bendy. I had toContinue reading “Epoxy Resin Casting Attempt #3”
Making a UV Exposure Box
I’ve been wanting one of these for a while for some other projects I have planned. Previously I’ve (ab)used an old EEPROM eraser box, but (a) I wanted something a bit larger and (b) it isn’t mine and is a bit of a faff to get to right now. I did some Googling and foundContinue reading “Making a UV Exposure Box”
Moles, Avogadro’s Number, and Atomic Mass Units
I quite enjoyed Chemistry in Secondary School: I think I even did a CSYS course in it. However, I remember always having problems with the concept of a Mole and the calculations surrounding it. I’m not sure if I was being particularly dim, or just didn’t have enough context be able to relate to itContinue reading “Moles, Avogadro’s Number, and Atomic Mass Units”
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About Me
I’m interested in doing interesting things with all sorts of technology: I thought I should write some of it down.
By day, I’m the Chief Architect for TVSquared, the leading TV analytics company (we do CTV/OTT/VOD as well as traditional linear TV).
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