[cody2white]

Anyone blow their own utensils? My buddy just started and I just can't stop thinking of all the cool ideas and designs. So my question is how hard is blowing glass? Any risks doing it at home? How abut costs involved

I recently looked at Craigslist and there's a bunch of glass blowing equipment on my area for pretty cheap
Thanks guys

[Apicalmeristem]

Yeah I make my own pieces and many for others. The reason so much gaffing equipment is for sale is because everyone wants to blow glass but the five plus years it takes to get decent at it really turns people off to it. If you want to learn find someone to apprentice to and do it the right way, The glass world is one of the last guilds and to properly learn you must apprentice to a master or your gonna be a hack. And yes you can get burnt , burn your house down and will likely have the fire marshal visiting your house regularly. I have also seen oxy tanks tip over and take out the side of a house. Glass blowing or Gaffing is an expensive hobby from the constant oxy and propane refilling to the cost of raw glass . And color forget about it, it is sold by the pound and not cheaply for the highly sought after colors you will also need gold and silver for fuming. Then comes the glasses ,molding paddles, kiln and finally your torch. all and all you'll need a couple grand right away and about a grand a month in oxy/propane glass expenses. And this is just for hobby level. Again it's an expensive hobby till you get good enough to produce quality glass and find people to sell it to consistently. Its a hard job to be successful at and most who try don't find success ever and have to work (other jobs) to continue there hobby. Take a look at Scott Deppe and Banjos work ( just to name a few) and you will see why most glass blowers don't make it

[cody2white]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your thought on It. Its truly an art but Ill just stick to my $10 pipes for now. ( i break them due to lap syndrom so its cheap ones for me) though i would still like to learn. Have a good day

[Japanfreakier]

Originally Posted by Apicalmeristem

Take a look at Scott Deppe and Banjos work ( just to name a few) and you will see why most glass blowers don't make it

How do you explain the shitty glass sold all over the world in head shops then?

[pearlemae]

It's made in CHINA, out of who knows what.

[Japanfreakier]

My point is that the reason many people don't make it has nothing to do with the most respected glass blowers, silly logic to say, "Look at these guys, they are awesome so everybody else fails." The simple fact is that most people can't afford that crazy expensive glass and most people aren't crazy enough to spent thousands on something that can cost 1/10. Still plenty of market left out there.

[BroughtSuperior]

amen to that Japanfreakier!

[RandyMarsh]

My cricket was purchased last year. I've spent maaaany hours fucking up potentially good pieces since then. If you do jump into this hobby. Dont ever come into blowing thinking you'll make a profit, you might make some coin, but like Apical said; color is not cheap and tanks always seem to empty when my wallet is light.

I was lucky to have a friend who is a very accomplished glass magician. But don't discourage because I've met people who were self-instructed and are now very skilled. If you do make the jump just make sure you spend good money for your set up. Ventilation is VERY crucial if you're indoors.