Beginning lampwork kit

[Char Ouellette]

For those that would like to try lampworking but do not want to invest too much into it until you know if you will like it, here is a great set-up for under $100. I was reading in the in the Lampwork etc. forums http://lampworketc.com/forums and found this supplier.

http://www.howacoglasssupplycompany.com/torchwork_beginners_kit.html

The Kit includes:

Hot Head Torch
AV 2000 Safety Glasses
Fiber Blanket
4 oz EZ Bead Release
Hot Head Clamp Set
Bead Rake
6 - 1/16th - 9 inch mandrels
6 - 3/32nd - 9 inch mandrels
10 Slot Rod Rest
Graphite Paddle - 2" x 3"
20 piece Glass Pack
Clear (T-004)
Dark Amber (T-016)
Medium Grass Green (T-022)
Teal (T-026)
Light Amethyst (T-040)
Dark Blue (T-056)
Black (T-064)
White (P-204)
Nile Green (P-214)
Periwinkle (P-220)
Dark Ivory (P-276)
Light Lemon Yellow (S-404)
Coral (S-420)
White Filigrana Rod (F-208)
Teal Green Filigrana Rod (F-218)
Black Stringer (T-064-S)
White Stringer (P-204-S)
Pea Green Stringer (P-212-S)
Dark Turquoise Stringer (P-236-S)
Violet Stringer (P-272-S)

No, I have no affiliation to this site...they were just recommended on the forums.

Have fun!
Char

[wendyhumphreys]

Thanks again for taking the time and reseach!

[Char Ouellette]

Oh, me too! That's why I wanted to pass this along.

[wendyhumphreys]

This is a great deal and wonderful idea. I purchased just tools and
a few more supplies. It cost over 100.00 for those items alone.

[Spincus]

it will be winter before i even attempt this,.

[Char Ouellette]

That's great and a big savings on a kiln to anneal the beads in. Does it have a bead door? The door makes it a little easier to put them directly into the kiln from the torch.
The blanket works but beads are not as strong unless they are kiln annealed. You can then batch anneal them in the kiln later, but I like to do it right off the torch.
Good luck and make sure to visit the Lampworketc. forums for all the info you would ever need.

[Spincus]

I also have a very expensive digital oven with control of all sorts of heating from ramp up to ramp down and durations.

[Char Ouellette]

True! I use pliers and tweezers also some dental tools.
Really, your imagination is the only limitation. And silver tubing can be used to line the bead hole and make a cap at each end using dapping tools. I haven't tried it yet but would love to. It is a great affect. I saw a video about it somewhere online that was pretty thorough. If I ever find it again I will post it.

[Spincus]

I am really interested in trying this out. I understand many of the tools are similar to silver smithing.

[Char Ouellette]

Well thanks Scott!
I think most people imagine it is too complicated to even try lampworking, but with a small investment and a few good books it can be a real thrill.

The torch can be a little intimidating at first but surprisingly relaxing after you get comfortable with it. You can take your mind off of everything else when watching the flame do it's thing with the molten glass.

[Spincus]

pretty cool. This has been featured on the front page. :)