To start blowing glass pipes, gather tools – a torch, work surface, tweezers, scissors, and an iron. You also need glass rods, color rods, and a bubble tool. Research your target market to develop ideas for your business and outline goals, strategies, projections in a business plan to secure funding. Learn from experts until you are skilled; handling tools alone can be dangerous.
Essential Tools for Glass Blowing
The major tools for glass blowing include:
- Blowpipe
- Punty
- Bench
- Marver
- Blocks
- Jacks
- Paddles
- Shears
First, preheat the blowpipe tip then dip it in the furnace’s molten glass. Continue blowing into the tube, shaping with tools, until the desired pipe is formed. Allow the finished product to cool slowly in a kiln.
Safety and Practice
Safety comes first. Wear protective clothing in a well-ventilated area. Rent studio time after mastering the basics in classes or set up a home lampworking station. Expect to practice blowing bubbles to perfect the technique. With dedication, you can create beautiful, long-lasting pieces to enjoy.