Introducing Glassblowing Machines
Topic outline
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This lesson introduces the basic machines used in a glass workshop.
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In the context of glassblowing, the term "glory hole" refers to a specialised piece of equipment used to reheat and maintain the temperature of the molten glass during the glassblowing process. It is a crucial tool in the glassblower's studio and plays a significant role in shaping and manipulating the glass.
The glory hole consists of a refractory chamber or open-ended furnace that is heated to high temperatures, typically ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit (980 to 1,260 degrees Celsius). Its primary functions are:
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Reheating: After gathering a small amount of molten glass on the blowpipe from the main furnace (often called the "furnace" or "melting furnace"), the glassblower must periodically reheat the glass to keep it malleable and workable. The glory hole serves this purpose by providing a consistent heat source.
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Temperature Control: Glassblowers use the glory hole to maintain precise control over the temperature of the glass, allowing them to work on shaping and forming the glass at different stages of the process.
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Uniform Heating: The interior of the glory hole is typically lined with heat-resistant materials like fire brick or ceramic, which radiate heat uniformly, ensuring that the entire glass piece is heated evenly.
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Accessibility: The open-ended design of the glory hole allows the glassblower to insert the glass object into the chamber, rotate it, and expose different sections to the heat source for even heating.
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