Any seasoned glass blowing veteran will tell you that the quality of your glass blowing equipment drastically affects the quality of your work. Whether you plan on taking a class for glassblowing or you simply want to restock your studio with reliable supplies, finding the right glass blowing equipment is an important step in improving your art. Here are a few things to consider when browsing for ideal glass blowing equipment.
Glassblowing is used for a variety of different reasons, from making dishes to creating gorgeous pieces of art to simply blowing test tubes. It is a very precise, time sensitive art that requires dexterity, patience, and practice. When first learning about the art of glass blowing, many mistakenly assume that it’s a very messy, coarse, clumsy form of art, when in reality skilled glass blowers spend a considerable amount of time perfecting tiny details, such as a handle on a vase or a minute curves and whorls on an abstract piece of art. The sheer amount of details, textures, and colors a glass blower can accomplish is simply stunning, especially when you consider that it was crafted simply from a lump of molten glass.
One of the most used glass blowing equipment would have to be the furnaces. The first is used to melt the glass, which can be bought in the form of a powder or in nuggets. The second, called the glory hole, is used throughout the shaping process. It keeps the glass heated and flexible, allowing you to pluck it with tweezers, shears, and other tools to get the desired shape. The last, known as the annealing furnace, is where your finished work is allowed to cool slowly. This process can take as few as a couple of hours or as much as two or three days depending on its size, shape, and complexity.
Other glass blowing equipment include rods, which the glass blower spins constantly while shaping the glass. These can be made of carbon steel, stainless steel, and several other materials, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Blow pipes are what the artist uses to create a bubble within the lump of glass, which aids in shaping.
These are only a few basic tools to consider. Along with these glass blowing equipment tools, you’ll want to invest in a set of quality goggles, gloves, and an apron for safety reasons. By investing in these, you will be able to work with more confidence, resulting in glass works that can’t be beat in terms of quality. Learn more about glass blowing equipment tools today!
