LAMPWORKING TOOLS
Lampworking, also known as flameworking, is a type of glasswork that implements a gas-fuel torch to melt and fuse glass pieces together. Lampworkers use a large variety of tools in their work, but there are a few basic items that are essential components in every glassworker's tool kit.
Torch：
The torch is an indispensable piece of equipment for working glass. Beginners often buy a less-expensive torch to practice with before investing in a more expensive model. Torches are connected to an oxygen tank with a regulator, a propane tank with a regulator, hoses and flashback arresters.
Graphite Plates
These flat plates protect the work surface and hold hot pieces of glass.
Graphite Paddle
Graphite paddles are shaped like a rectangle with a handle. Lampworkers use them to shape glass. They are available in a variety of sizes.
Graphite Rods
Graphite rods are another tool for manipulating hot glass. These rods are available in many different diameters and have flat ends that you can shape into a point by using a pencil sharpener or sandpaper.
Graphite Reamers
Graphite reamers are pointed cone-shaped heads on a handle. You use them to shape glass loops and open glass tubes.
Smasher
A smasher consists of two rectangular metal plates that are held together with a U-shaped handle. You squeeze the paddles together to "smash" and flatten molten glass.
Tweezers
Glasswork tweezers are made of stainless steel. It's a good idea to have an 8-inch and a 12-inch pair. Lampworkers use tweezers to snip unwanted pieces of glass from a project while it's still hot.
Workbench
A flame-resistant workbench is necessary for lampwork. The bench should be secure and, ideally, bolted to the ground. Stainless or galvanized steel make for good work surfaces. Cement flooring below the workbench and the surrounding area is highly recommended.
Protective Eyewear
It is vital to protect your eyes when you are lampworking. Special eyewear is available for flamework that helps to protect the eyes from particles, heat, sodium flare, infrared glare and ultraviolet rays.
Safety Equipment
A fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit are essential items in a lampworking studio. High-temperature gloves are required for anyone working with flame and glass.
Torch：
The torch is an indispensable piece of equipment for working glass. Beginners often buy a less-expensive torch to practice with before investing in a more expensive model. Torches are connected to an oxygen tank with a regulator, a propane tank with a regulator, hoses and flashback arresters.
Graphite Plates
These flat plates protect the work surface and hold hot pieces of glass.
Graphite Paddle
Graphite paddles are shaped like a rectangle with a handle. Lampworkers use them to shape glass. They are available in a variety of sizes.
Graphite Rods
Graphite rods are another tool for manipulating hot glass. These rods are available in many different diameters and have flat ends that you can shape into a point by using a pencil sharpener or sandpaper.
Graphite Reamers
Graphite reamers are pointed cone-shaped heads on a handle. You use them to shape glass loops and open glass tubes.
Smasher
A smasher consists of two rectangular metal plates that are held together with a U-shaped handle. You squeeze the paddles together to "smash" and flatten molten glass.
Tweezers
Glasswork tweezers are made of stainless steel. It's a good idea to have an 8-inch and a 12-inch pair. Lampworkers use tweezers to snip unwanted pieces of glass from a project while it's still hot.
Workbench
A flame-resistant workbench is necessary for lampwork. The bench should be secure and, ideally, bolted to the ground. Stainless or galvanized steel make for good work surfaces. Cement flooring below the workbench and the surrounding area is highly recommended.
Protective Eyewear
It is vital to protect your eyes when you are lampworking. Special eyewear is available for flamework that helps to protect the eyes from particles, heat, sodium flare, infrared glare and ultraviolet rays.
Safety Equipment
A fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit are essential items in a lampworking studio. High-temperature gloves are required for anyone working with flame and glass.
