Ever work at Bullseye Glass?

[Chubbles]

I have a buddy who works at Bullseye glass in Portland. He told me they have a job there for a full time caster. He says its not bad. I got another buddy who worked there in the 90's and said it was a nightmare. I'd really like to move out there, but can't do it unless I get a full time job with benefits and what not(have a family).

Anyone ever work there? I'd love to hear about it.

-Ned-

[daveabr]

I've been through the factory, classrooms, and casting shops. I would say it would be a great job. They always have guest artists there using their studios. They have top of the line equipment, and probably would expose you to endless stuff you don't know.

[Bglass]

They go through casters like a bad habit. I applied there once. They will ask you if you like digging holes! If you say no you won't get the job. Say yes. Trust me.
It's a cool position though, you alternate with a couple dudes through out the day so your not always doing the same task. It goes caster picks up a glob, splats it on the table another guys rolls it out and hands it off to the Lear guy.
My buddie was a melter there for a couple years. He did test pattys and would purge the tanks and mix them etc. His job was the best, but quit after he realized how much shit your exposed to. You have to get periodic physicals and metal test for your blood. An the bubble trash blowers have a cool Job too because they get to blow bubbles all day. It the closest to a hot shop type job. Batch room is the worst.
You get good benefits, and super great discounts on glass and classes.
You can almost always see a bullseye position open on craigslist every month of the year. I have for the past five years or more. The big wigs in the offices make bank and a lot of them started out at the bottom. It's not that bad of a place. It's pretty cool just going for the interview.

[Chubbles]

Thanks for the good info guys. If anyone else has any opinions I want to hear them.

-Ned-

[menty666]

I've only interacted with the product and the sales staff, but I have to say, they're both awesome and the attention to quality control and secure shipping is fantastic.

I don't doubt any of what Bglass said, but I'd add that any batch room is going to be a hazard; it comes with the job, but BE does that they can to comply with the OSHA standards too.

[3rd Man]

This is a few years late, but perhaps it'll benefit some other poor soul.

I worked as a caster for a couple of years at Bullseye, a while back. I will say, it was a great experience in that you really have to learn that stuff. Your mind and body (especially your body) have to stay sharp. If you go into it physically unfit, you will pay. You eventually get up to speed and it becomes like second nature. You'll get strong as hell (my doctor at the time told me I had the blood pressure of a teenager.) Everybody I worked with and myself included had Popeye forearms. You bond with your crew as you have to trust each other implicitly. Casting as a team, done right is like a machine doing its thing. People are literally throwing 3000+ glass in your direction. Timing and keeping your head on a swivel is key.

Now for the bad news. Casters, for whatever reason, were treated like crap. They, IMO, have the hardest job in the factory (melters, coming in second, IMO), but are sort of looked at as dip-shit cowboys (granted, I worked with a few of those) It's hot as hell, you're running and lifting all shift, and the money wasn't very good. Meanwhile the lead caster, Tim (who I think is still there) was an asshole. I've had bosses I didn't like, but man, that guy was a prick. Maybe that has changed... Anyhow, turnover is prevalent among casters. It's just a hard job without many thanks and you're looked at as easily replaceable. Instead of holding onto their casters, I guess Bullseye has figured it's cheaper to replace those that leave, rather than work on retention. I saw lots of guys work a few weeks (and a couple, just days) and never come back. Don't let the Bullseye facade fool you into thinking it's a big bunch of feel-good, hippy artist types. The owners are into it for profit, profit, profit; those making them their money, be damned.

Anyway, despite all the shit. I'm glad I worked there. It was certainly an experience. Don't expect a career out of it and expect to work your ass off. Expect to be expendable. Lot's of hipsters lined up for that gig. You do (or at least did) get medical, you'll be ripped, and hell you get to monkey around with molten glass. Oh and it was super easy to get weed. A good portion of those who worked there smoked. Good times...

Proceed with caution and make your own path. You can always quit.



I have a buddy who works at Bullseye glass in Portland. He told me they have a job there for a full time caster. He says its not bad. I got another buddy who worked there in the 90's and said it was a nightmare. I'd really like to move out there, but can't do it unless I get a full time job with benefits and what not(have a family).

Anyone ever work there? I'd love to hear about it.

-Ned-

[Emmett's Glass]

There is Spectrum in Woodinville WA http://www.spectrumglass.com/ not sure what they have or how they treat their workers but they are about 40 min from Seattle.
E

[Skipjack]

Uroboros is also in Portland, but I have no information about working conditions there:
http://www.uroboros.com/contact.php