Just bought this equipment for lampworking, what else do I need?

[Dreamaginarius]

Hi Maureen!

Thanks for the reminder! I am definitely getting one before I start working in the studio. I am all crazy about safety. I had training on how to use an extinguisher at school back in the day but thank god I have never had the need to use one. And hopefully I will not need to in the future. But it is best to be prepared

I wanted a hothead before committing to the whole equipment. But as I know my self, I really liked lampworking the minute I saw the glass melting in my mandrel. Just seeing the glass neon orange and me trying to model it, was just an experience that I knew I wanted to repeat!

Now that you say about the change from hothead to a torch. I am learning in a Nortel Red Max, which it is used also for boro (same room where they teach borosilicate lampworking). I think that is the main reason I went for a torch instead of a Hothead. I am used to this strong burner and if went for the hothead after this one, I would have dropped it immediately. I would have spent $40+ in the hot head, same money that I now have used for my nortel. Plus the gal who sold me her nortel came with a marver

Ugghh! I am so sorry you are not making beads anymore I truly hope you get better and we can show off each others creations soon! Cancer runs in my family and I know how hard it is, but there is also good treatment outthere and with patience, loads of faith and good spirits you will overcome it! Don't sell your tools, keep them as a promise to your self so you go back and lampwork with us!! Many hugs to you.

Originally Posted by MaureenKennedy

One important thing not mentioned here but worth saying about is to have an ABC fire extinguisher nearby the torch and kiln. The ABC are the different types of fire that can happen, chemical, electrical etc and worth the extra money to have one that covers all types of fires (keep one in my kitchen next to stove, too).

You have certainly gone the extra miles on good equipment. I was using a hothead for years before I got the concentrator and torch. I used regular propane at the end, with hose for the hothead. You can do almost everything but really large items, that you can do with minor - but it is quicker with oxy torch. Being used to slower pace with hothead it was almost too fast to switch, being the oxy torch would heat the glass so much faster and you seemed to lose control of the glass. I got rid of my first torch which was great for boro but too hot for me to handle.

Many of the tools I have found to not be used after first acquiring them. A good marver is important and I believe the use of a square or length of graphite in front of your torch to lay on your table or whatever you have your torch on is helpful not only to use as marver for flat thing, but to keep perspective of flame in front of you (you can see it better with a black background). I have sorta stopped making beads for awhile because kiln is screwed up and with my illness of cancer and chemo treatments.

[silberrucken]

Originally Posted by Dreamaginarius

Yes, Candace (Beybey at Lampworksetc forum). She was super nice and a fast shipper!!

The most significant thing about this that you found your way to LWE. As a male, I am an outlier in that group, but the females over there are another great community. They will talk about >>anything<< and will answer as readily.

Keep your lamp lit!

[Allicat]

Welcome Karla

Wow! What a start you already have; a great class and awesome equipment. I've been torching for about a year, basically self taught with lots of advice from the folks in the Newbie Glass Help forum here, and sit at my kitchen table with my little Hothead and have myself a ball. No room for a bigger set-up, and with no access to a kiln I'm not making anything to sell anyway; just for my personal enjoyment and for gifties. But big set up or not, addictive just the same!

Btw, anyone who wishes to check your blog may not notice there are no periods in between the words; if you didn't do that then I suspect the forum does it to keep folks from getting spammed. If anyone wants to visit, they will need to add the periods - i took a peek and can't wait to see you create!

Alli

[Dreamaginarius]

Thank you guys for all your help! I finally set up the studio yesterday

It was so much fun! My lampworking skills? Ehem.. not good but well, with the studio at home and many hours of practice I am sure they will improve

Here is the Studio:

For better pics you can visit my blog post: http://dreamaginarius.blogspot.com/2...dio-is-up.html

You cannot see but the BBQ propane tank is just outside the door. The chair is facing directly to the door. There is plenty PLENTY of ventilation I promise. Plus, the window on my right. The only thing I am missing is a galvanized surface, which I will be buying tonight. I just put some foil paper because I could not wait to start! Also, I am buying an extinguisher just for safety. I got a flashback arrestor and a Smith Propane regulator. My hoses come from a welding supply store. So all of the most important equipment (to make sure I am safe) was paid full price for. I just did not want to play around with it that.

So that is it! Now I have to roam around the forum to read about Annealing schedules and lampworking tutorials

Again, thanks a bunch for all your help!

xox