Glass Blowing

Glassworking, lampwork, and beadmaking have been crafts done by the ancients. If you want to know when and how it started, you’re going to have to go all the way back centuries.

The culture of the craft continued, and now, even with the presence of machines which can mass produce glass pieces, more and more people are setting their interests on learning how to do glasswork.

Glasswork is a productive hobby that many want to learn and spend their time on. Basic glassmaking kits, and tools are within your reach anytime you decide on getting into the art. One of the most important and useful tools that you will want to have is a beadmaking roller or rounding graphite marver.

You don’t have to look anywhere else because as usual, Devardi provides us with top-quality, durable, and useful tools such as their rounding graphite marver.

This tool is one that can accommodate different sizes of beads and pieces you are working on. It allows you to go with your creativity and easily polish your pieces into round or round-edged items.

Features

• It is a high-quality graphite marver
• Dual purpose: easily making round and square shapes
• Sized 2” x 3”
• Has a strong steel handle
• Easy on the hands with the rubber plastic grip on the handle
• Lightweight at 13 ounces for easy lifting
• It is durable and lasts long

Pros

Once you’ve started and completed a few glass products, you will surely want to make more, and perhaps further enhance your skills. With that, creating more shapes and a variety of designs will become a challenge, so you will need easy-to-use tools and equipment.

This rounding graphite marver is a multi-purpose tool that will help you with your designing needs.

Firstly, it weighs just 13 ounces, which makes it easy to handle. So whether you place it on your working table or lift it for shaping, the weight won’t be excessive.

Second, the size, 2” x 3”, accommodates not only the smallest beads but also a variety of sizes. With its size, it is easy enough for anyone to handle, regardless of whether they are young or old.

Another thing that is good with Devardi roller or rounding graphite marver is that you won’t hurt your hand even if you hold it long and repeatedly due to the rubber grip on the handle which protects the hands of the user.

You may not only use it for round edges but also for flattening. The graphite marver has two round shapers. On the back, it is flat and may be used for flat shaping.

Cons

Many users are happy with the simplicity and usage of this tool. However, there are also some who prefer an aluminum marver rather than this kind. Aluminum is a heat conductor and therefore, it can hold heat better while you take your time shaping the piece.

That is why most glassworkers would prefer an aluminum marver. With an aluminum marver, the piece cools down slower. This allows you to have more time shaping before the glass has to be taken back into the glory hole furnace to heat again.

If you are making various sizes of glass pieces, the size of this graphite marver might also not be enough. It will surely do for those who make small beads, who do not need a bigger sized one, especially for wearable beads.

But if you are gradually increasing the size of your pieces, you might need a bigger one that can accommodate not just beads but larger glass figures.

Verdict

The Glass Lampwork, Beadmaking Roller/Rounding Graphite Marver is yet another great deal from Devardi. It is a separate piece that is useful for every glassworking enthusiast. When it comes to price, this graphite marver serves its purpose.

It is priced higher than other single pieces sold but its durability compliments its worth. This rounding graphite marver, above all, is proven to work great. Not only that is it useful, it is durable and works great for all your beadwork.

Glassblowing is an ancient art that is still being practiced today by skilled artisans. Due to this innovation, glass is now a crucial item that is found on plenty of products. It has also become a fast-rising hobby among crafters because of its fun and exciting nature.

There are also kits available today for beginners who want a package that includes all of the items they need. For those who want individual products, there are also manufacturers who make separates available.

Kits are ideal for beginners and for those experienced glassblowers who want to experiment with a wider range of items and brands, they can do just that. In this review, we are going to discuss A2Zsale’s 8 Piece Colored Pyrex Glassblowing Tubes and its use to the whole glassblowing procedure.

Features

• Features borosilicate tubes
• Is 8” in length
• Used for blowing glass

Advantages

These glassblowing tubes from A2Zsale are made from borosilicate or boro material. Boro is mainly used in the glassblowing procedure lampworking. This method entails the artist to use a burner torch to melt and cast glass by means of a selection of graphite and metal devices.

Borosilicate is a hard kind of glass and it also has a greater melting point compared to soft glass, which is favored by most glassblowers who are into beadmaking.

The raw glass that is employed in lampworking comes in glass rods for steady work, and glass tubes for hollow working cylinders, containers, vessels, and vases. Lampworking is also utilized in making complicated and customized scientific equipment.

In fact, many universities and colleges include a lampworking shop to craft and patch up their glassware. For scientific glassblowing or lampworking, the specs should be accurate and the artist should be highly trained and capable of working with utmost accuracy.

Lampworking is also considered an art form and art enthusiasts who dabble in lampworking often create pendants, figurines, goblets, and paperweights among others.

Apart from these borosilicate tubes, glassblowing also requires the use of other tools in order to create products. The inflating is done by means of a blow tube, commonly known as a blowpipe.

Both hand glassblowing and lampworking involves the use of molten glass and a rod or iron that is made from stainless steel which is known as a punty. The difference between these two methods is the procedure that is employed to warm through and work on the glass.

If you opt for hand glassblowing, you will require 3 kinds of furnaces. The first furnace will be used to contain the hot molten glass while the second furnace will warm the glass through and reheat it. The third will be used for slowly cooling the molten glass.

When it comes to the lampworking method, a flame is produced by means of breathing, or bellows, and an alcohol lamp.

Customers who have bought the 8 Piece Colored Pyrex Glassblowing Tubes enjoyed them. They can be used by beginners and expert glassblowers for making glass products. They are also affordable and you can practice the craft without spending a mint, so this is some great value for your hard-earned cash.

Disadvantages

The product does not have anything that may cause problems during glassblowing procedures. It was easy to use at best.

Verdict

There are no reservations; glassblowing is a fun activity. If you want to give glassblowing and lampworking a try, you can have a go with it by using A2Zsale’s 8 Piece Colored Pyrex Glassblowing Tubes. They are reasonably priced and user friendly to boot.

Just remember to follow the correct steps, mind safety precautions, and work in proper conditions to avoid unnecessary accidents. You have to keep in mind that you are working with melted glass at higher temperatures than usual.

Glassblowing is a craft that was started hundreds of years ago. To this day, the art of glassblowing and creation is still being practiced.

Glassblowing is a procedure that cannot be performed by a machine—it has to be performed by a skilled craftsperson. Because this is a craft that requires skill, glassblowers have to invest in items that will provide them seamless results.

One of the most essential items in a glass artist’s gear is the blowpipe. In this review, we are going to discuss Glaskolben’s Sealed End Clear Cylinder. We will talk about its features and the manner in which the tool is used.

Features

• Makes glassblowing procedures simple
• Gets rid of laborious pulling-point method from glass cylinders
• Is 90 COE
• Sold in a pack of ten pieces

Advantages

Glaskolben’s Sealed End Clear Cylinder is pretty much easy to use according to a number of customers who have used the item. First, you have to light the torch and modify the flame back from a steep point, since bigger flames are more ideal.

Choose one cylinder from the pack and bring it to the back of the flame. Spin the item as it is carried into the hotter spot of the flame. Keep on spinning until the cylinder has a glowing red color and it begins to shrink in size or give way.

However, keep in mind not to let the cylinder’s neck end become as red as the cylinder or it will be difficult to work on. Take it away from the flame, hold the item in an upright then give it an abrupt snap to make it parallel. Blow continuously into the end of the blowpipe to a whole ball while spinning.

Remember not to blow too much because it will give an undesirable effect to the glass. To create a longer shape, keep up with the same procedure while blowing a ball.

Spin the cylinder in the flame until it begins to glow red, then make use of the tweezers to drag the end as far as you prefer while spinning and blowing. After that, put the item in the annealer quickly.

Annealing is the procedure in which the glass artist strengthens fragile glass by heating and gradual cooling. Every manufacturer’s glass might feature a different range of annealing. For Glaskolben, their annealing temperature is set at 950°F or 510°C.

Following the annealing procedure, the end of the blowpipe can be taken away. The most recommended method for this procedure is by utilizing a carbide scoring tool. Take the carbide scoring tool in one hand while grasping the item in the other.

Push the sharp part of the carbide steel on the neck of the blowpipe, and with the thumb of the same hand pushing against the other part, spin the form of the item while cutting the neck. While still grasping the item, tap the end of the blowpipe and it will break off. To complete the item, place an ornament cap on it.

Customers who loved the item agreed that it is an excellent way to practice the art of glassblowing. The pre-worked cylinders, according to some customers have gotten rid of the once-laborious procedure of a significant amount of time that was always meant for the process.

Truly for most customers who bought the product, it made glassblowing for beginners a not-so-intimidating craft to pursue. Many beginning customers who tried the tubes said that it got them hooked on glassblowing and that they would easily recommend the item to interested people who want to try glassblowing themselves.

Another said the cylinders were so exciting to experiment and practice with—individuals who can apply methods and have honed their skills with the item can create beautiful ornaments out of the device.

Disadvantages

Several customers said that the product needs more directions and information about concepts and uses for the cylinders. While people can do their own research, providing detailed data about the product would really come in handy.

Verdict

Individuals who want to try out blowing glass should purchase this product. It is a fun and exciting way to begin your glassblowing pursuits. Glaskolben’s 10 Pack Sealed End Clear Cylinder is recommended for glassblowers both beginners and experienced.

Glass beadmaking is a nice and fun way to pass the time and create wearable pieces of art. It is a hobby that all families and people of all ages can enjoy, just as long as they practice safety precautions.

If you are a glass beadmaking beginner and require a kit that has all the items needed in just one package, you may want to check out Fireworks’ Beginner’s Beadmaking Kit. It is ideal for newbies on the crafting scene who want to familiarize themselves with the creative art of beadmaking.

It has all the gear you need in order to start making colorful and imaginative glass beads. With this kit, beadmaking will surely become your number 1 method to pass the time.

Features

• Includes 1 Quick-Light self-igniting torch
• Includes 12 mandrels
• Includes 1 bead rake
• Includes 2 marvers; one dotted, one grooved
• Includes 1 rod scrubber
• Includes 2 heat-resistant work surfaces
• Includes 1 canister container
• Includes 1 bead reamer with diamond finish
• Includes 1- 4 oz. bead release
• Includes 15 Italian glass rods
• Includes 1 fiber blanket
• Includes manual and DVD

Advantages

Creating glass beads might look like a challenge, but most crafters will tell you that it is really not that complicated, especially if you have studied the basics. The most popular method of making glass beads is by lampworking or bead wounding. This is performed by warming glass rods through a flame and the molten glass is spun into a mandrel.

In basic glass beadmaking, you will need a variety of tools in order to start the procedure. These tools are crucial since they will always be used. Fireworks’ Beginner’s Beadmaking Kit has all the items you need in order to begin making your own beautiful glass beads.

You may purchase this kit from bead supply warehouses or online stores. These bead warehouses often have a comprehensive line of products that caters to the needs of beadmakers.

Customers who were satisfied with their purchase said that what they like about the product is the fact that it makes the whole deal of glass beadmaking easier for beginners, particularly if they are interested in lampworking but do not want to invest in more high-end tools just yet.

The kit comes with items that every glass beadmaker will need, except the MAPP gas and safety glasses though.

Another customer agreed that it was fun and easy to use. If you have doubts about the craft being a difficult process, you will be surprised to know that glass beadmaking won’t leave you breaking into cold sweats. Customers who were quite satisfied with the kit agreed that they did not have any problems making another bead after their initial try.

According to another customer, the kit had a great selection of glass rods. The majority of customers who bought the kit all agreed that they would recommend the kit for interested individuals without any hesitation.

Disadvantages

The kit, though, was met with criticism from a number of customers. According to one, while she is happy with the rest of the package, the instructional video that came with it was non-informative.

Several customers also agreed with this sentiment, with some saying that the video was the same as the clip that the company provides on their official website.

A few customers were also not satisfied that the torch was not sufficiently hot—it was not as hot as a regular oxygen/propane torch.

Verdict

The majority of customers were happy with their Fireworks’ Beginners’ Beadmaking Kit. They enjoyed the whole package and a majority of customers all agreed that the kit was a great buy. This is a kit that the entire family can enjoy, although children will require strict supervision because of the open flame.

The package also has a nice price for a kit that has all crucial glass beadmaking items. Well worth the splurge, this is a kit that has all the good things—great price, user friendly, and loads of fun to use.

Glassblowing is a fun and rewarding hobby or career. But before you get into this pursuit, you must first study and get trained in order to fully know the methods. Once you are familiar with the steps in applying those methods, you can now look for materials that are used for the process.

One of the materials used in this craft is the marver. This article will disclose what it does and will also focus on one example of a marver, Devardi’s Glass Lampwork 8-Hole Marver.

The Devardi Glass company provides graphite marvers and other devices used for lampwork and glassblowing at prices you can afford. This marver is easy to use and even beginners can have fun with it during their initial tries. Lampworking is a kind of glasswork wherein the lamp or torch is mainly used to melt glass.

As soon as the glass is in a melted condition, it is then cast by blowing and forming by way of hand motions and tools. It is also known in the business as torch working or flameworking since today’s methods do not call for the use of oil lamps anymore.

There is no definite evidence as to when this method was first used, but the earliest documented glass item that was lamp worked is a collection of beads that were thought to date back as far as the 5th century BC.

The method was applied widely in Murano, Italy, in the 1400s. By the middle of the 19th century, the lampwork method was added to the manufacture of paperweights especially in France, wherein it became a known form of art.

Lampworking is actually different from glassblowing since the latter makes use of a furnace as its chief heat source, although some methods call for the use of a torch.

Lampworking is used to produce beads, marbles, figurines, small containers, ornaments and a lot more. It is also utilized to produce scientific items and glass models of flora and fauna. It can be done with a variety of glass types, but the most typically used material is lead glass and soda lime glass since they are both considered as soft glass.

There are a number of devices used to apply the lampworking method. One of them is the marver. The marver is a device that is employed in glassblowing. It is built from polished steel surface that is fastened to a wooden or metal table.

W heated segment of glass is trundled on the device for two specific aims: to work on the shape of the glass and to control its temperature. The marver’s steel has a high capacity thus it can take in the heat coming from the glass, most specifically the external skin.

Since the glass comes into contact directly with the steel, users should see to it that it will be fastidiously maintained. It is typically cleaned with steel wool, then mopped with rubbing alcohol so it will not rust.

Features

• Features excellent graphite construction
• Includes 8 holes
• Has overall dimensions of 11” x 3” x 1.5”
• Has overall weight of 3 lbs.

Advantages

Devardi’s 8-Hole Graphite marver is built from excellent graphite material and if given proper care and maintenance, the unit will definitely extend its service. It has 8 holes so it can cover enough sizes. From smaller holes to bigger glass meant for paperweights, this 8-hole model has got you covered.

This is a model for glass makers who want more variety in terms of sizes since they can make a number of glass objects in whatever size they fancy at the moment. The spheres on the tool are smooth and polished to perfection, which makes for beads and orbs with flawless surfaces. As for its weight, it is a sort of hefty 3 pounds.

Disadvantages

The product did not pose any disadvantages thus far.

Verdict

If you are looking for a marver that won’t scrimp on sizes, Devardi’s 8-Hole Graphite Marver is recommended for you. It has holes for marbles and bigger orbs, has quality graphite construction and is well-made to boot.