Stainless Paddle Directions

Think Safety:

Be proactive about safety. Take classes, do research, and talk with experts. Actively work to identify, and then reduce or eliminate hazards. You are responsible for your own safety and long term health.
Always use the correct filtered glasses to protect your eyes.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Always work with proper ventilation. Talk with an expert about your situation.
Set up and operate your torch system safely. Take a class or get an expert to show you.
Keep your workspace clean and organized. Set up your tools and glass so you don't need to reach over or around the torch.
Be careful with water. Putting hot tools or glass in water can generate steam. Long tubes can create jets of steam.
Watch out for repetitive strain injury (RSI). Take breaks, watch your posture, and cushion your elbow rests.
Always remove and clean your beads while wet to minimize bead release dust in the air.

Stainless Paddle Safety:

The rubber handle is heat and flame resistant, not heat and flame proof. Don't place the paddle in the flame.

Use:

Build a disk of glass by winding the glass onto the mandrel. As you build the disk, straighten it out by using the paddle.
Slide the mandrel into the slot in the paddle. Push slightly on bead to straighten the disk.