Question:
I have not worked with glass before, but am becoming interested in
making glass lampworked beads. I bought a book called "Making Glass
Beads" which was recommended to me and feel that the instructions are
easy to follow.
I noticed that there are several kits on the market that will give you a
hothead torch and other supplies and am considering getting one. Is
this the way to go? Am I better off going a different route? If the
kit is the best way to get started, can anyone recommend a good one to
me.
Answer:
-I would suggest that before you invest in any equipment, take a glass
beadmaking class. Alot of instructors, today, will have both a Minor
Burner and a Hot Head torch on hand, or at least full knowledge of both,
to help with your decision making. This is not to say that you can't
learn from a book, video, or even on your own but, it is hard to beat
hands on training. Good luck and be aware - glass bead making is
extremely addictive!
-I have to agree with Don;s advice, it is a WHOLE lot easier to learn
to make glass beads with the help of an instructor. I taught myself
how to make glass beads, but, I have quite a bit of time available to
me. I would say that I spent several months just learning the basics
that an instructor could cover in just a few days. If time and money
is not a consideration, then by all means get one of the kits from
Arrow Springs, lay in a supply of glass and set to burning glass!
A Hot Head kit from Arrow Springs will cost you $67.95 plus MAPP gas
($8.00 per 1lb cylinder - 2 to 4 hours depending), plus glass, plus
tools, plus something to anneal your beads with, etc., about $125 -
150 .
-or-
A Minor burner set up will run $276.95 plus all of the above, plus an
oxygen tank and propane tank - easily $400 with this route.
I was very sure that I wanted to work with hot glass when I started to
make glass beads. I decided that I would spend what I had to in order
to do this (the pawn shop sees my VCR more than I do!) I am now using
the Minor and I love it, but, it took me about a year to fully explore
the limitations of the Hot Head.
In case you wondered, I recommend Arrow Springs because they
specialize in lampworking supplies, their prices are reasonable, the
staff is frendly and knowledgable and as an extra added bonus - they
have their catalog on the Web:
http://www.el-dorado.ca.us/~flameon/
One more thing, Cindy Jenkins book "Making Glass Beads" is superb. I
have never seen a more complete, concise treatment of the broad range
of techniques and trick than in this wonderful volume. Read it several
times!
Sculptor - Art can't hurt you, the artist might.
