A Few Common Coldworking FAQs

Thank you for digging a little deeper into some of the most common coldworking FAQs and learning more about the process of working with me. As the coldworking process is often an unseen step, there are usually a lot of questions that are left unanswered. Let’s see if I can help.

Q: Can you fix this?

A: Repairs are on a case-by-case basis. I will need to see detailed photos of the damage or the actual pieces before I agree to take on a repair.

Q: What does a clean break mean when it comes to repairs?

A: A clean break is when something is broken but fits back together almost perfectly without any missing parts. This usually refers to something that is in 2 or 3 pieces.

Q: Do you only take on big projects?

A: Nope, I’m happy to help on any size of project!

Q: What glue do you use most?

A: Hxtal is my go-to glue for almost everything. I know the most about it, I use it in a variety of ways and feel most comfortable with its longevity. Of course, there are always special cases that may require something different.

Q: Do you prefer grit or diamonds?

A: Grit will always be my favorite! Cheaper and faster.

Q: Do you really use Diamonds to coldwork?

A: Yes, they are industrial grade diamonds that are embedded in metal or resin tools that allow me to grind and smooth glass. They range from coarse to fine like sandpaper for woodworking.

Q: Do you acid etch or acid polish?

A: I do not.

Q: What is grit and how do you use it?

A: Grit is a loose abrasive, called silicon carbide. It’s used in a water-grit slurry to grind glass on flat mills, during hand sanding and hand lapping processes.

Q: Do you repair anything other than glass?

A: Currently, glass is the only medium I work on.

Q: What is color incompatibility and what does it have to do with coldworking?

A: Color incompatibility is when certain colors don’t “fit” with the base clear glass or other colors its paired with. Stress is caused where the different glasses join together, causing cracks, breakage or even explosions. Often these reactions are triggered by the coldworking process. Between the vibrations of the coldworking equipment and breaking the surface tension of the glass while grinding, coldworkers are often the first to see color incompatibility. Nothing can by done to repair this.

Q: Does your name go on the artwork that you coldwork?

A: No, the artwork I work on is 100% the artists. Coldworking is just one step in the process of making glass. Glass is unique, it’s one of the few mediums that almost always requires a team to assist in its creation.

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve as a coldworker?

A: When people attempt to coldwork things, make a mess of it and then ask me to fix it. It makes my job so much harder when I don’t start with the glass in its original state. Sometimes too much damage has been done to get the end results that were wanted to begin with.

Q: What is a must have in every coldshop?

A: Trizact Belts (A30, A16, A6), are hands down my favorite tool in the shop. I use them every day. They are the quickest way to get glass ready for polish.

Q: Do I teach coldworking classes?

A: I hope to in the future. Whether that be in my studio or traveling to other coldshops, I’m excited to share all my knowledge with people.

Q: Do I know how to blow glass?

A: Yes, but not great. I can still assist but would by no means consider myself a glassblower. I spent all my college career in the hot shop blowing glass but after graduation coldworking became my life which is the way I like it.

If I haven't answered your question here, don't hesitate to reach out!

REACH OUT