So...you want to try your hand at lampworking?
| This page is going to be dedicated to all the information I have learned along the way. From how to get started - to where you can buy supplies! I will be adding more info along the way and if anyone has any information they would like me to add, feel free to email me! |
| The first thing you will need is a torch. There are several different types of torches. It all depends on where you want to start. A Hot Head torch uses only fuel and does not need oxygen. For this reason it is a very inexpensive torch(around $30.00). and also a torch that alot of beginners start with to see if lampworking is something they will like and can get into without having to put so much money up front. You can use the small 1lb cylinders of MAPP gas or propane that you can find at any hardware store, or even walmart. Others have even hooked up bulk tanks for propylene for their fuel source. There are bead makers who have spent years on their hot head and love them! In my personal opinion, if you know lampworking is something you will love doing and will be doing it for awhile I recommend a torch with an oxygen source. I have a minor burner, which is perfect for working with soft glass.(this torch runs about $200.00 - $300.00). There are so many other torches out there and you really need to find out what your needs are before making a decision on which one to buy. With a torch that takes both fuel and oxygen you will need some sort of oxygen source. You can either rent or buy an oxygen tank or you can get an oxygen concentrator (which is what I have - a refurbished one will run about $200-300). An oxygen concentrator needs to have at least a 5psi(which is pounds per square inch). They can save a ot of money in the long run as you will not have to be purchasing oxygen (or hauling the tanks back and forth). You can even purchase two oxygen concentrators and have them both hooked up to work in a hotter flame, which is good for harder glass such as Borosilicate. I buy my propane at the local gas station. I bought my own canister from Home Depot and I just have to take it down for refills. I have the typical BBQ size tank. One full tank usually give sme at least 100 hours of torch time, all for about $8.00 a refill! If you are going to be selling your beads and using them in jewelry you will want to anneal them. You will need a kiln for this! Kilns also come in all different sizes and price ranges. I started out with one that was about $350. It did not have a digital controller and I had to "babysit" the kiln to make sure it stayed at the right temperature all the time, it was not fun! I have now moved up to a kiln with a digital controller, it is heaven! It cost about $700.00 though! There are cheaper and more expensive ones then this, again you need to find out what your needs are and also what you might be needing in the future before you make your decision on which one to buy. For instance, will you want to try out fusing, do you need a bead door or top loading kiln? , etc. TOOLS - The sky is the limit with this one! I have dental tools, tools made specifically for glass working, kitchen utensils, nails, you name it! What you want to be sure of is that you use something fairly sturdy and that can hold up to the heat from the molten glass. Stainless steel and Brass are ideal metals for this! There are also many fun presses out there! Try Cattwalk presses for a wonderful variety and good customer service! I guess my best piece of advice on buying equipment is to get the most expensive and nicest things you can afford, that way later down the road you wont regret it. Because if lampworking is something you end up totally loving like I do, you will end up wanting to upgrade the smaller and less expensive stuff anyways. I purchased all of my equipment online. The torches, and even kilns, along with all the glass and tools you will need can be found at www.arrowsprings.com or www.frantzartglass.com. There are also several other places online, I have mostly just dealt with these two, and they seem to have reasonable pricing. I purchased a re-furbished oxygen concentrator from Dave Barnes at www.omnimedical.com. But you can maybe try you local hospital to see if they have any they are willing to sell. Here are a few other websites that sell re-furbished oxygen concentrators: "Pyronamix" and "M & M Medical Equipment" I purchased my kiln from Don McKinney. He is local here in Arizona and makes "Tool Box" annealers that work great for bead makers as there is plenty of room for beads and an extra long bead door. His website is www.glasspalette.com Another place that builds and sells their annealers is www.theglasshive.com. They sell a similiar annealer, but this one is made from a mailbox and is brick lined versus fiber lined. You also want to make sure you have some good ventilaton for yourself. I purchased a hood from www.glasscraftinc.com . What you need to look for in a hood fan is that it can at least pull 350 CFM's. This one from Glasscraft, Inc. pulls 650 so was ideal for our set up as we use metals in our glass work as well, and wanted a bit of a stronger pull. You will need an ingoing and outgoing air way. So even if you have your hood fan running you should always have a window or door open to bring in the fresh air to you. There are some great books out there that you might want to look into getting yourself that we have found invaluable! Jim Kervins, "Everything you ever wanted to know about glass beadmaking". He touches on all safety tips in great detail! Plus lots of other neat ideas when you actually start playing with the glass as well. Cindy Jenkins "How to make glass beads" is an awesome book as well! There are a few sites you may want to check out too. They are great forums where you can meet other people who are starting out, you can ask questions, find answers, and just have fun: www.isgb.org , www.wetcanvas.com , and www.lampworketc.com The last and biggest piece of advice that I can give anyone who wants to try their hand at lampworking is to just DO IT! It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but just take it one step at a time! The first time I lit my hot head torch I was pretty intimidated and even scared! But as long as you follow all safety rules you will do fine! Here are some of the important safey rules to follow: Have a fire extinguisher near your work area. Check your hoses for leaks on a regular basis. Wear your safety glasses. Have a good ventilation system for yourself. Use your equipment responsibily and properly. Working with hot glass is one of my favorite things to do! I have tried my hand at so many arts. None have ever taken over my heart like hot glass has done! There is no end to the creativity and that is what keeps me moving forward each day. The glass community that I have come to know, is one that is so giving and caring! So jump on in there and join me in this fun and creative art! If I can help answer any more of your questions please feel free to email me! |
Here is a picture of my set up in my studio.
