Glassblower problems

**Jesuskrust** · 08-12-2014, 03:45 PM

Every dumbass old friend that has no real clue what you do asking if you have stepped up to big bongs yet, because they want one most likely for free because you know "we were tight" in 10th grade.

**Chewie** · 08-12-2014, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by IDoesGlass

Telling people I do lampworking, realizing I should have just said glassblowing. Now they think I make lamps...

Haha that just happened to me earlier today at my sons high school.

**harpentuan** · 08-12-2014, 05:45 PM

Chicks want free lessons and are not afraid to ask.

**Jimi The Don** · 08-12-2014, 06:10 PM

getting the watery shits on a day that you have to work those few extra hours before your appointment the very next day with a really good account.

**Ronin** · 08-12-2014, 10:07 PM

Having your glass in 40+ stores, knowing damn well that you can make good money, but having serious trouble finding the motivation when you can scrape by on 5 hours a week.

</FirstWorldProblems>

**brads** · 08-12-2014, 11:34 PM

Because you wanted to see the O2 tank on my bike, Misha.

Click image for larger version.

Name: bmw_O2_tank3_web.jpg
Views: 51
Size: 200.4 KB
ID: 64470

Click image for larger version.

Name: bmw_O2_tank2_web.jpg
Views: 50
Size: 185.2 KB
ID: 64468

And here's the Polish motorcycle airbag safety system. Patent pending.

Click image for larger version.

Name: bmw_airbag_web.jpg
Views: 51
Size: 147.5 KB
ID: 64469

**brads** · 08-13-2014, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by PokerStoned

Not even a glassblower yet and I got problems. Didn't even get to use it . Attachment 64325

Sucks how a metal that can handle so much heat is so brittle it will break if just dropped on the floor.

You can get replacement tungsten rods at your local welding store. They are used as heliarc electrodes. They have color coded ends, and you want the green ones, which are pure tungsten. The other colors are tungsten doped with a small percentage of various other elements. Hold out for the green (pure) ones, even if you have to go to a couple of different places to get them. You may also have to buy a whole box (8 or 10 electrodes) rather than a single rod, the price of which should run about $15 - $20 for 1/16 inch and go up fast for larger diameters. Having to buy a whole box sucks, but as you unfortunately found, having spares isn't a bad idea.

Brad

**brads** · 08-13-2014, 06:42 AM

Can't believe I almost forgot this one, since it happened recently - defective glass crucibles.

Before:

Click image for larger version.

Name: furnace_open.jpg
Views: 52
Size: 177.3 KB
ID: 64472

After:

Click image for larger version.

Name: back_wall_web.jpg
Views: 50
Size: 148.0 KB
ID: 64471

**PyroChixRock** · 08-13-2014, 12:20 PM

OMFG oxy tank on motorcycle!

I am dying!!

Coolest picture, ever.

**TCsGlassworks** · 08-15-2014, 08:18 PM

might be just me.. but

taking a pipe out of the kiln only to find out that you forgot to pop the carb

**blazemaster83** · 08-15-2014, 11:05 PM

Pulling a piece out of the kiln after a long night of busting ass only to find out you forgot to polish off some stupid devit, or a punty mark, only to stick it right back in to ramp up. Or even worse, when you pull it out in the morning and the punty mark or devit is on the inside, and the piece is trash.

Also pulling a piece out, to find out the base isn't perfectly flat.

This is never on some easily fixed prodo, it's always on the maniac crazy collab piece where you pushed your limits.

Running out of propane, or oxy right at the end of the piece/night.

**Nomad** · 08-16-2014, 06:40 AM

Making production spoons = bigger profits . As long as you don't burn yourself out making the same thing all the time.
Stand Up Bubblers = largest bubbler profit. You can fit more of them in your kiln as long as it is tall enough. But my bubbler use a lot of oxygen.

**gypsea** · 08-16-2014, 11:17 AM

the frustration of not being on the torch while running a retail store with a demo studio; then having customer who asks, "are you the glassblower?"
yup, that's me.

" are you blowing glass right now?"
uhhh nope, I'm standing here talking to you.

**skyhighguy** · 08-18-2014, 08:54 AM

Beginner glassblower problem: being fully addicted yet owning no equipment to feed said addiction. I have to operate on the whims of my friend who is teaching me. On that note...

Good luck selling your art works Nomad! If you still have that old kiln you were selling, I would love to come grab it ASAP. I sent you a PM but it sounds like you might be having trouble getting messages and stuff with your computer down, so I tried you here. Please let me know about that kiln... I am somewhat obsessed with it haha. Thanks.

**DIMBW** · 08-18-2014, 09:03 AM

Having to curb my coffee consumption because shakey hands make for a bad sesh.

**istandalone24/7** · 08-18-2014, 09:24 AM

directly after a coffee break....take your safety break. this helps shaky hands

**itssteve** · 08-18-2014, 12:12 PM

People showing up unexpected right as you're about to make a weld

**willy47** · 08-18-2014, 05:31 PM

-Go exchange your oxy tanks come back happy and ready to torch but then notice you have no propane

-No lighter

-No lighter!!

-Some body wants a custom piece with every color you don't have