Wanting to get into glass work

[walte1fr]

Ok so quick back story. I took the family to cedar point this past weekend and one of the girls was done riding rides on the 3rd day. She loves crafts so we went and watched glass blowing. We got there at noon and finally left at 7. Hahah funny thing is I always wanted to work with glass when I was a kid and so it sparked my interest again. She talked about everything she could make if she could just go up there and do it. Btw she is only 9
Sooooo
My question is where do I start?

Just 2 hours of google tells me we need to get into lampworking first and I should buy a torch. We live about 3 hours from what I could find for classes. Zip code 48413 if anyone knows of any closer.
I'm seeing the nortel minor and bead making videos.

Does anyone mind helping me out and letting me know what I can buy to start with that isn't getting the whole study but also isn't just buying the cheapest thing that will make us lose interest the same day?

Thank you in advance


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[PyroChixRock]

You definitely found the right place! Start here, http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?50425-Attention-new-lampworkers-READ-FIRST

there is so much info on this forum you shouldn't have a problem figuring anything out, but if you do ask. welcome and have fun. :)

[snoopdog6502]

Some good eye-ware, exceptionally good ventilated fire proof space, some soft glass and a hot head torch can be done real cheap to start out. Cool glass in a ceramic fiber blanket.
Soft glass has a huge color palette and is pretty fun. Many people make amazing looking beads and small sculptures in soft glass using the humble $14 hot head torch.

If that runs a lot then step up to and Oxy /propane torch and be looking for a kiln. It takes a few months to get things together, start with the fire proof space and ventilation and get eye-ware made for working glass before you even get a torch.

[walte1fr]

Awesome thanks. Yeah I saw the hothead torch then I saw the nortel. That's a big step up and for a 9 year old I hate to spend that much to have her do it for a day haha.
I'll do some digging in that thread. Do you recommend any companies to order from?


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[Jackass Glass]

Mountain glass. Abr. Sundance. Glasscraft.

Just shop around for price. Shipping usually is the key price factor.

[walte1fr]

Awesome thank you very much. I have been looking at Sundance since they offer the HH


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[Jackass Glass]

i got my initial setup from them. i liked some of the kits they had assembled.

zero complaints.

if i had to nay say one company i would say stay away from ABR because i had a bad shipping experience. basically they said they shipped it on friday but didnt until monday. not a big deal but it annoyed me. MANY people love and use them exclusively. so hey. my box prob just got overlooked and like i said. no biggie. have def reordered from them based on price etc etc