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Glue recommendations for fused glass pendants?
Last post 06-17-2008 9:11 PM by glossy. 4 replies.
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  • 12-11-2007 5:30 PM

    Glue recommendations for fused glass pendants?

    Hello fellow jewelry makers!

     

    My wife and I have been making fused glass necklace pendants for a couple of months now.

    We have tried E-6000 ("jewelry" glue in the tube) and Triolyse (2-step epoxy glue system) and neither one of them is working very well for us.

     I'd been wearing a glass pendant i made (and glued the bail on with Triolyse) for over a month, but when i accidentally dropped it once, the bail popped RIGHT OFF!!  :(

    I'm looking for a SERIOUS glue that will hold bails onto fused glass better than the above mentioned glues.

    Any of you have ideas?

    :)
    DEAN

    www.SunCanyonBeads.com

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    www.SunCanyonBeads.com (ebay store)

    www.SincerelyMichelleMarie.com (gallery website)
  • 12-11-2007 7:52 PM In reply to

    Re: Glue recommendations for fused glass pendants?

     I am sorry, I was going to say E-6000 or two part epoxy. have you tried Zap-A-Gap? It's a super glue.

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  • 12-16-2007 8:37 PM In reply to

    Re: Glue recommendations for fused glass pendants?

    We have created and sold hundreds of fused glass pendants with glued-on bails and this is what we have found.  E6000 and 2-part epoxies both work well, but there are some steps you can take to make them hold better.  Regarding Zap-a-Gap, let me say that I love it, use it all the time, and it has many applications, but I would not use any CA glue for attaching bails to fused glass pendants, which tend to be fairly heavy.  It can become brittle and the bail can pop off fairly easily. 

    For both the E6000 and the 2-part epoxies, clean both pieces to be glued.  We use alcohol or acetone, wipe clean, and allow the pieces to dry thoroughly.  Rough up both surfaces to be glued.  We use a Dremel with a diamond bit.  For the E6000, apply a little glue to the bail and then press it hard onto the pendant.  You want a (very) tiny bit of glue to show around the edges. If it is possible to tape or clamp the piece, do so.  At least, lay it with the pendant on top so that the weight presses against the bail. Despite the fact that the directions say that it dries in a few hours, don't touch it for 24 hours.  

    For 2-part epoxy, Don't use the 5-minute kinds.  Make sure to use equal amounts from both parts.  Some people use a scale to get them exact.  A lot of people make the mistake of not mixing it thoroughly enough.  10 - 15 seconds won't do it.  The epoxy goes through several stages as it's being mixed where it gets cloudy, then it gets bubbly, then it gets clear again.  Make sure you mix it until it gets back to the clear stage - at least a minute or more.   Then follow the same directions as for the E6000. 

     We've had several pendants or earrings that we glued this way that we later tried getting apart and had a heck of a time trying to do it. 

     

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    Robin Aronson
    www.satincord.com - Satin, rattail and silk cord - Finished necklaces.
    Kumihimo and Chinese Knotting tutorials and supplies
  • 12-16-2007 11:51 PM In reply to

    Re: Glue recommendations for fused glass pendants?

     I agree with everything Robin says.

    Some years back we manufactured 1000's of pairs of Swarovski flat back and point back jewels into post earrings. We used the 24Hr 2-part epoxy that we now sell as Stock #: 60-210 Rings & Things 2 part epoxy in 8 oz kits.

    We suggest cleaning both parts with rubbing alcohol. I think it's better than acetone. For most slumped glass pendants, barrettes, pins, etc I think E6000 is better than 2 part epoxy as it has a little give. On a post earring the glue does not need to give. On barrettes, pins and some pendants it needs to give a little.

    One caveat with 2 part epoxy. If you heat your house with wood heat you may experience problems with epoxy. Many of our "back woods" customers have reported this. I've not heard of the same problem with E6000.

    Mix 2 part epoxy longer than you think you need. With the 24 hour type mix for a minute or more, let it sit for a minute or so and them mix some more. Chemical reactions take place (as Robin says) during the mixing. To get equal amounts you can trace 2 circles on your mixing bed. (nickels, dimes, quarters?) Fill them the same both to the edge of the circle and to the same depth.

    There is some more adhesive info at Rings & Things that maybe helpful.

    Bottom line?  I think E6000 is the best for Anraku style bails and slumped/fused glass pieces. I do NOT suggest any kind of super glue for them.

     

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    Check out the Rings & Things 5 DAY SALE every other week.
    http://www.rings-things.com/sale

    -- Russ ( http://www.rings-things.com - Spokane, WA - USA)
  • 06-17-2008 9:11 PM In reply to

    • glossy
    • Joined on 06-17-2008
    • Posts 1

    Re: Glue recommendations for fused glass pendants?

     I use LEPAGE speed set epoxy that you can get at Canadian Tire or Home Depot.  I clang my pendants around in bags together and they are as sturdy as can be using it.  DON'T get the thin tubed slow drying package - for some reason that kind was awful.  :)

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