![]() ![]() annealing oven (to allow the completed glass to cool without breaking)Įach studio will have all of these items along with many other tools to allow you to manipulate the glass to “sculpt” the shape you want.įrom left to Right, Gloryhole, Furnace, Annealing oven.a block (wet newspaper at minimum) to shape the glass.punty (an iron rod used to hold and shape the glass).Glass has to slowly cool or it will go through thermal shock and crack.Įvery glass blowing studio will need the following items: The annealer is used to slowly cool all piece created to room temperature this takes 12+ hours. The last piece of equipment needed is the Annealing oven, which is electric. You need a gloryhole which is made in a cylinder vessel insulated with fire brick or fire blanket, this equipment is generally gas heat, but can also be electric, it is around 2100F. The three main piece of equipment needed to make glass are the molten glass furnace, melting glass at 2150F, this can be a gas or electric furnace. ![]() What do you need for glass blowing?Ī question I am often asked is what you need for glass blowing. When blowing glass we tend to also use what we call sleeves to shield heat from our arms or even gloves for close up sculpting work. Don’t look into the gloryhole for too long. The gloryhole gives off UVA/UVB type of light, therefore UV protectant eyewear is a good option. Therefore, proper ventilation is a must and wearing an N95 mask gives you added protection. Molten glass is dipped into the power and some of the precious metals are vaporized. Colored glass is made with powdered precious metals. When working as a glassblower over the long term, it’s important to take precautions. Always wear eye protection! I would recommend that you wear an N95 mask when dealing with heavy metals and coloring glass. To mitigate the risks of burning your skin wear gloves, a long sleeve shirt and jeans to protect your skin from the heat of the furnace and accidentally touching the molten glass. With proper precautions the risks can be mitigated. Glass is colored with heavy metals such as cobalt, gold, lead and copper which can be toxic if inhaled. Molten glass can be 1600 to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and the furnace can be over 2,100 degrees. ![]() The punty is only holding the piece with a small bit of glass, its meant to break off easily once the piece is completed. This piece has been transferred to a punty so the front of the vessel can be worked on. ![]()
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