If you think about it, you are working with a certain degree of danger… melted glass, hot metal, hot liquids, potential for severe burns, and potential for explosions. That is why you need to make sure your work space is properly set up, and you have certain safety precautions in place.

Here Are 3 Common Sense Tips When Flameworking

and Glass Blowing

One. There are a number of safety precautions to take when doing flamework or glass blowing. Prior to starting it is best to have your bench set up correctly with all the proper tools and supplies you will need to complete your task. You do not want to run around because you are missing a tool or you have the wrong color. Shears and tweezers should be clean and wax free. Jacks should be preheated and treated with beeswax. If you use newspaper, make sure it is moistened and ready to be used.

Two.  Another common mistake that can ruin your work is not inspecting the blowpipe before use. When you select a blowpipe, blow through it to see if there is any debris inside. The worst thing to have happen is trying to blow and having the other end clogged or getting unwanted fragments into your new project. Also, you will want to make sure to clean and preheat the end of the pipe so you do not end up with impurities or bubbles as a result. Be careful not to overheat the pipe as that can also cause a problem when you are gathering the glass. A nice glow should be sufficient for the end of the blowpipe.

Three.  General safety is always important. As things cool, glass can pop and send out small shards. Having proper eye protection can make sure you keep both eyes while inspecting your work. Proper footwear is also key as it can protect you from hot glass dripping and hot water dripping; getting burned is never a pleasant experience. Also if you ever think things are getting too hot, slow down, as you saw in the video above, explosions can happen when you are not using care in your process.

About ABR Imagery: Located in Bloomington, Indiana and open 24/7 online, ABR Imagery is your one stop source for all of your artistic and scientific glass blowing needs. From kilns and troches to glass and color, we are America’s #1 glass blowing supply super store. Visit us today at: www.abrimagery.com.