There are two types of 'glass blowing' - with a glory hole or offhand i.e. with a bench torch. The tool kit below focusses on the glory hole style.
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Tool Name |
Image | Description | Approx. Price |
| Glass Melting Furnace |
|
The furnace enables you to melt your glass. One type is called a Tank furnace (pictured). It is usually constructed of alumina-zircon which helps it withstand high temperatures (2000°F / 1093ºC), and most typically found in commercial style facilities e.g. professional studios. Another type, the Pot furnace, has a crucible for melting glass (with a capacity of 2.5-226kgs (5-500lbs), and are typically found in private studios. |
Varies |
| Glory Hole |
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A Glory Hole is essentially a drum that is heated with gas and forced air. It is used to heat and re-heat glass. |
$3000+ |
| Blowpipes & punties |
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Blowpipes are hollow stainless steel tubes that come in a range of lengths and diameters. They are used to 'gather' glass and manipulate it. Punties are solid rods used to further manipulate glass. They are typically used to transfer glass or to add glass elements to an existing piece e.g. a handle. |
Pipes $150-300 Punties $50-250 |
| Pipe Warmer |
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A pipe warmer is typically an open faced box heated with gas, that keeps the pipes used to manipulate glass warm. This is because glass does not stick well to cold pipes. |
Varies depending on size |
| Yoke |
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A yoke is used to rest pipes when reheating glass in the glory hole. In the picture it is the Y shaped device holding the pipe. The Yoke (also known as a yoke roller) can be on wheels or stationary. |
$250-600 |
| Blocks & Molds |
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A block or mold is used to shape hot glass. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes and are usually made of cherry wood. |
Varies depending on function & size |
| Jacks & Tweezers |
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Jacks and tweezers are used to sculpt the glass. Jacks are especially used to shape the necks of bottles. Prices vary on size and manufacturer. |
$50-400 |
| Blowers Bench |
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Used for sitting on and holding your current work. In the picture the glass blower is sitting on the bench seat. The pipe holding the glass art sits on the 'arms' of the bench. | $500-2000 |
| Annealer |
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Annealers are similar to a kiln, where you place finished glass pieces to anneal for a period of time to ensure strength. Also known as a Lehr, in large operations they often having moving belts to carry the glass through stages. The one pictured here is from Northwest Iron Works. |
Varies depending on size |
| Marver table |
|
Marver (or marvering) tables are large smooth surfaces upon which you can sit your glass and manipulate it, or use it to control temperature. They are usually made of steel. The one pictured here is from Northwest Iron Works. |
$500-1500 |
| Shears |
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Are used to cut glass when it is hot. | $5-100 |
