Copper pipe bezels, copper pipe charms, and enameling

I have gotten several questions in the last couple of months about it since I have posted picts on FB. If you are not my Facebook friend, you can find the photos on my Facebook page under my name. I will approve you for my friend - just ask.

I do my copper enameling with a butane torch. I don't have a kiln. I don't do it enough to buy a kiln and a kiln is not in my budget right now. It is not hard to do it with a torch. I just set up a tripod with some rebar wire to heat the copper and enamel powder. Here is a very good website with lots of good info, literature, and source for enamel powder. They sell beginner's kits. Don't forget the sifter and holding agent so the powder doesn't fall off. Susan Lenart Kazmer and Richard Salley teach copper enameling classes. If you ever get the chance to take a class with Richard, grab it. He is a great instructor. I have not had a chance to take a class with Jane Salley but she is a wonderful artist.
Here is the website link: http://enameling.com/FAQ.html

I got my tripod set-up from Rio Grande.
http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/ProductPage.aspx?assetname=502085&page=GRID&free_text%7c1256438407875=tripod

If also have a pair of copper tongs to use with pickle:
http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/ProductPage.aspx?assetname=501017&page=GRID&category%7ccategory_root%7c126=Soldering+Equipment+and+Supplies&first_answer=121

I also bought my soldering pad here:
http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/ProductPage.aspx?assetname=502063&page=GRID&free_text%7c1256438945578=soldering+pad

Don't forget your flux and lead-free solder.

From the hardware store, I got my top cutting pliers. They are great for snipping the solder into small bits so that the solder will flow more easily into the crevices when heated.

People have also asked me about a butane torch. That is a personal preference. I can only tell you that I like the ones that are easy for me to hold. I like the ones that self-light - that you click and they light by themselves. I don't like the ones where you have to take a flame to it each time you want to light it. You want the ones that you can easily control the flame. I don't like the ones where you have to hold the trigger to leave the flame on. Your trigger finger gets tired and sore sooner than you think. There are some where there is a knob where you can switch it so you can take your finger off the trigger. Make sure you have an extra can of butane fuel. It goes fast.