Free-blown glass is formed without the use of molds. The glassblower inflates the glass on the blowpipe and manipulates it with tools to make the desired form, such as a bowl, pitcher, or drinking glass. In a traditional glasshouse setting, the head glassblower of each team or “shop” is called the gaffer. To make
Glass is an extremely versatile material that is commonly used for various types of vessels, windows, and optics. We see it everywhere, but it is not easily defined. Glass is neither a true liquid nor a solid, but shares the qualities of both. It is often called an amorphous solid, and some scientists even consider
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Annealing Oven (annealer, tempering oven) A heated device or furnace area where glass is slowly cooled to relieve internal stress so it will not shatter. B Batch The
Glass may be blown, either by mouth or machine, into a wood, clay, or metal mold to give it form, decoration, or both. Using molds enables quick, uniform reproduction of specific shapes, sizes, and designs. Dip Molds The simplest molds are one-piece dip molds. The glassblower lowers the gather of glass into the mold, inflates
The concept of forcing glass into a mold to give it shape is an ancient idea, but tools specifically designed for this purpose developed gradually in the 18th and 19th centuries. Plier Press From about 1740 to 1900, a two-handled tool, sometimes called a plier press, was used to pinch glass chandelier drops, small stoppers,