Another "I'm new and don't know what to do" post...

[Russbilt]

Okay just kidding, mostly, but since I am new here and seeking some guidance to get off on the right foot, I thought I'd (re)post this here where it's perhaps more likely to get some attention (was posted in my thread on oxy-concentrators). First off I am a complete noob, never melted glass before, unless you count the odd pipe repair way back in the day, lol (that's the bad old days as it were, I've since reformed myself and am living life on the straight and narrow, ahem ;?).

So let me back up just a bit and explain what I've already got and what I'm planning on doing, although I'm trying to stay as flexible as possible, so my plans aren't etched in stone. First off I have:

* One Duncan Kiln Model DK 820X-1 - I bought this used and is in very good condition (got a great deal for $200). It's a tall, octagonal kiln, dimensions are 19.5" tall by 17.5" wide, runs on 220V.

* An oxygen concentrator which, after further research will probably be set aside until I get to where I'm using at least a couple of tanks a week - I jumped the gun a bit, but the price was right, and if I decide not to go that route I suppose I can probably sell it easily enough.

* One Campbell Hausfeld Victor-style oxy-acetylene welding/cutting torch with 3 welding tips (#'s 0, 2, & 4) and a big #6 rosebud tip. I bought this mainly to cut steel for building my shop tables, work-bench and furnace, but I'm wondering if I switched from acetylene to propane, could this be of any use at all for glass work???
Also bought a Miller arc/tig welder today to weld up all those items ;?D

*Various assorted graphite rods and extruded plate for making paddles and other tools - yeah I know, but I like to tinker and always believe I can probably make a thing myself (often right and sometimes disastrously wrong ;?)

* Personal protective gear including glasses, respirator, fire extinguisher, apron, sleeves and gloves (are one's rated to 1700f adequate?).

As for goals, I'm planning to start out learning to slump because it seems the easiest way to get started and satisfy that itch to get going "NOW", and then work my way towards blowing as I study/learn as much as I can (and build my workshop).

I've only got about $1000 bucks left for tools and glass so seeing as I'm going to start slumping, maybe a teeny bit of torch work just to learn how to work with the medium, what might be my best investment considering my budget?

I'm also looking for someplace to take a class/seminar/course but from what I've found so far, there doesn't seem to be much close by. I live in Riverside, IA (just south of Iowa City), and while the local community college does have some coursework, the next beginners level doesn't start till Sept. I'm planning on attending a short workshop in Ames (May 11) at Ciccotti Art Glass, but that's a 2-hour commute so not a good option for extensive studio time. Any suggestions or "friends" who might be nearby would be too cool for school ;?D

Well that's where I'm at and I would certainly appreciate any advice or criticism - I'm willing to learn and hope to someday be able to call myself a true artisan of the craft ;?D

[2wheeler]

I'll be in Iowa City at the Konnection doing a demo with other locals on April 20th. You should come check it out, you'll get to see everything you need to melt glass...(and everything you don't need -MORE IMPORTANTLY).

I'm a little nervous that your glasses are just welding glasses not proper glasses for glass work.
Your welding torch may melt glass? But a national 3a will be much nicer. I have a few laying around, I'll test one for leaks and toss you some different tips for $50.

I could easily throw together an entire glass blowing set-up for you and sell you raw glass cheaper than your gonna find anywhere.

Shoot me a PM and we'll figure out what you need.

[gmarv54]

to some of the glass blowing suppliers sites browse them { abr glasscraft etc. etc. } make sure you have glasses that are rated for the type glass you are gonna use. the torch set you have should work fine it will work fine with propane . the net is full of you tube videos on lampworking . maybe get a couple books on lampworking the good ones go through the set up and safety tips you need to know. most of all just get started learning have fun and be safe.

[Russbilt]

Wow, that would be great Ben, thanks I'll be there ;?D

[Russbilt]

Hey Gmarv, good advice, and yeah I've been watching a lot of Youtube videos and reading everything I can get my hands on (if I can afford it, lol, good glass books apparently don't come cheap). I hear Contemporary Lampworking is considered like the lampworkers bible so I've got that on order.