Super new guy

[Unkleface]

What up yall? When I say I am super new... I am super new. I have always been fascinated with torch work but have never had the cash to start up as a hobby. I just impulse bought a torch from a buddy who blew for years. I don't have gas, glass or the knowledge to put together a rig. Where do I start? What books / videos would you recommend?

[LowTideGlass]

Start here.

http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50425

After reading that, if you have specific questions use the search function to see if it has been asked before. At that point if you still have questions then ask away :)

[Aymie]

My advice would be not to mention that you want to make rigs until you know how to weld rod, weld tube, make a maria, make a spoon and use temporary bridging.

[oG Glocc Coma]

Glass blowing is like Math, you got progressive steps of learning solid basics before you can get down on some algebra.

Different glasses/colors moves in your hand differently, some melt faster and are more fluid. My suggestion would be to get a big box of clear and have fun! you aren't gonna make any money back for awhile, so have that mindset in your head... "This is for Fun, this is for fun!"

If you find yourself wanting to sell crap products just to make your money back and not having fun then this probably isn't for you.

[snoopdog6502]

What up yall? When I say I am super new... I am super new. I have always been fascinated with torch work but have never had the cash to start up as a hobby. I just impulse bought a torch from a buddy who blew for years. I don't have gas, glass or the knowledge to put together a rig. Where do I start? What books / videos would you recommend?

Get your ventilation and eyeware before you even turn on a torch and you will have a good start. Next you will want a kiln.
Contemporary-Lampworking
http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Lampworking-Practical-Guide-Shaping/dp/0965897214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443291790&sr=8-1&keywords=lampworking

[whatchawant]

hey, new here also. Well new to posting. Been lurking for 6 years. Figured no need to post until I got my torch. I got it! Got a national 3a. ($30)!!! What torch are you starting with? Got my tools and safety equip. on the way too. Working on setting up in a garage. Today I'm gonna see if I can use a grinder and salvage metal panels off a deep freezer to make into a hood. Idea came to me last night. (fingers crossed) plan b is to use old sheets of tin ill salvage off an old hay shed. Its been nice to take my time reading everything and watching all the youtube videos. Over time my interest grew so much all I could think about was getting a torch. I can tell you that the info put out on the web has increased alot since I started researching. I'm looking at a few weeks out yet before everything is set up proper.

[Aymie]

I think everyone should learn on a 3a.

[Icarus]

Amen to that. The most talented glass worker I know started on a 3a, used it for years, and still has it sitting at his bench. I think you'll find a lot of people who have similar stories.

[oG Glocc Coma]

I think everyone should learn on a 3a.

But then we would never get stellar deals once they realized the glass life isn't for them! lol

[Icarus]

But then we would never get stellar deals once they realized the glass life isn't for them! lol

Truth.

[istandalone24/7]

Amen to that. The most talented glass worker I know started on a 3a, used it for years, and still has it sitting at his bench. I think you'll find a lot of people who have similar stories.

very, very true, although once i moved up from a minor on two oxycons to a midrange/premix on tanked oxygen, my work improved. some of that is the oxy source....as you said the ballers can make bank on the least expensive torch on the market, and the most expensive torch will not make a newb a baller.
BUT....having the right tool for the job definitely helps you to progress faster, at least ime.