Okay, if you’re serious about blowing glass, get this book. If you’re not, stay far away from it and anything remotely resembling this art. Glassblowing can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing…and no book is going to eliminate that danger if you’re NOT serious about this. Okay, so you’ve been fairly warned.
So, just how good is this book? Well, it was written from a very unique perspective…right from the questions that most people ask about glass blowing. That means, most likely, that your questions are answered as well.
Of course all the basics are here as well, including a complete explanation fo the different glassblowing techniques, the equipment that you’ll need for each technique, the actual process for blowing glass, depending on what technique you’re using, and so on. Yes, the basics are there.
But the truth is, and this is no knock on the book itself, you can get the basic anywhere. But, where this book shines is how it goes into the areas that you wouldn’t even begin to think of going because of the problems that you couldn’t begin to comprehend having. This is where the questions come in and this is where the no nonsense answers are given.
The chapter on safety precautions alone is priceless. This chapter alone will save you from serious injury. And of course the chapters showing the techniques for the different kind of glass you can make, such as how to make a glass witch ball (really cool) are just amazing. Craig Bellinger really knows his stuff.
And the best part? The book is dirt cheap. No, I’m not going to tell you the price here because it’s a joke and it will make you think that it’s not worth anything. Trust me, it is. This kind of training would cost you hundreds of dollars elsewhere.
At the very least, check out his site and take a look at what he’s offering.
Here is the site:
Glassblowing Bible
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Read This Before You Get Into Glassblowing
Glassblowing is an exciting occupation. You’re reading this article right now because this is something that you’re seriously considering doing. Well, you better be serious because glassblowing is serious business. While it is relatively safe when done under proper conditions and supervision, there are dangers involved. You’re working with glass and extreme temperatures. So before you get into this, there are a few things you need to know. This article will get you started.
For one thing, this is a regulated industry because of the potential dangers. That means that you’re going to have to have your place inspected by the state authorities. Each state’s regulations are different, so you’re going to have to check with your particular state for theirs. I can’t help you specifically in this area without knowing where you live. So it’s your responsibility to make sure that your work area meets their criteria.
The actual art of glassblowing essentially involves inflating molten glass into a bubble. Yes, as I said, there are extremes in temperature involved in this art. This inflating is done with the aid of a blowpipe or blow tube. One who does this is referred to as a glassblower, glassmith or gaffer.
There are basically two different types of glassblowing. One is called off hand glassblowing and the other is called lampworking. Both of these types of glassblowing involve working with hot molten glass and the use of a stainless steel or iron rod called a punty. Where they differ is the process by which the glass is heated and manipulated.
If you’re going to use off hand glassblowing techniques, you’re going to need three furnaces. The first one is used to hold the hot molten glass, the second is where the glass it heated and reheated and the third is where the glass cools. The lamp working method uses a flame that is created by an alcohol lamp and breath or bellows. This method is still used today to create such items as test tubes for laboratories.
If you’re really interested in learning about glassblowing, below is a link to a great resource that will teach you everything you’ll need to learn about this fine art.
Glassblowing Bible
For one thing, this is a regulated industry because of the potential dangers. That means that you’re going to have to have your place inspected by the state authorities. Each state’s regulations are different, so you’re going to have to check with your particular state for theirs. I can’t help you specifically in this area without knowing where you live. So it’s your responsibility to make sure that your work area meets their criteria.
The actual art of glassblowing essentially involves inflating molten glass into a bubble. Yes, as I said, there are extremes in temperature involved in this art. This inflating is done with the aid of a blowpipe or blow tube. One who does this is referred to as a glassblower, glassmith or gaffer.
There are basically two different types of glassblowing. One is called off hand glassblowing and the other is called lampworking. Both of these types of glassblowing involve working with hot molten glass and the use of a stainless steel or iron rod called a punty. Where they differ is the process by which the glass is heated and manipulated.
If you’re going to use off hand glassblowing techniques, you’re going to need three furnaces. The first one is used to hold the hot molten glass, the second is where the glass it heated and reheated and the third is where the glass cools. The lamp working method uses a flame that is created by an alcohol lamp and breath or bellows. This method is still used today to create such items as test tubes for laboratories.
If you’re really interested in learning about glassblowing, below is a link to a great resource that will teach you everything you’ll need to learn about this fine art.
Glassblowing Bible
Some Common Sense Glassblowing Tips
So, you want to get into glassblowing. Well, before you venture into this fascinating art, there are a few things that you’ll want to know. Yes, there are some dangers involved but for the most part, these dangers are blown out of proportion and most accidents happen because of unskilled workers, poor working conditions or simple carelessness. If you go about your job methodically and carefully, you should have no problems. Okay, now some common sense tips that you should follow.
Tip number one is simple. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best. That means have a first aid kit handy. If you’re careful, burns and cuts are not likely, but they do occur. You want to make sure that you have a first aid kit handy that is specifically put together to handle these burns and cuts. Again, if you’re careful, you should be fine.
Tip number two may seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many people don’t do this. Make sure that you’ve planned out your project in advance. What kind of glass are you going to be working with? You’re going to need specific tools depending on the glass used. You want these tools all laid out in advance.
Tip number three is to know your glass. Know how each one is going to react under certain conditions. No, not all glass is the same and each one WILL react differently. You better know how in advance or you’re in for some shocking surprises once you get started.
Tip number four is to practice simple things first. For example, practice joining two pieces of glass together. This is a fairly simply process. However, if you can’t get this much down right, there is no point in going onto something more complex. Get the basics down first.
Tip number five…do NOT ever saw glass. It will not break easily. You want to use a file or tungsten carbide knife for cutting your glass. These work much better.
There is plenty more to know. Below, there is a great resource for learning how to blow glass. I think you will find it most helpful.
Glassblowing Bible
Tip number one is simple. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best. That means have a first aid kit handy. If you’re careful, burns and cuts are not likely, but they do occur. You want to make sure that you have a first aid kit handy that is specifically put together to handle these burns and cuts. Again, if you’re careful, you should be fine.
Tip number two may seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many people don’t do this. Make sure that you’ve planned out your project in advance. What kind of glass are you going to be working with? You’re going to need specific tools depending on the glass used. You want these tools all laid out in advance.
Tip number three is to know your glass. Know how each one is going to react under certain conditions. No, not all glass is the same and each one WILL react differently. You better know how in advance or you’re in for some shocking surprises once you get started.
Tip number four is to practice simple things first. For example, practice joining two pieces of glass together. This is a fairly simply process. However, if you can’t get this much down right, there is no point in going onto something more complex. Get the basics down first.
Tip number five…do NOT ever saw glass. It will not break easily. You want to use a file or tungsten carbide knife for cutting your glass. These work much better.
There is plenty more to know. Below, there is a great resource for learning how to blow glass. I think you will find it most helpful.
Glassblowing Bible
What You Must Know About Blowing Glass
There is a lot of misinformation going around about glassblowing. The alarmists insist that it is too dangerous for just anybody to get involved in. But the truth is, with the proper training, you can safely engage in glassblowing long into your 70s. Yes, there are some precautions that you have to take, but the dangers are greatly exaggerated. This article is going to give you some common sense info if glassblowing is something you’re interested in getting into.
You’re going to be working with great extremes of temperature so make sure you wear protective clothing and work in a well ventilated area. Truth is, the most common accidents involved in glassblowing are simply the cause of carelessness and working in an area that is not properly setup and ventilated. The process itself is safe if done correctly.
Another thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the laws governing your part of the world. Your studio is going to need to be inspected by the state, depending on where you live. Everything must meet with their specifications or you won’t be allowed to go ahead with your work. There are laws regarding air contaminants, metals, chemical exposures, noise, and machinery. All of these must be adhered to.
Finally, you want to make sure that you are properly trained. Aside from improper working conditions, not knowing what you’re doing is probably the biggest risk you’re taking. If that seems fairly obvious, you’d be surprised how many people attempt glassblowing because they “think” they know what they’re doing but really don’t.
Below, you’ll find a link for a great resource for learning everything you’ll need to know about glassblowing. It is absolutely critical that you get this information before you even think about attempting what could be a very dangerous craft. The dangers are overblown only because of carelessness, lack of knowledge and improper working conditions. Account for these, and you should have little problem with your new venture.
Glassblowing Bible
You’re going to be working with great extremes of temperature so make sure you wear protective clothing and work in a well ventilated area. Truth is, the most common accidents involved in glassblowing are simply the cause of carelessness and working in an area that is not properly setup and ventilated. The process itself is safe if done correctly.
Another thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the laws governing your part of the world. Your studio is going to need to be inspected by the state, depending on where you live. Everything must meet with their specifications or you won’t be allowed to go ahead with your work. There are laws regarding air contaminants, metals, chemical exposures, noise, and machinery. All of these must be adhered to.
Finally, you want to make sure that you are properly trained. Aside from improper working conditions, not knowing what you’re doing is probably the biggest risk you’re taking. If that seems fairly obvious, you’d be surprised how many people attempt glassblowing because they “think” they know what they’re doing but really don’t.
Below, you’ll find a link for a great resource for learning everything you’ll need to know about glassblowing. It is absolutely critical that you get this information before you even think about attempting what could be a very dangerous craft. The dangers are overblown only because of carelessness, lack of knowledge and improper working conditions. Account for these, and you should have little problem with your new venture.
Glassblowing Bible
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