Lampworking Beginner Kits - Kit 1 The Basics

Frit is crushed glass which can be added to your beads for a less solid colour or to create new colours Stringer is a very fine version of a glass rod. Averaging 1mm they are excellent for decorating the bead surface. Bullseye Rods are approx. 5mm in diameter and 42cm in length. The Tungsten poker is used in manipulating the hot glass bead to create bubbles or to rake the design. Bead Release powder is used to coat your mandrel to allow easy removal of your bead. Stainless steel mandrels coated with bead release are the key tool for making glass beads. The mandrels in this kit come in three diameters. The Hot Head is specially designed to provide a temperature for melting glass. It is not the hottest and most expensive torch available which helps new starters get into the hobby. While the torch can be attached directly to the gas bottle, it can be more comfortable and practical to attach the torch to a hose. Upgrade the kit to include a handle, hose and adjustable clamps.

The Basic Kit allows you to get started with the bare essentials. Click on the image above to see a larger or hover your mouse over an item for a description.

The only item not listed that you will need to purchase is "Vermiculite". This is available at your local garden supply store or hardware store. The Basic Kit includes:

* The hose, handle and clamps which attach the torch to the desk are not included in the kit. See "Hose Upgrade" kit.

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