How long have you been at the torch?

**p.j.** · 05-22-2014, 11:41 AM

17 years and counting.....i feel old.

I always tell the dudes in my studio about all the dead shows i used to see.

I'll say"wow this show from 90 was smokin".... they say"I was 5"

**FredLight** · 05-22-2014, 11:46 AM

Started soft glass in 2001, spent some years fusing and slumping and making soft glass beads on a Hot Head.

About 2005, I bought a Carlisle CC and switched to Borosilicate glass. I've switched torches, but I still love the boro.

**BlairArtGlass** · 05-22-2014, 02:59 PM

I have dreamed of blowing glass since I was a kid and I saw a corning demo. Been close to taking classes at different points over the years, but it always fell through. Finally this winter I hooked up with a local guy that has a shop, and was able to get on a torch and melt some boro! I knew before hand I'd be hooked, and I was. Untill I can get my own set up going I get to play for a few hours a week, but always leave REALLY wanting to sit there another 6 hours and really practice what I'm learning. Instead of waiting another few days or week. Soon I'll have a torch and be able to feed that desire!

**LewisW** · 05-22-2014, 05:00 PM

Working glass sense June 1972. 42 years.Self taught from scientific book. Then approached Arribas Brothers at Walt Disney World. Miquel Bonilla was my first real instructor.

**MrNiceGuy** · 05-22-2014, 06:25 PM

Almost 10 months.
The most painful, frustrating, and amazingly rewarding 10 months of my life.

A year ago I though glassblowing was just something that the boring people did at the coast. Now, I spend every day at work counting down the minutes till I can get to my torch.

**mwc** · 05-22-2014, 10:42 PM

Got my first torch in 2009, coming up on 5 years

**PyroChixRock** · 05-23-2014, 09:56 AM

Ideas for labels for the new and vets anyone?

Whippersnappers. Whippercrackers. Noobs.

Old farts. Annealed. One foot in.

I like "my shit doesn't crack"...but it's a lie.

I noticed some of you answered but didn't vote on the poll up top. Let us know up there too if you get a chance please.

It's easier to tally us in one little box.

**harpentuan** · 05-23-2014, 10:17 AM

On and off for 12-13 years.

**Zero** · 05-23-2014, 10:21 AM

7 months here, if i'm a "noob" i wanna call you an "old fart"

**harpentuan** · 05-23-2014, 10:25 AM

noobs- matchsticks, sparks, sparklers, sparkles, embers, punky

mids- firetender, flametender, torchtender, firestarter, flame/fire/torch artist

olds- lampers, Gerries (geriatrics), seniors

**Amorphous** · 05-23-2014, 10:33 AM

boring, but easy to understand naming convention:

0-6 yr NOOB
7-12 yr Glassworker -
13-18 yr Expert Glassworker
19-25 yr Master Glassworker
25+ yr Grand Master Glassworker

**Amorphous** · 05-23-2014, 10:41 AM

Harpentuan's are more fun

. I like the appellation of "Sparkler"

Originally Posted by harpentuan

noobs- matchsticks, sparks, sparklers, sparkles, embers, punky

mids- firetender, flametender, torchtender, firestarter, flame/fire/torch artist

olds- lampers, Gerries (geriatrics), seniors

**Zero** · 05-23-2014, 10:42 AM

But i like the idea that after 25 years i would be able to call myself Grand Master..

**Amorphous** · 05-23-2014, 10:48 AM

yeah, "Grand Master" is waaaaay better than Seniors or god forbid, Gerries

**Organik** · 05-23-2014, 05:26 PM

This day today marks the 1 year point from when I first melted glass! Today is the day everything came in the mail and I set it up and made myself a dabber!

Tj · 05-23-2014, 05:47 PM

Well shit, guess I'm still shopping around getting ready to get started with my measly number of hours. Only real milestone I hit so far was using up a full 20# propane by torching only. Yep Imma f-ing baller my grill and torch have their own tanks now.

**MrNiceGuy** · 05-23-2014, 07:45 PM

noobs: Wakaba
Japanese meaning "young leaf" and usually denotes a beginner or young one. Such as the "wakaba mark" that is put on the cars of young drivers in Japan.

More experienced: Gudai
It just means ancient... but I think it's appropriate for some people here.

**Papa Jim** · 05-23-2014, 08:17 PM

I don't know about Grand Master Glassworker. I do think old fart fits good. November 19 will be 50 years. Shit I feel old.

**BigJeff** · 05-23-2014, 11:25 PM

Total time: about 4 years. Still fighting the crack epidemic.. haha.

I worked in a production warehouse here in San Diego back in 2004 and was PAID $10 an hour to LEARN. It was an amazing opportunity that changed my life. I only worked there for 6 months unfortunately. Took a break for 7 years before buying a complete studio on the craigslist. Then came the relearning, it was incredibly rough. but here I am better than even and more in love with the craft than ever before. I'm always imagining glass melting, it's just a part of me now.