Hi! New to this and need HELP!!!

[MPGB]

:bouncy:Hi!

First let me introduce myself,
My name is Michael and I'm from Miami.
I am 23 and have had MANY hobbies over the years.
I go to school and am studying to become a math teacher.

I was talking to some friends about how I always thought glassblowing and lampworking was really sweet stuff!!
So my hobby addicted self am breaking away for a while from my current hobby of aquarium reef keeping, and venturing into something else to spend money on.

I know I will love doing this because the little research I've done makes me crave the idea of working with this beautiful art medium.

Soooooo before I go out and start buying stuff (like some companies I have already talked to have tried to do) and waste alot of money, I need to do ALOT of research of everything from tool, techniques, styles, termenology, suppliers, history and anything else I might have forgotten.

I would really appriciate if you guys (and gals) can recommend what MUST HAVE essential books/videos, websites, and other research media to help get me started.

Also if there is anyone with a studio in the south Florida area that I can come by and check out.

Thanks, I look forward to all the help.

[chayes]

contemporary lampworking by Bandhu Scott Dunham
http://www.salusaglassworks.com/books/book_contemporary_lampworking.html
In my opinion this is the best book to own/start with. Its filled with a wealth of information.

[PyroChixRock]

welcome. be prepared for this to turn into a very expensive hobby. ;)

check out the "studio set up" sub forum. there's lost of good threads in there on what you need to get going. surf around the other rooms as well, the kiln and torch rooms are a big help.

remember, you can't skimp on ventilation or eye wear. safety first.

good luck.

[lucidvisions]

^What chayes sed^ Also use the search function on this forum and you'll probably get your most basic questions answered. I know there have been many newbies on here asking this same question with great rsponses. Also take a beginner's class to get youself started. You'll grow leaps and bounds with some good personal instruction and you can also figure out what the different setups are like to fit your needs.

Josh

[nodice]

contemporary lampworking by Bandhu Scott Dunham
http://www.salusaglassworks.com/books/book_contemporary_lampworking.html
In my opinion this is the best book to own/start with. Its filled with a wealth of information.

What he said. I have a friend that sometimes teaches lessons down around ft laud..... Stop in or call grateful j's in boca or margate, and ask for jay. He can help ya figure out what stuff ya need, and possibly give a lesson here and there(or maybe more) to get ya on the right track. I also know a few guys with prodo shops down there. If you're not picky about what ya learn, or how quickly ya learn it, working for them would be cheaper(cause you'd actually be making money...).

[MPGB]

Thanks for the responses. I am going to order the book today and am going to go visit J at his studio to have a look around.

[Udai Hussien]

look for the glassblowing bible, or get the video version that Dustin Revere made. Opulent must haves!

[Greymatter Glass]

Interesting....

I just got into reefkeeping as a hobby....

I have a retail store with copies of Contemporary Lampwqorking in stock and ready to ship.

I'm VERY interested in offering store credit for frags, odd ball inverts (reef safe), equipment, etc.

Hit me up in PM and we'll discuss further :)

Welcome to the GLDG!

-Doug

[Greymatter Glass]

welcome. be prepared for this to turn into a very expensive hobby. ;)


...You ever had a reef in the desert? It's not cheap....58g tank w/ rock and fish > Delta.



remember, you can't skimp on ventilation or eye wear. safety first.

good luck.

On the reef analogy, I would compare ventilation and eye protection to a protein skimmer and lighting. Torch = tank, glass = water.

-Doug