How to get started?

[twixter96]

i am thinking of taking glass blowing up as a hobby, first i was wondering if you need a kiln or any other big expensive equipment? and is it very expensive to make stuff? thanks guys

[Shonski]

If you wanna see the basic "starter kit" and get a rough est., go to Sundance Art Glass's website, click around it for awhile, its a fun website and they have a lot of good beginner packs... Depending on what you wanna make is gonna depend on what your gonna need. Beads reuire a lot less glass, gas and $ than doing some of the more bigger hollow, thicker stuff. Check out the starter packs and that website and get back at me if you got anymore questions... But any way you go, you'll probably want at least a small kiln, I mean. Anything worth doin is worth doin right ay broski...!??

[Shonski]

Also, like so many others, I would recommend taking a class first, that's probably the best and cheapest way to find out if you really wanna do it. There's a lot of dedication to be put in if you ever wanna be any good. Unless you're a natural!.. Also, some things I never considered before I started was, you'll always have to pay for gas and glass and expect a lot of scrapes, even more cuts, Horrible burns and sickening gashes! Not to detour you, lampworking is the best art out there! Nothing else compares, well worth the scars!

[Mecha]

Wait, what?

Avoid sundance. I have heard more negative things about them than almost any other supplier.

Check out mountain glass arts for beginner equipment. I have yet to hear a bad word said about them. Definitely one of my go to suppliers.

Oh, and the take a class advice is priceless. I have introduced a few people to this medium, and none of them wanted to pursue it once the realized how challenging it is. You really need to get behind a torch for a bit before you jump into such an expensive/time consuming hobby.

One last thing, yes, you need a kiln. Check out glass hive.

[Icarus]

i am thinking of taking glass blowing up as a hobby

Cool, glass is fun.


first i was wondering if you need a kiln or any other big expensive equipment?

Yes. Expect to spend at an absolute bare minimum at least $1000 to get started. Probably closer to $2 to $3k to buy a decent torch, kiln, regulators, lights, exhaust fan, toools, glass, etc...


and is it very expensive to make stuff? thanks guys

Yes and no. It depends on how you look at it.

The class advice is the best advice someone can give you. Plus you'll pick up some basic skills, so if you do decide to start, you won't be as easily discouraged by the fact that you aren't making the beautiful pieces you see other glass makers doing (they started making ugly pieces as well, it just comes with practice).

[Shatner]

Take a class to make damn sure it's what you want to do. Working glass seems like the coolest thing in the world, and it is. But it's not for everyone.

Mountain Glass Arts or Trev's can hook it up with a beginner kit. I'd at least get a redmax as far as a torch, or better if you can afford it.

And yes, if you want to sell anything or want to make larger items you need a kiln. But in the mean time, you can fill a crock pot with vermiculite and turn it on high. When you're finished for the day, turn it off. It will cool the glass slowly but will NOT anneal it.

Good luck and have fun!

[Action Glass]

Wait, what?

Avoid sundance. I have heard more negative things about them than almost any other supplier.

Check out mountain glass arts for beginner equipment. I have yet to hear a bad word said about them. Definitely one of my go to suppliers.

Oh, and the take a class advice is priceless. I have introduced a few people to this medium, and none of them wanted to pursue it once the realized how challenging it is. You really need to get behind a torch for a bit before you jump into such an expensive/time consuming hobby.

One last thing, yes, you need a kiln. Check out glass hive.


Agreed