Attention Lampworkers and Glass Artists: No More Wasted Glass!

Tips for Using the MeRICKAL

by Ericka Mattsson

	I like to have my short glass rods laid out on a block of marble. This is about one inch tall. The added height allows you to pick up your glass at the proper angle. A block of graphite will work or any kind of brick. It is always best to pick up the glass from the cut end to keep the glass straight while working it in the flame.
If you accidentally melt the glass to the MeRICKAL just hold it ouside the flame for a few seconds and the glass will cool and pop off. If you're impatient, you can hit the tool on the edge of your workbench and the glass will cool in a few seconds and pop off.
	If glass sticks to the tool you can heat it carefully in the flame and then quench it in water. This usually works.
If you are using your MeRICKAL for a long time and it is close to the flame, you may experience what I call the "Doppelganger thermal crack". This is where the tool will be so hot that it will crack the glass. If this happens just quench it in water to cool it off. ( Be careful the water will spit and boil !).
	You can pull stringers with the MeRICKAL. I suggest holding in front of the X when you do the actual pulling, so you don't lose the glass.

I get the most use out of the Regular Long and the Micro. It is a good idea to have two regulars available on your workbench.

We also offer an XL custom size for extra large glass rods. Even though I find the XL is useful, it's not as important as the others. If you are interested in ordering a custom size, please e-mail for more information.