Whether you are thinking about taking glass blowing courses or filling up on your supplies, having the right glass blowing supplies can mean the distinction between creating a gorgeous piece and running short of a certain item when you need it urgently.
After all, since this is such a time sensitive art, it is unlikely that you will have the opportunity to just stop what you are doing and run out to get more of what you require. Your art work would be destroyed if you do that. Here are a few things to think about when you are buying glass blowing supplies.
The classes usually supply you with most of the supplies you need. Bring your personal supplies to ensure you get the correct texture you want if you plan to do something different. Use powders for a consistent look. Use colored glass rods or frit to get a different texture. Creating unique pieces of art is easy when you know the benefits of powders and glass rods.
Here are some other supplies you should take into consideration before you start. Make sure you have everything ready.
Tweezers
Shears
Molds
Crimps
Torch Tips
Torches
Repair Kits
Punties
Pipes
Coloring Supplies
Specialized Tables
Paddles
All the above are very important. You will need the torch tips and repair kits to assist the torch to last considerably longer. If not, you will end up spending much more in the long run as your equipment may require repair or they may break down. With such an extensive list of glass blowing supplies, make sure you have a list to get them all.
The furnace is an crucial factor of your supplies. In many cases, glass blowers use a series of three furnaces: one for the initial heating of the glass, one for shaping and molding, and one for cooling gradually. It could take up to a few days if the glass blown art is big. For smaller pieces, a few hours would be required before your work is ready.
Since glass blowing can be used to produce industry supplies, or great works of art, you definitely need to have quality tools with you. This is extremely important in order to achieve the desired outcome. Different brands have different types, and you will get more knowledgeable with the different brands.