Things You'll Need:
- Torch kit with propane or MAPP gas Pressurized oxygen (not required for Hot Head torches) Didymium safety lenses Ventilation system Clear or colored tube: 25 mm heavy wall Graphite plate Clear blow tube: 9.5 mm heavy wall Clear glass rod: 8 mm Neck tool Diamond shears Graphite paddle Graphite reamer Claw grabber Cork stopper (available at craft stores)
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Step 1
Taper down one of the open ends of your 25 mm tube by rotating and heating the glass in the flame and then angling the molten end down on a graphite plate. The intent is to create a diameter size close to the blow tube so that you can attach the two easily.
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Step 2
Rotate and heat the ends of both the tapered and blow tubes until molten. Attach the tubes while maintaining a consistent rotation so that they are securely welded. Do not close the opening between the 25 mm tube and the blow tube because the blow tube serves as the instrument that you blow through and is also one of the handles that holds your project.
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Step 3
Allow yourself 2 inches of the 25 mm tubing to work with, and flame cut the area to separate this section from the remainder of the 25 mm tube. To do this, hold the blow tube handle in one hand, the 25 mm tube in the other and continuously rotate to spot heat the area that you are detaching. As the glass becomes hotter, it will compress and eventually separate.
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Step 4
Rotate and heat the ends of your 8 mm rod (punty) and the closed end of your tubing. As these ends become molten, join the two pieces in the flame while still rotating. Move out of the flame and continue rotating so that your rod is as centered as possible. This punty is now a handle that you use in partnership with the blow tube to securely hold and blow out your bubble.
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Step 5
Rotate and heat the 25 mm tube until it begins to get a heat glow. When the glass has a consistent glow all the way around the tube, move the blow tube/handle up to your mouth and give a few short puffs while always rotating. You are aiming for an even bubble, but this takes practice and is best done in a few steps instead of one try. These short progressions help keep the bubble on center and enables you to maintain control over your work.
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Step 6
Rotate and heat the area by the blow tube and lightly bring it down on the necking tool. Rotate the tube against the tool so that a noticeable depression appears and constricts the opening. This defines the top of your jar and makes it easier to separate the blow tube.
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Step 7
Gently heat this depression, pull the glass out of the flame and use the diamond shears to give the indentation a few uneven crimps. Knock the blow tube with the diamond shears so that the tube falls off and leaves a small hole. If it does not separate, repeat the heat and crimp process.
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Step 8
Heat the opening and use your graphite paddle to level out the top. When even, heat the opening and enter with the graphite reamer to open the top of the jar. The reamer goes in at an upward angle so that the glass rests on it as it is being circled in the flame. You have some leeway with how large you make the opening because corks come in different sizes and have tapered bodies. Typical top diameter sizes range from 3/8 inches to 1 1/4 inches.
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Step 9
Affix the claw grabber to the top of the jar and then heat the bottom so that the glass thickens. Remove the punty from the bottom by melting it off. Continue to heat the bottom until glowing, take it out of the flame and gently rotate the jar against the graphite paddle. Test the jar to make sure it stands straight. If it wobbles, reheat and paddle again.
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Step 10
Place the jar in your kiln to anneal the glass.
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Step 11
Take the jar out of the kiln when cool and insert a cork in the top.
