Sick glass / Laser repair????

[coinnut]

Hi, new to forum. Was wondering if any one has any standard treatment for sick glass? I've tried everything (everything I know of any how) and no luck. Someone told me the bottles I dug had the sick glass effect. Also wondering with todays laser technology, if you could cure sick glass with a laser. Kind of like they use on your eyes or other cleaning procedures. With the right frequency it sounds like it should be possible? Why not go a step further and fix cracks on some of our broken bottles by melting that specific region of the bottle? I know that the grading company for coins (PCGS) has seen an increase in coins being repaired and then smoothed out with a laser. Any ideas or comments? Thanks - George

 

[Alabama Jim]

I don't know much about the laser,but if it creates heat on the glass you may have a problem.Especially old glass in causing more cracks.Tumbling is so far the best way.I use an old clothes dryer with 4 all thread rods inserted into the tub like crosshairs about 10" apart.Made the tubes out of 4" PVC tubes and sewer drain caps for closure.I purchased some cleaning material and it works fine.

 

[coinnut]

Hi, Thanks for the reply and the interesting way to clean the bottles. So does you unit clean 4 bottles at a time or more? Any where I can get plans and the right solutions to run it? - George

 

[Alabama Jim]

I can tumble 4 bottles at at time but mostly 2.Try this site for plans,if it doesn't have what you want contact me and I'll try to draw up some plans.http://www.antique-bottles.net/forum/build_my_own_tumbler/m_5467/tm.htm

 

[coinnut]

Thanks Alabama Jim, I'll try that link. Maybe it will give me info on tumbling and tumbling media.