Before making the decision to start experimenting with glass blowing, it is ideal that you do some research on the crafts history, as well as the tips of the trade. Although you can take lessons from a fellow glass blower to learn the process, it is critical to your safety and your projects outcome to learn the actual steps and precautions to take when starting to blow glass. The most important pieces of information to research is how to use the glass blowing equipment. By learning how the equipment runs and how to use it properly, you will decrease the number of mistakes you may make during your first few practice runs. Always keep in mind that even when you think you have everything under control, there is always something that could go wrong. Below are a few simple facts about glass blowing to help you get started.
Before starting the process of glass blowing, be sure that the glass is pliable so that you can easily blow the glass and shape it into your desired masterpiece. If the glass is not pliable, you will find that the glass does not easily bend or shape into anything close to what you desire.
The temperature of the glass during the blowing process is roughly 700-1250 degrees Celsius. To melt the glass the temperature must be over 1100 degrees Celsius.
The gas fired chambered that is used for heating glass is called the Glory Hole. The Glory Hole should only be run while glass is being blown. Leaving it on for an extended period of time can increase potential hazards and risk ruining the equipment.
Fun Fact: Glass blowing is an ancient art that was first invented thousands of years ago in Egypt during 1500BC. Egyptians used glass blowing to make glass beads and amulets.
