| Glass blowing is a glass-forming technique which | | | | operations. This is to lessen strain and discomfort. |
| deals with molten glass inflation. | | | | Some also include detachable tool trays. |
| Glass blowing can be done by using a blowpipe or | | | | The bench top measures five 5 feet long and |
| blowtube. | | | | thirty inches deep. It should be non flammable |
| Glass Blowing Method: | | | | with a back shield. It should be flat and smooth |
| - Free-blowing | | | | surfaced. It should be sturdy since it is where the |
| This method deals with the blowing of short air | | | | burner sits. |
| puffs into a glass portion which is gathered at one | | | | The marver table is where the molten glass is |
| blowpipe end. This results in having an elastic skin | | | | rolled. Traditionally, it used to be a flat slab of |
| on both walls of the glass which is easier to | | | | marble. Now it's made of thick flat steel. Some |
| shape. | | | | marver tables are custom made depending on |
| One of the best blowpipes for free blowing is the | | | | user's dimensions. |
| clay pipe. As a tool, it is easy to handle, | | | | Nowadays market offers so many aids or work |
| manipulate and is practical. One of the best | | | | tools and devices. Some of these include: pipe |
| techniques created was applied while making | | | | turners, pipe coolers, heat shields, choppers and |
| Portland Vase. It is a mixture of blue and white | | | | yokes. |
| overlaying glass. | | | | Glass Blowing As a Science |
| - Mold-blowing | | | | Glass is a mixture of soda, lime, sand and heat. |
| This method is also based on the free blowing | | | | The main components are natural ingredients. The |
| method. The difference is that the shape of the | | | | process it goes thru is scientific and temperature |
| glass is mold dependent. It involves molten glass | | | | applied is measured. |
| inflated into a wooden or metal carved mold. | | | | It becomes a science when one wants to be |
| There are two types of mold: single-piece mold | | | | professional with complex glass apparatus and |
| and multi-piece mold. The single piece mold means | | | | glass systems. Some scientific devices created |
| the vessel is removed by one pull movement. | | | | are glow tubes, filament lamps and thermionic |
| Single piece mold is effective for vessels and | | | | devices. |
| tableware pieces. | | | | Glass Blowing As an Art |
| On the other hand, multi piece mold means vessel | | | | When the blowing procedure takes place in the |
| is molded in a multi paneled type. This would allow | | | | glass making process, it becomes an art. Some |
| for creation of more complex designs and | | | | say scientific glass blowing techniques are |
| texture glass objects. One good example is the | | | | applicable to the artistic one. This involves off |
| roman leaf beaker displayed in a museum. | | | | hand creations of colored glasses. |
| Three furnaces of glass blowing: | | | | Safety Tips on Glass Blowing |
| furnace contains a crucible of molten glass | | | | The use of heavy welding gloves and the |
| glory hole for reheating | | | | proper tools can protect one from severe burn |
| lehr or annealer for slow cooling | | | | and pain. |
| Glassblower's Workstation | | | | Practice makes perfect. |
| The glassblower's bench is his workstation. It is | | | | Electric furnace is better than gas furnace. It |
| where he sits, and places his tools. It is also | | | | is controllable, quieter and environment friendly. |
| where two rails function as pipe holder while the | | | | However it is more expensive. |
| blower works with the piece. It can be made | | | | Glass blowing lessons should be taught by a |
| from steel and hardwood. Others are welded | | | | professional. |
| tubular steel with redwood bench seat. | | | | It is advisable to use safety glasses or |
| Other manufacturers offer benches with | | | | goggles to protect the eyes. |
| ergonomic support that facilitates gaffer | | | | It takes patience to learn the craft. |