Making "Jacks" for HOT GLASS work

http://www.customdesignmetalarts.com/

first two prototypes.
This thread has follow up pix of jacks, tooling and the latest edition ... some diamond shears.
http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=451564#post451564

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• lampwork
• boro
• goblets
• glass
• tools
• flamework
• Jacks
• hand tools

[ornametalsmith]

thanks, bz and raman.

I'm already up to the 3rd version of them....got the handles down. Look just like the store bought ones now.

Not sure if I completely understand your "blades", Mike..........but I'm going to be getting a chance to see some REAL ones Next weekend. I'll take pix n notes.

[acroduster]

wow! now you have my attention!-) those are perfect cup jacks! the only thing I would change is taper the entire length of the blade rather than just the tip. its a lot more work, but the results are amazing if the blades have a slow taper to them. now I really got to get those drawings to you.-)

[ornametalsmith]

thanks, Bobby. That's the kind of feedback I need. I'll be making another set of blades for them today. This one will be the "long taper" style. I'll probably go back and taper the first set a lil further up the shaft.

[ramanglass544]

if these are your first 2 pairs they look great

the cup jacks i like to use are sharper on the thick side closest to the handles and slightly rounded at the tips to prevent scarring on feet and lids

[bzglass]

Nice work on those jacks.

[acroduster]

I agree with tubeular009, the handles need to assure that the tips of the blades precisly line up for fine cup work, but you are near there, I think the jimm moore jacks are 304. but I am not positive, I know they resist rusting real well, and handle the heat, its what I plan on using when next I builds me another set.-) I have been hunting for 304 in the streamlined high tension form used on biplanes for the cross lines. I think its pre shaped for blade jacks, and its made of 304.-)