The new improved WSJ

[Ted Trower]

I'm just curious how other folks out there have adapted to the new reduced size of the 2007 Wall Street Journal. I've taken to folding it differently to maintain the size of the folded pad.

I'm folding the entire two page spread into thirds and tucking it as before rather than folding it in half before folding into thirds. Six to seven sheets seems to feel about right to me. The resulting pad is actually a bit bigger than the old pattern but I certainly don't like the pad coming out smaller.

[Scott Dunahee]

There isn't an option for I buy my newsprint in rolls and don't get inky.

BSD

[Charles Friedman]

I use nonprinted newsprint sheets.

[Randy Heise]

Our local newspaper puts end-rolls out free for the taking. - Randy in Oregon

[Richard Huntrods]

charring newsprint used to stuff up my sinuses something horrible.

Switched to the Gott pad years ago and have been totally pleased. Would never go back to paper.

-Richard

[Hugh Jenkins]

I too have weaned from newspaper to Gott pads. If the original size is not large enough and you heat up your finger tips, order the Gorilla Pad. Allan didn't think it would fly, but it is now part of his catalog of products.

[Fredi Vilina]

How do you guys keep it from sticking. I know to keep it wet but it seems after awhile it likes to stick no matter what. Maybe it shouldn't be used for hot gathers and be more for shaping?

[Scott Novota]

I may be mistaken but the gorrilla pad was a request I made.


If you need something from Allen just ask, he will make it.


I finally got the hang of using the pad correctly and storing them correctly. Now they last a long long time. Now that I have said that I am going to have to get some in a couple months as I finally see a slight hole developing him my last good pad.


Scott.
.

[Randy Kaltenbach]

Originally posted by Fredi Vilina
How do you guys keep it from sticking. I know to keep it wet but it seems after awhile it likes to stick no matter what. Maybe it shouldn't be used for hot gathers and be more for shaping? As with all tools, it took me a while to get used to it, too. When attacking a fresh gather, I have found it important to hang out with the pad about 1/4" to 1/2" from the work for a few seconds (like maybe 3-5). That builds up a steam layer and allows the pad to glide more easily. Same goes for uncased color.

[Pringle Teetor]

the new size is perfect for m small hands - I used to have to cut it...our problem is it is now printed locally and the paper is not as good - turns to mush very quickly.....Had some unprinted paper from the same press and it mushed as well.

[Doug Chaussee]

A reporter from the NY Times told me they too are changing size and paper content soon. I wouldn't contaminate my work with our local rag! I really like the steamer but it seems to be falling apart and getting fuzz on the pieces. It hasn't been used all that much either.

[David Patchen]

I always fold in thirds, then tuck in thirds.

I thought the WSJ was larger than all other papers--perhaps I haven't seen the new size? Smaller would be a bummer since I liked the extra size of the wsj.

And I'm shocked at all the glassblowers afraid of a little ink. Funny irony :)

[Pete VanderLaan]

Ostensibly, the ink causes minor scratches.

I really prefer as small a piece of paper as possible since I frequently like to work the glass the same way as I would a clay pot on a wheel. Larger peices of paper or a Gott pad are simply too bulky for finessing a piece. I do think the Gott pad is a great tool for most uses.

[Greg Vriethoff]

When I lived in Seattle I used the PI. When in LA, the LA Times. I was told by my first blowing instructor (and others later) that the NY Times is best.

I'm of the belief that it's how you make your paper. Soak it long enough, squeeze all the water and air out (stepping on it works best).

I don't use paper that often. I'm more about the marver.

[Scott Dunahee]

I'm not afraid of the ink, but my hands wash clean after work now instead of staying slightly black all the time as they used to. I'm still doing the same 8 hours a day in the hotshop now as I was then, but my hands are clean unless I'm working. We're going through our 4th roll of newsprint - they last 9 months or more and are ~$30 per roll for the 24" width from Uline.

Try it.

BSD

[David Patchen]

Hands wash clean? No black dirt in the cracks of your skin? Cool.

I actually thought the black was from the carbon on the business side of the paper rather than the ink. I'd be a convert if my hands were cleaner after a shower. I don't necessarily like looking like I pulled a transmission even after a shower. My next Uline order I'll check it out thx.

[Glenn Randle]

Most local newspapers sell their endrolls for a few dollars, depending on the amount of paper left on them. Sometimes they are even free.

The graphite felt pads were a good addition to our craft, but aren't "perfect". I've used them quite a bit and have decided that the increased friction (drag) they create makes my job harder, so I'm back to paper.

My only complaint about paper is the "burning in" time, & smoke. Maybe if I could find a source for hemp paper that chore would become a bit more pleasurable!;)

Btw, The graphite felt is very handy for using as a "paper marver" for straightening long pieces. Just use it on a board with newsprint sandwiched between for holding water. Also, when buying the felt "thicker" is not better as it doesn't produce the necessary steam as well.

[Robert Coleman]

Whatever you do, use the A&E section for those special pieces and the help wanted ads for the bread & butter to remind you!
Welcome to Octuple, Bob

[Dave Hilty]

I agree with Pete that small & relatively thin paper fold up is my preference for working pieces. I copied Josh when I saw him using a glove on his business hand at Corning. That way I can work thin paper & tolerate more heat than otherwise.

Also ditto to Scott on the butt ends of unprinted newsprint from the printer. I got really pissed at finding marking (had to be the ink) on pieces. Once I switched to plain paper, never a mark again.

[Allan Gott]

Ah yes, thanks Steamer users for stepping up.

Hugh and Scott........you are both right.......but Ben Moore was the first guy to ask for a bigger pad. The "Gorilla" has sold better than I expected.

Thanks to Ben for the incentive, Scott for the reinforcement and Hugh for the encouragement.

Drag is the result of a pad drying out during use, and as for fuzz........well........I've seen Steamer pads break down really fast and it's usually the result of storing them way too wet........like leaving them in a water bucket overnight..........or longer.

Glenn, you're absolutely right. Steamers are not perfect, neither is paper, or blocks, or marvers, or parchoffis. That's why most of us use 'em all at some point and I am happy to have made a contribution to the glassmakers toolbox.

As always, I am available offboard for any questions or concerns regarding our products. Thanks to all craftwebbers and the studio glass community as a whole for their support of our little business.

[Hugh Jenkins]

We usually touch the surface of our gathers with a graphite paddle and then use the steamer pad. We also rinse the pad every day to get rid of fuzz and dust and gecko droppings ( a constant threat here). I haven't stuck a surface for a long time, but I do remember and always take precautions. No way we would go back to newspaper.