Graphite Paddle 6" x 8" (15.5"L)
850-545
This is a first grade graphite paddle with a flat graphite working face and an aluminum handle. The graphite face is used as a heat resistant forming surface that will not stick to hot glass the way metal can. In lampworking and scientific glassblowing, a graphite paddle is used when you need to flatten, true, square, or gently shape hot glass while keeping the surface clean and controlled. Graphite is chosen because it tolerates heat well and provides a smooth contact surface for shaping without chilling the glass as aggressively as many metals.
Use the graphite face to press and flatten gathers, create clean planes, true up edges, and gently coax a form into alignment while the glass is still workable. It is especially useful when you need a controlled flat surface for shaping seals, paddling small sections into straight runs, or flattening areas prior to adding attachments. A paddle like this is also a go-to bench tool for quick corrections when a piece starts to drift out of square or needs a cleaner, flatter face.
