Demonstrations

[gambitglass]

My first one ever is set up for mid June, a small artists guild I joined asked me to do it. I'm going to do it outside under an easy up.

Any advise as far as setting up shop for demos and how far should the onlookers be when looking into the flame and all.

This is boro FYI.

I dont think I'll have hot glass explode on anyone at this point in my career but safety is certainly a concern as always.

Thanks for any advise, suggestions, input, and personal experiences.

[raul24]

make sure your gas and oxy are secured and that no one or thing can can get in your stall. A big ass dog tried to run through my stall once, was not a good day.

[Firekist]

get some caution tape and stakes or posts and make a half circle/half oval in front of your torch. the high point of the oval should be right in front of the torch.. i discourage people from standing directly in front of the torch.

a minimum of 4 feet is pretty safe.. but.. you still gotta be careful to not shoot the little glass balls .. or shoot frit/powder. I was using a mirage, and the biggest thing i made was a 2" marble and an inside out ornament.

a fan behind you is nice to direct heat and exhaust.
i setup on the edge of the ezup so the heat all basically went out.. i wouldn't wanna be in the tent completely.

gluck.. i'd like to hear some other people's methods.. especially if they're doing full size work demos.. do you actually stay inside the ezup? i always thought that'd be too much heat to stay in the ezup.

have fun!
--seth

[barefoot stash]

I've been doing a bunch of demos as of recently. They have all gone pretty smooth, but here are a few tips I've learned.

1. Definitely put up some sort of barrier. People will watch you melt something and then immediately want to come up a touch it as soon as you turn the torch off. Even a simple string between the poles of the tent can be effective.

2. Make sure you have a current,working fire extinguisher.

3. A folding Plexiglas shield is great to put up to help block the wind. Just note that you will probably have to make an extension for your torch to back it off your normal folding table unless you are using a minor or national.

4. Practice outside Before your gig. The direct sunlight makes the torch flame almost impossible to see. The wind reeks havoc with your heat base. You just have to roll with it and position your glass to catch the heat.

5. If you are performing in any sort of convention center your will need to have a fire watcher (off duty fireman). The convention center should book this for you, just stay in communication to make sure it gets done.


**This is a great way to promote your art and your business, make sure to have plenty of promotional materials on hand.

[Shatner]

A wind blocker!!! We use a setup that is a 3 piece, hinged together 2x2 pine framed plexi glass. Don't know if you've ever torched outside, but if it's windy, it's just not fun.

[djdascool]

I live & work in Somerville MA...maybe I can come check it out. Is it a private demo event?

I've done some outdoor demos & everything suggested sounds accurate. Fire extinguisher for sure. I went to building 19 & purchased some ghetto cheap sunglasses to hand out....better than no glasses at all.

[AWhiskeyDrunk]

^^^ live in Mass... where's it at... be interested in stopping by and saying hello.

[Firekist]

ah, thanks barefoot.. i forgot about the lighting!

get whatever black table top you can. it's your only hope! the flame is damn near invisible in direct sunlight... and it's tricky, even if you have a black background. graphite works, but blacker is better.

i need to revise.. 4 feet from the back of your work bench... so.. people can't stand closer than 7 feet from the face of your torch. to the side of that.. not as big a deal.

heh.. invisible flame!

---seth

[gambitglass]

great, those are a few things I had not considered. I have never torched outside so maybe I will do a dry run first to get the hang of it.

I'm not a master at flameworking whatsoever but if you are in MA and want to come check it out I'm sure anyone is welcome.

I'm demonstrating for a local arts institute group that I joined a little of a year ago.

Just PM me if you want further details about times and locations. It will be the third Thursday of June in Methuen, MA. (about 1/2 hour drive north of boston)

gotta get some plexi though, that is not always cheap.

anyways thanks for the tips and I will be putting some more thought into this soon.