FAQ Pipes and punties My new pipe has arrived bent! What's up? Even though every pipe and punty that we send out is straightened to a "run out" in the body and head of no more than .009", it take only a "bump" usually knocking the tool over, for it to get a bend. If the tube or box your tools have been shipped in is handled roughly, a new pipe or punty can arrive bent. This problem is worst when we ship single items, usually with a stainless body. If you do receive a bent tool, please call us immediately and we will do our best to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. What is the largest pipe you can make? The largest standard production pipe we make is the Jumbo, PI-JP. We have made pipe with bodies up to 2" diameter and heads up to 2-1/2" diameter. Large pipes have serious limitations, primarily they allow you to gather more glass than can be humanly handled. Worse, the weight and size of the pipe often makes it more difficult to work with the same amount of glass that could be handled on a smaller pipe. We strongly caution people against ordering a large pipe or punty unless they have one they currently work with comfortably. If you have a problem with bending your large pipes because of too much weight, the best solution is usually to try a heavier wall 4130 tubing. Carlo Dona How do you get out of a pineapple mold? It's important to start with a bubble shaped as closely as possible to the inside shape of the mold, if possible blown thin on the bottom. The biggest reason people get stuck in pineapple molds is too much hot glass at the bottom of their bubble. Make sure your moile isn't too hot!! If the moil is too hot it will not provide support for pulling your bubble out of the mold. Just before you withdraw from the mold, pull a little air out of the pipe - just a tiny breath is plenty. What if I get stuck in a pineapple mold? Use your feet to grab the mold, pull back and cut off the glass and the mold and put them both into a bucket of cold water. Once the mold has cooled down pull it out and let it dry - DO NOT TRY TO SCRAPE THE GLASS OUT!! Use a small torch to reheat the glass then quench it until the glass loosens and can be vacuumed out. Patience! Does Spiral Arts sharpen shears? We do not sharpen shears - Call us and we will try to make a recommendation for a good sharpener.
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