When it comes to picking out the best supplies, having a quality glass blowing pipe is one of the most essential purchases you can make. This tool is one that you’ll likely use the most. Here are a few ways that having a good glass blowing pipe can affect the quality of your work.

Glass artists begin their work by heating the punty, which is the rod in which the glass is shaped. This ensures that the molten glass will stick to its surface. This is achieved by a specialized heater that makes it possible to safely and efficiently heat the pipe. That done, the artist is free to dip the end of the pipe into the glass until a large portion of it sticks. That done, the artist makes measured puffs of air through a glass blowing pipe, thus creating a bubble in the center. By spinning the pipe, the artist can then shape the glass by spinning it lightly against a cooled metal table. This allows him or her to create thousands of different shapes, from bowls and mugs to complex sculptures, paperweights, and ornaments.

Glass pipes are typically made from stainless steel or carbon steel with plastic mouthpieces for blowing. There are advantages and disadvantages to using different types of steel. For example, carbon steel oxidizes over time, while stainless steel doesn’t. On the other hand, stainless steel is more likely to bend.

While they may initially seem pricey, it’s important to have a number of them in your studio. Not only will this allow you to work on many projects at once, but it will ensure that you’re not left without a glass blowing pipe if you need one in a pinch. After all, accidents can happen, and it’s all too easy to neglect your inventory when dealing with such a time sensitive art as glass blowing.

As with most tools, there is some maintenance involved with your glass blowing pipe. Keeping up with this regularly will not only ensure that your pipe lasts much longer, but it will help the quality of your work improve significantly as well. This includes cleaning your carbon steel with an abrasive cloth to remove the rust or using sandpaper to give your stainless steel more traction against your hands. In following these rules and more, you can do wonders for keeping your glass blowing pipes in perfect condition. Learn more today!