Glass blowing is the process of forming glass into a variety of useful shapes. To do this, a number of methodical glass blowing techniques are employed. Glass blowing practitioners are more than just artists. In more ways than one they’re nothing less than scientists, highly gifted individuals who find themselves in constant pursuit of that perfect blend of temperature, material and mold. A glassblowing artisan is called a glassmith, glass blower, or gaffer.
Glass Blowing Furnaces
The Furnace: Glass blowing involves three main furnaces. The first one, with a crucible inside, is simply called “the furnace.” This furnace begins the sensitive process of melting the glass. Once the glass is melted into liquid form inside the crucible, the glass blower sets off to work. This part of the glass blowing process is generally referred to as the glass molding procedure.
The Glory Hole: Then comes the second furnace: the Glory Hole. This furnace is used several times during the molding procedure. It is used to reheat the piece between steps of working on it. So when an unfinished section of the mold unexpectedly dries up, the glass blower can simply reheat that piece and carry on from where he or she left off.
The Annealer: The final furnace is called the “annealer” or “lehr.” This one is different from the previous furnaces in that it’s used to cool and harden the finished product. Depending on the size and complexity of the work, this process can take from a few hours to as long as a few weeks. After the piece goes into this furnace, the glass blowing procedure is complete.