Flameworking Classes with Jack Barnes
General
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No experience required!
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Pieces completed on the day of your lesson will be available to pick up the next day when the kiln is cooled down
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Make sure to bring lots of water and eat before, glassblowing is a very heat intensive activity
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Wear closed toe shoes with thick soles
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Wear pants
Safety
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Make sure you follow all rules and safety instructions
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Don't touch hot glass/tools
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Don't reach under the flame
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Beware of pulling glass too thin and creating glass splinters
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Beware of blowing glass too thin and creating bubble trash
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When setting down hot glass/tools, face them away from you
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All glass scraps and trash goes into the trash bucket on desk
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Vent fan will be running while the torch is on to ensure all fumes are getting ventilated and fresh air is coming in
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When turning on torch: Propane → Oxygen
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When turning off torch: Oxygen → Propane
Terminology
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Torch/ Mini Torch - A tool that produces a flame used for heating glass in glassblowing or lampworking. A mini torch is a smaller version of the torch.
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Gas oxygen/propane - The fuel combination used to power the torch. Oxygen supports combustion, while propane provides the heat.
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Kiln/anneal - A furnace used to heat-treat glass objects to relieve internal stresses and strengthen them. Annealing is the process of slowly cooling the glass in the kiln to prevent cracking or breaking.
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Glass rod/tubing - Solid glass rods or hollow tubes are used as the starting material for glassblowing or lampworking.
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Glass color
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Rod - glass color that comes in rod form, generally about 7-9mm thick
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Tubing - premade tubing with glass color
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Frit - Crushed or ground glass particles that can be used for decorative purposes or as a colorant in glassblowing.
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Striking colors - Glass colors that change their appearance when exposed to heat or different lighting conditions.
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Stringer - Thin glass rods or threads used for detailed designs or delicate work.
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Bubble trash - glass trash from getting blown out too thin, very harmful if inhaled
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Punty - A solid rod used to hold and support the glass piece during the process.
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Blowtube - a glass tube used for connecting and holding hollow pieces
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Foot pedal - A control mechanism operated by foot pressure that regulates the flow of gas and oxygen to the torch.
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Graphite tools - Tools made from graphite, a heat-resistant material, used for shaping and manipulating hot glass.
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Scuzz/boil - Impurities or contaminants that can appear as bubbles or discoloration on the glass surface during the heating process.
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Marver - A flat surface, often made of steel or graphite, used to shape and cool the glass.
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Reamer - A tool used to widen the opening of a glass hole
easy.