I'm new to lampworking...

Ree · #1 2006-04-24, 5:37pm

Hi All, I'm new here and to lampworking. I have only taken on class, and I just am obsessed with lampworking now. My DH is redoing my studio, I have been doing fused glass for about a year and half now. But I realy need to get a torch now. However, the saftey thing is really bothering me. My studio will be downstairs, not in the basement. After reading many of the posts I am very discouraged. It sounds as if I can't have a torch in my studio.

I'm in the SF Bay area, and I don't know any lampworking people or studio's where I can rent torch time. Can some one please help me? I really need to learn how to do lampworking.

Thanks Ree

MikeAurelius · #2 2006-04-25, 4:36am

First of all, why do you say "It sounds as if I can't have a torch in my studio."?

If you have a kiln in your house right now, you can most probably have a torch.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

1) Propane outside, always.
2) Ventilation is required, always.

These are the top two things that new torch workers don't usually pay much attention to. If you are going to 'get into' torch working, these two items will take you a long way down the path to a safe working studio.

And don't forget your eyewear!

Dale M. · #3 2006-04-25, 8:31am

Its perfectly allright to have studio downstairs if several precautions are taken... As Mike states proper ventilation is a must... Propane tanks outside a must.

Major problem with a BASEMENT is that propane fuel is heavier than air and will "pool" in low places. IF there is proper "drain" (Vent - downhill path for propane to follow and dissipate) there is not problem with downstairs studio.

Any permanent piping for fuel supply will probably require permit and inspection by city. But it can be done usually with no serious problems. A temporaty soultion is fuel hose through doorway from torch to tank, and you disconnect it each and every time you finind with torch. Not elegant, not always convienient, but it works. Beside door open to outside is a source for make air that you need anyway.

Most "issues" with studio construction have pretty much been addresses in the forums. There is probably a solution to your dilemma if you do research and keep positive attitude to accomplish this...

There are some artists in SF bay area who visit this board... Suggest you search them out and PM them to see what they did to get studio setup done in bay area. Also there are several hot glass studios around the bay, I don't have specific studio list, but when I was starting out a few years ago I found 4-5 in bay area that had open bench time...

Sound like you are expecting defeat before you even start.... What specifically is making it seem impossible?

Dale

Ree · #4 2006-04-25, 8:39am

Thanks for your answers. Well, to start with, I don't want to hurt my family, or myself. And I just don't understand what kind of air pump, or fan I might need, and where I can get one. Plus, I'm extreamly cautious.

However on the up side, since taking the class I know I have a knack for lampworking. The instructor was teaching me advanced glass work on the second day.

Oh and about my kiln, I only have a HotBox kiln which is very small. I am looking to up grade that however also.