Lampworking is a form of glassworking. Lampworkers use a gas torch to melt and then manipulate the glass in to different shapes. It is sometimes referred to as torchworking. Historically it was known as flameworking, as instead of gas torches, lampworkers would use oil lamps.
Lampworking is an art form that has been around for centuries. It actually began in the early 1400s, where it was practiced widely. During the 19th century lampworking became very popular and its use was applied to the manufacturing of paperweights and decorative glass beads used in jewelry.
The majority of lampworkers today use gas torches that run on either natural or propane gas. To oxidize the glass, air or pure oxygen is blown in to flame through a straw-like tube.
Lampworking can be performed with a variety of glass types. However, Soda-lime glass and borosilicate are the most commonly used. Borosilicate glass is widely deemed to be the easier, more tolerant glass, to work with, as its lower COE makes it less prone to crack at high temperatures. Soda-lime glass does have its advantages though – it’s cheaper, has a wider selection of colours, and has a less narrow working temperature range.
Once a lampworker has designed a piece, they must then plan how to delicately construct it. When the lampworker is ready to begin the construction phase, they will firstly preheat the glass material (either glass tubing or a glass rod) in the flame of the torch. This preheating prevents it from cracking later in the crafting process. The glass is then heated up until molten, forming what is known as the base bead. After, different colours can be introduced to achieve the final desired look.
The last process is known as annealing. This is where the glass is cooled in an oven-type device that very slowly lowers the temperature. Any sudden change in temperature would cause the glass to shatter.
Lampworking is an art form that has been around for centuries. It actually began in the early 1400s, where it was practiced widely. During the 19th century lampworking became very popular and its use was applied to the manufacturing of paperweights and decorative glass beads used in jewelry.
The majority of lampworkers today use gas torches that run on either natural or propane gas. To oxidize the glass, air or pure oxygen is blown in to flame through a straw-like tube.
Lampworking can be performed with a variety of glass types. However, Soda-lime glass and borosilicate are the most commonly used. Borosilicate glass is widely deemed to be the easier, more tolerant glass, to work with, as its lower COE makes it less prone to crack at high temperatures. Soda-lime glass does have its advantages though – it’s cheaper, has a wider selection of colours, and has a less narrow working temperature range.
Once a lampworker has designed a piece, they must then plan how to delicately construct it. When the lampworker is ready to begin the construction phase, they will firstly preheat the glass material (either glass tubing or a glass rod) in the flame of the torch. This preheating prevents it from cracking later in the crafting process. The glass is then heated up until molten, forming what is known as the base bead. After, different colours can be introduced to achieve the final desired look.
The last process is known as annealing. This is where the glass is cooled in an oven-type device that very slowly lowers the temperature. Any sudden change in temperature would cause the glass to shatter.