Tools of the Glassmaker
Skill, experience, and the tools of the glassmaker—all are needed to produce objects pleasing to both the eye and the hand, part of a centuries-old craft tradition. The tools of the glassmaker, simple in form and few in number, are basically the same as those used in the days of the Roman Empire almost 2,000 years ago.
The three tools most necessary to hand crafted glass are the Blowpipe (probably first used along the Syro-Palestinian coast); the Pontil Rod (more commonly called the Punty Iron); and the Steel Jack. The most important tool is the Blowpipe, a hollow metal tube of iron or steel, usually 4 to 5 feet long, wider and slightly flared at the gathering end. Size and weight differ according to the objects being made.
After warming the pipe in the furnace (sometimes called the "glory hole"or reheating unit) so that the glass will adhere better, the glassmaker slowly twists the flared end in molten glass to collect the "gob" or "gather." The blowpipe is constantly rotated to keep the hot glass from sagging or moving off center. If the pipe becomes too hot to handle, it is either cooled under running water or spot-cooled when water is poured through a small V-shaped pail onto a specific part of the pipe.
The Punty Iron is a solid rod smaller in diameter but about the same length as the blowpipe. The punty is used to add small amounts or "bits" of glass for handles or decorations and to hold an object after it has been removed from the blowpipe.
Steel Jack (left). Metal tools are primarily made of iron or steel.
Wooden tools are carved from hard, close-grained woods like apple, cherry, or mahogany. Wooden tools are charred before use to enable them to better absorb water, because the wooden tool has to be kept wet to prevent it from burning and to keep the hot glass from sticking to the wood. The moisture in the wood plus the intense heat of the molten glass, form a cushion of steam on which the glass floats.
The Bench: a glassmaker sits at the bench and must keep rolling the blowpipe back and forth along the two extended arms of the bench. If the glassmaker stops, the hot, pliable glass would quickly sag off that particular side.
The glassmakers who use these tools around the "glory hole" make up a well-coordinated team called a "shop." The Gatherer collects the necessary wooden forming blocks and irons, decides the amount of molten glass needed, swirls the glass on his iron, and blocks the glass to even the gob. The Bit Gatherer may pre-shape small bits of glass for the Gatherer.
The Servitor shapes the basic glass object, sometimes adds bits, and transfers the object from one iron to another. Finally, the object is given to the Gaffer, the most important team member, who is responsible for final forming and for the quality of the finished product.