SHOPTALK1202.25 - FINISHING TOOL DIY

Glass Tongs. Finishing Tools. Miers Pliers. Whatever you wanna call 'em, these hi-temp grabbers are essential to hold hot glass pieces while you finish them and/or put hot items back in and out of the kiln. I've been making this version for over 15 years, and I'll show you how to make your very own in this video.
If you'd rather just buy them, I do occasionally have them available here

Materials you’ll need:
-12-18” Steel BBQ Tongs w/wooden handles and locking mechanism 
-1 Foot of 4” Wide High Temp Lathe Tape
-Rocksett/Waleset Hi-Temp Engineering Adhesive (2oz)
-(6) 2” Heavy Duty Spring Clamps
-Thin Plastic Sheeting ('For Sale' signs or a cut up plastic milk jug work great too) 
Time to make them once supplies are in hand: 15-30min
Time for glue to cure: 24hrs in a warm room.

Helpful Links: Tongs, adhesive, clamps, etc: https://www.amazon.com/shop/nathan_miers - Paid Link, please keep in mind that I may receive a commission when you click on our links and make a purchase. This, however, has no bearing on our reviews and comparisons. Many of these items are also available at your local hardware store or Home Depot. 
High-temp Lathe Tape (Blue/Black) by the foot available thru: https://www.mountainglass.com/tools-and-equipment/more-tools-equipment/lathe-tape
High-temp Lathe Tape (Blue/Black) by the roll available thru: 
https://www.waleapparatus.com/category/high-temp-tapes-adhesives-tapes

The lathe tape is an asbestos-free fiberglass tape, and will hold up to working temps of 1700 degrees, while the glue is a non-toxic hi-temp engineering adhesive rated up to 2015 degrees. 

Working tips:
It's okay (and even recommended) to quickly flash these a few times in the back of the flame before using them to warm them up as to avoid heat shock, esp in the colder months, but avoid torching them directly when holding pieces as the flame will break them down quickly. They can also be kind of slippery at first so please be extra extra extra careful until they are broken in a bit.

If you found this video helpful, I graciously accept tips at: paypal.me/wofoco
For questions/comments/concerns: https://nathanmiers.com/pages/hey-n8
Thanks for watching!! -N8-