Question about tools

[rvp117]

Hi Melters,
I am going to be using a local studio to do a couple glass projects, but only basic tools are provided at the studio. I am going to need to see if I will be able to make a pipe or two and I know there will be specific tools I need that won't be provided iex: bowl push.
here is a list of the basic tools included in the rental studio.
Torch Rental includes use of torch, hand torch, kilns for annealing and basic tools such as a graphite paddle, scissors, tunsten pick and tweezers
What else will I need to bring?

[Boozeclues]

The only tool you need to make a pipe is a bowl push. make sure they have glasses you can use or get a pair of your own.

If they dont have them I would suggest getting a 2 graphite rods from a glass place, One in 1/2 that you sand until round and use that to push the bowl, and one thats 1/4 inch that you sharpen like a pencil to use as a flare or to ream.

good luck

[Matt P]

If they dont have them I would suggest getting a 2 graphite rods from a glass place, One in 1/2 that you sand until round and use that to push the bowl, and one thats 1/4 inch that you sharpen like a pencil to use as a flare or to ream.

good luck

those were two of my first tool purchases, use the 1/4 pencil reamer all the time making pendants and as a reamer on tubing, And the bowl push, well, i mostly just push bowls with it haha

[menty666]

Unless it's obvious, make sure they're ok with you making pipes there. Some places aren't ok with it.

[rvp117]

Right, That will be a question I have. I honestly don't see what the fuss is all about. I don't smoke, but I use to a long time ago. Its mainly an art thats both functional and decorative. I love both form and function.

[menty666]

For that, I'd direct you to this thread: http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43279

[Mecha]

What else will I need to bring?

Honestly?

Nothing.

If it is a legit studio and they are offering lessons, they should have everything you need for the lessons.

Pipes are not easy and are hardly beginner level stuff. If they are not included in the lesson plan, you are only going to distract from the class (unless the lessons are private) by wanting to get to stuff that is way above entry level.

Slow and steady wins the race. Making a pipe within the first few hours on the torch ever, is not really the best plan to build a solid foundation to work from.

Just my opinion though, so, yeah.

And as mentioned before, they may not be cool with it, in which case I would advise against pressing the issue. You know, the whole "their house, their rules" thing.

[rvp117]

Oh, I totally understand if they have had some bad experiences with people and pipes in the past. I won't force any issue if they are not comfortable with it as you say their house their rules. I will not even attempt to make a pipe my first lesson and definetly not squander my lesson trying to make a pipe. Pipe or not I want to be a glass artist first and foremost. From sculpting to bead making I would like to experience it all. Pipe making is a preference to me but if its not cool I will have to find someone that will teach that. These are valid concerns to raise, I know about the legal implications pipe making has on ones business, so I understand if she doesn't want her studio part of that. I wish it was more widely accepted and didn't have such a bad connotation with it.

[rvp117]

I don't mean to vent I apologize I didn't mean my first visit I would blow pipes, I meant in a future visit, no hostility intented. As always thanks for your guidance.