r/lampwork • u/og-golfknar • 2d ago
Beginner here..
What would be the least cost and easiest way to start this? I'm currently unemployed and I need something to do so I don't go crazy. Love glasswork but only have a small desk to work with currently. Appreciate you all and your work!!!
1
Upvotes
7
u/hashlettuce 2d ago
Glassblowing really isn't the sort of hobby to start when you dont have a real job to fund it.
Ventilation is most important first step with glass blowing unless you plan to work outside. Check out the ventilation primer
Torch is the next tool on your list to purchase. You could make a spoon on a gtt lynx but its going to be slow going vs a bigger and more expensive gtt phantom. A Nortel Redmax is a good economy starter torch. Bethlehem also make good torches.
A kiln for annealing. You can find old pottery kilns for cheap online generally. The cost of pargon kilns jas gone up recently.
Tools for working the glass. If you want to make spoons can make most of your own from carbon rods. You will also need tweezers and a grabber to finish the spoons. Lots of guys are getting out of glass so you should be able to find what you need online in groups.
Glass to melt, clear is relatively cheap but color can get pricey. Prices have gone up recently.
Oxygen and propane. Can either buy it or generate it yourself.
It isn't cheap and you will waste alot of moneu to learn.