Introduction to Glass Blowing
Glass blowing can be an expensive hobby, but nearly all start-up costs, including class prices, of a similar craft known as lampworking are much less expensive than offhand glass blowing. A very basic lampworking setup can be obtained for under $1,000.
Getting Started with Glass Blowing
There are many ways to start blowing glass out of the pipe. Some people wrap their fingers in tape and lightly hold the pipe while moving the wand up and down, or left and right.
If this is your first time blowing glass, attend a workshop at a glass studio or take a glass blowing class. Always wear the right gear. Setting up a home glass blowing or lampworking studio can be great for artists looking to start at-home businesses and experiment with glass without the pressures of outside studio time.
While glassblowing often needs bigger kilns and equipment, lampworking is mostly done on a more intimate scale and can be perfectly safe even inside your home.
Safety and Technique
If you inhale hard enough, some glass might get into the end of your blowpipe, but it will harden quickly and block up the pipe, preventing you from inhaling anymore and also preventing you from getting any hot glass into your mouth.
What is needed for glass blowing? It is straightforward for fires to get out of control, so please take care while trying any glasswork at home.
Before starting the glass blowing process, the glass is placed in a furnace that heats it to a temperature of 2000 degrees, making it malleable. The glass is then collected by inserting one end of the blowpipe into the furnace and rolling it over the molten glass until a "gob" of glass adheres to it.
Common Questions
Can I do glass blowing at home?
Yes, with the necessary tools and precautions. However, remember that this project will require fire, heat, and molten glass.
Do glass blowers get lung problems?
Increased risks of lung and other cancers have been reported among glass workers.
How big is the glass blowing industry?
Substantial enough to support at-home studios and a range of equipment costs.
How do you start glass blowing at home?
Take instructional classes and consider setting up a lampworking station at home, which requires less space and is less expensive.
What equipment do you need to blow glass?
Essentials include a furnace or torch, blowpipe, and tools like marvers and jacks to shape the glass.
Can glass blowing be done without a kiln?
While challenging and potentially more dangerous, it is possible with proper precautions and equipment.
Getting Equipped
A glass-blowing studio at home would require a furnace, glory hole, annealer, bench, and various tools, but lampworking is an accessible alternative. You can start with a simple kit, which might include a small electric furnace.
What glasses do glass blowers use?
Most commonly, glass blowers use borosilicate glass (Pyrex).
How to Blow Glass
When creating glass art, you need to blow into the pipe for controlled intervals and turn the pipe to ensure an even shape.
Learning and Earning
Can glass blowers make good money?
Yes, the average salary for glass blowers is around $34,030 a year.
How does one get into glass blowing?
Start with taking a class to learn proper techniques and safety measures, then consider renting studio space or setting up a small home studio.
What is a glass blowing pipe?
It is used to blow a bubble of air into molten glass as the first step in creating hand-blown bottles and bowls.
Do you need a kiln for glass blowing?
Yes, a kiln is required to relieve stresses and prevent breakage of the glass workpiece.
Conclusion
Glass blowing is a versatile art that can become a rewarding hobby or profession with practice and the right equipment.