Q&A for How to Blow Glass

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  • Question
    What's the melting point of glass?
    Michelle Plucinsky
    Glassblowing Expert
    Michelle Plucinsky is a Glassblowing Expert based in Dearborn, Michigan. Michelle is the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Glass Academy, an educational facility showcasing glass experiences, hands-on classes, and seasonal events. Glass Academy’s facility functions as an art studio for the founding partners, where large-scale commissioned projects are fabricated and handcrafted glass objects are sold. The Glass Academy aims to expand consumer awareness of how handcrafted glass can be utilized as both functional and decorative elements in modern applications. Michelle has an extensive background in the glass arts, has taught at the professional level at the Corning Museum of Glass, traveled to work abroad in Italy, and ran a production studio within Dearborn’s Henry Ford Museum. She attended Alfred University.
    Glassblowing Expert
    Expert Answer
    To melt our specific type of glass, the furnace must reach a temperature of 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is crucial for liquefying both the glass and the pot in which it is contained. Different types of glass, ranging from soft glass to hard glass, generally melt within the temperature range of 2400 to 2900 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Question
    How do I make a design for glass-blowing?
    Michelle Plucinsky
    Glassblowing Expert
    Michelle Plucinsky is a Glassblowing Expert based in Dearborn, Michigan. Michelle is the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Glass Academy, an educational facility showcasing glass experiences, hands-on classes, and seasonal events. Glass Academy’s facility functions as an art studio for the founding partners, where large-scale commissioned projects are fabricated and handcrafted glass objects are sold. The Glass Academy aims to expand consumer awareness of how handcrafted glass can be utilized as both functional and decorative elements in modern applications. Michelle has an extensive background in the glass arts, has taught at the professional level at the Corning Museum of Glass, traveled to work abroad in Italy, and ran a production studio within Dearborn’s Henry Ford Museum. She attended Alfred University.
    Glassblowing Expert
    Expert Answer
    Begin the glass-blowing design process by sketching out your ideas in a sketchbook. Develop a clear design or process based on your creative vision. Your choice of design and style will depend on your skill level, so consider your proficiency in glass blowing. Don't be afraid to make a mistake; remember that you'll learn valuable lessons in the process. Once you have a well-defined design and understand the required skill level, proceed to gather the necessary materials and tools for the glass-blowing project. Execute the design with precision, paying attention to details to bring your artistic vision to life through the craft of glass blowing.
  • Question
    What is a glass blower called?
    Community Answer
    Someone who blows glass is called a glassblower, glassmith, or a gaffer.
  • Question
    Where did glass blowing begin in Germany?
    Community Answer
    In Cologne on the river Rhine in Germany by the late 1st century BC. I took a tour recently and a guide pointed out the spot.
  • Question
    What kind of glass do I need?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you are making. For example, glass and crystal are made with basic ingredients, but the formulas may change depending on what properties you want the item to have.
  • Question
    How can I fix a glass pipe?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend breaking it all the way and reblowing it with the stem. If you've just broken the stem, you can just glue it back together, but it won't be pretty. If you've broken the bowl on a smoking pipe, you can't glue it back together since you would be smoking glue, so you'd have to either reblow it or buy a new pipe.
  • Question
    What is the usual melting point of all glass?
    Community Answer
    About 1020 degrees Fahrenheit, or 550 degrees Celsius.
  • Question
    Is it possible to heat/cool the glass too much, to the extent that it will no longer cooperate?
    Community Answer
    If you cool glass too much, it will crack. If you heat too much, it's hard to control it. You need to act on time, when it's soft, but not too cold or hot.
  • Question
    What do I do if my glass bowl doesn't sit flat?
    Donny Jepp
    Community Answer
    Carefully heat just the bottom of the bowl plus a little bit more area to make it malleable, then press it down on a fireproof, preferably wood, surface. Do it a little at a time to ensure that your bowl doesn't crack or bow inward in a concave manner. This really only works if the glass is rather sturdy, but I've had success with delicate glass like light bulbs.
  • Question
    Where can I buy glass tubes for blowing glass?
    Donny Jepp
    Community Answer
    eBay and Amazon are the cheapest, but you can also usually buy them at a medical uniform and supply store if you don't want to wait.
  • Question
    What happens if I breathe in and molten glass touches my teeth, tongue, or throat?
    Community Answer
    You will get burned. Call 911 if this happens, or if you have an assistant, instruct him/her to do so.
  • Question
    Do I have to use a furnace?
    Community Answer
    It is the better option because of the consistent heat, but anything hot enough can melt glass to a point where you can form it.
  • Question
    How many hours would it take to blow a glass vessel that is 24" high and 12" diameter?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on what shape you want it. If you want it rounder and bigger, then it will take longer.
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