Storing & Smoothing Scrap Glass

by Mickie
(Texas)

I use glass jars so that I can see through, and put my scrap glass in them by color. I save any besides the very smallest pieces. Then I have 2 rock tumblers (at $20 a piece)and I put bits of the same color of glass in them, do not fill the tumblers, just about 1/2 or little less full and barely cover with the warm water and a little bit of soap and tumble them for about an hour. Then I put the pieces in a strainer and run warm water over them until all of the soap is gone, and lay them out on a towel and pat them dry. I then have jars labeled tumbled and transfer them to the labeled jars. The rock tumbler not only makes the small pieces of glass smooth so you can handle them without fear of slivers or cuts, but it also cleans them of left over oils, flux or whatever. I now have pieces for mosaics, fish aquariums and other uses! It is amazing how many small pieces of scrap glass, if you save it, builds up. This method has worked perfectly for some time with never a drop of blood after doing it. If I find I could use a piece (I do run a little larger pieces through also), I just grind around the edges a little so the foil sticks as before. It has been a very good $20 investment for the rock tumbler...