I've decided that (once I get the money for all the supplies) I would like to get into lampworking. Was wondering what any of you lampworkers in here might offer in the way of advice, recommendations. I spent about an hour last night scouring some Lampworking bulletin boards and even found a bead shop in my area that offers lampworking classes and sells the supplies in the shop, too.

It looks like you are off to a good start with your research. I recommend taking a class first, just to make sure that you really enjoy it before you invest in equipment. My fiance and I own a bead shop and glass studio in Virginia. And we're glad to answer any questions you may have. (Our website is www.soleiletlune.com and you can e-mail us off of there or message me here.) We've helped many new lampworkers with info on glass, torches, setting up equipment, etc. There are a lot of resources out there and sometimes it can be overwhelming.

Lampworking can be expensive, but you can start off more cheaply and progress into more expensive equipment. There are less expensive torches called Hot Heads that run about $35 to $40 and many people start with those. We started with a minor torch that runs off of oxygen and propane. Those run about $160 and up. It gets a lot hotter and you have a little more flexibility than the Hot Head as to working with different types of glass, the length of time you can work, etc. You may want to check to see if your local store offers torch time as well. We offer it in our shop to customers so they can come work on glass if they can't afford the equipment yet or just don't have a place to set up equipment at home. We charge by the hour.

You don't have to invest in a kiln right away. I always recommend making sure that you do anneal your beads in a kiln before selling them, but check with your local shop and see if they will anneal your beads in their kiln for a small fee. (We do that for our local customers.)

Two glass bead authors that I recommend are Cindy Jenkins and Corinna Tettinger. (Corinna's book is very expensive, but it is one the best.)

But definitely take a class first. They should go over safety, equipment, what annealing beads means, and how to make beginning beads.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

-Amanda

I second what Amanda said. Of course, me being the one she's engaged to kind of requires me to do that :)

But, seriously, if you have any questions, feel free to call or e-mail us. We also sell used torches and equipment from time to time. It's pretty overwhelming when you look at a web site or catalog that sells lampworking supplies. There is a bunch of stuff out there. But, the basics you really need are a torch, fuel for the torch, glass, eye protection, mandrels, and bead release. There are other tools along the way that will make your life easier, but they aren't necessities right away.

We are working on putting together a kit that is a basic start-up package that includes a torch, hoses, tools, eye protection, glass, etc. Basically everything you need to get started except the fuel to run the torch (which we can't legally ship). I hope we'll have that done by the end of the week.

thanks for the recommendation on the book. found the one by ms. tettinger and bookmarked it so it won't get lost in the shuffle.

The "basics" you will need should include proper ventilation. If you have been reading the glass beadmaking forums, I am sure you have come across this issue more than once. Most of the books (but not all) on the topic cover this issue as well. Any good instructor will include a discussion of various safety issues, and this should be at the top of the list.

The amount of information regarding what is considered sufficient ventilation is nearly overwhelming, but there is no question that you must have it. I hope your research includes the topic.

Have fun AND be safe.

Carol

Thank you -- safety is very important to me! Priority number one, to be exact.

Thank you -- safety is very important to me! Priority number one, to be exact.