Got it from a big supply shop online, said it could handle high heat. The frame bent out of shape on a simple vase pull, now it won't seal right. Anyone know a good place to get a solid replacement that won't do this?
Went to that new spot on Canyon Road last weekend, and they had a whole wall of 'art glass' pieces. One vase had a price tag of $1200... but the punty scar was totally unfinished, like they just snapped it off and called it a day. The base was wobbly too, you could see it rock on the shelf. It just felt disrespectful to the craft, you know? How do places like that even decide what to put out?
Heat the spot lightly and use a pick to release air.
I took a trip to a tiny town in the Czech Republic to see glassblowers. They worked in old brick studios with wood fired furnaces. Everything was done by hand, with no digital aids or modern tools. I spent days just observing how they handled the hot glass with such calm. Now, many shops have switched to gas and use online plans for designs. That visit showed me the deep skill in traditional methods we sometimes overlook today. It was a quiet lesson in patience I still think about when I work.
I found that writing down what works saves a lot of guesswork on future projects.
I've seen a few other blowers mention similar issues with hand and wrist pain. It makes sense when you think about how we hold heavy tools for hours. I remember one time my fingers went numb from gripping too tight, and I had to stop working. Maybe we need to take more breaks or do some hand stretches. What do you all do to keep your hands in good shape? It seems like a common problem that doesn't get talked about enough.
I was in a rush and didn't let my glass warm up properly before working it. The stress cracks showed up later, so now I always take the time to pre-heat, no matter what.