Two Rod Flow Bars

Flow Bars

There are many different ways to create pattern bars. Since the mid 1990’s Carmen and I have been exploring what I call “Flow Bars.” These are pattern bars with a set-up that requires the glass to flow over, through or around an objects or openings to stir the pattern. The results are beautiful and intriguing. 

To make the “Two Rod” flow bars some you will need 2 – ¼” diameter stainless steel rods,  ½ x 24” x 6” fiber board or old kiln shelves and a soft brick. You will also need an old cross cut wood saw, a drill bit, some shelf primer and some glass. 

Step 1.  Cut the soft brick into two matching pieces of your desired width. I use an old saw because it’s not going to be much good for wood after cutting the soft brick.  I cut my sections 2” x 2.5” x 3”

Step 2.  Twisting the bit with your fingers, drill two matching holes for the stainless steel rods. Using an electric drill will just chew up the soft brick. If you keep the wholes at the same height you glass will sit level on them.

Step 3.  With a utility knife, cut the fiberboard into two 3” wide sections. You can choose to burn out the fiberboard and/ or add rigidizer to make them stronger, but I don’t.

Step 4.  I mix my shelf primer thicker than normal using 1- part Fuse Master Shelf Primer and 2 – parts water. Paint everything except the rods with a nice thick protective coating of shelf primer.  If you paint the rods, the shelf primer will get inside and contaminate your flow bar.

Step 5.  Cut your glass into strips ¼” narrower than your soft brick. My brick is 3” wide, my strips are 2 ¾” wide and as long as the exposed rods.  Stack as many strips as you would like (8 to 10 is a good starting point). Using at least half clear makes for a visually interesting bar. This is your primary design opportunity so put some thought into creating a pleasing palette and design.

Learn more about ways to make and use pattern bars in the “Ultimate Fusing” class with Gil Reynolds June 24-28, 2013. …