Novice seeking setup advice, torch and kiln info

[CharlieDontSurf]

I'm looking to make a set up in my home after taking some classes, with an interest largely in pipe/bubbler making, sculpture and marbles. I'm probably going to go with a GTT Mirage - having used the Phantom and the Elite, I think the Mirage is an appropriate compromise between the other two. The amount of radiant heat that comes off the Elite can be off putting in and of itself, and I am not planning in working on that scale for some time.

If I want to spend approx. 2000 dollars or less on a kiln, what would be my best option? I've worked with a door which opens upwards, and that has the obvious benefit of not exposing you to as much heat - this unit also had ridiculous heating elements which were always falling down and needed to pinned up before finally they were chaulked in. What're my best choices in this price range?

Tools. While I imagine I can make some crude hotfingers, heavy duty tweezers, tungstin picks and the like on my own, I'm going to need some other things like diamond shears. Which company is a good compromise between price and quality? For that matter, who makes the best tools, period?

Glass supply. Anyone know any good places in the Bay Area, California? Berkeley, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Concord? I could and probably will end up checking a directory online, but if anyone knows of a particularly good store... Do you guys mostly order your supplies online? I've been using Momkas glass recenty and have been really impressed.

What're tanks and the connecting cables going to run me? Recommendations for a cheap ass inflammable work surface? Other concerns which a relatively unknowing hopeful glassblower should know?

[Cameron Reed]

kilns/ Paragon, Aim, and Evenheat make good frontloading with doggy doors, but you could probly buy a welder and build one for less.
tools/ Jim Moore makes good tools for a good price, ive also seen people use cigar cutters or modified gardening sheers for small Dimond sheers
supplys/ i use mountainglassarts because its near me, dont know about Califonia . hand picking is the best if possible and you skip shipping
work surface/ I use a steel or marble/tile. hardibacker is probly the cheepest
tanks hoses and regulators vary with the distributor/welding store.
hope any of this helps good luck seting up

[somberbear]

you ate your budget up at mirage... a phantom will last you ages.... or you can toss another grand or two in for the rest of the set up.

kiln... best made LGW... cheap... 84bd aim im sure theres others look around used... i love my living glass works kiln very well put togeather.

Tools.
Menzies - very high quality tools.
Public sci glass - also very high quality and most of my personal tools.
Jim moore - mainly off hand.
Carlo donna - also off hand tools.

for regulators and hoses try http://www.weldingdepot.com/ or www.cyberweld.com
should be under 150 if you go cheap on every thing. also think about a foot pedel. HAG pedels are pritty good

cheap diamond shears... generations glass... and there pritty good consitering the price differnce i was happily suprized by this.

work surface ... hardie backer, dura roc concrete board.

[glass4est]

get in touch with mnt glass art supply. they have ads here. They give great starter kits. they will work with what you need. Tell them 4est sent you. there great.

[JANKYglass]

if you dont buy an aim kiln from grady at full circle glass supply then your paying way to much.check the classifieds and pm him he go's by kgd on the forum.

[3 rip min]

where did you take the classes???

[β]

i think he meant 2k on a kiln on top of the mirage.

If you are willing to blow 2k on a kiln, but skimp on tools, that doesn't make sense. Big kilns means big electricity consumption. look at an or a http://www.1kiln.com/html/99ls_9169gs.html medium sized paragon, and get some quality eye protection and tools. Just my opinion.

i get my glass in san jose @ glabal trading glass

[Cosmo]

Don't forget to factor in ventilation and eye protection. A good ventilation system can be pricey if you don't have the means to make it yourself or a friend who will help. Eye protection isn't cheap either....

[CharlieDontSurf]

I took glasses with Dustin Revere in Berkeley on Gilman street. Type his name into google to bring up his page - he's been having workshops recently with other glassblowers, so it may be of interest to many of you.