Hollow Mandrels

[lemon kitten]

Ok......I know this sounds TOTALLY stupid....but how do you use hollow mandrels.  I was thinking of using them to make blown vessles with.  Do you just simply add the glass to the end and blow or is it actually more technical than that.  My brain says it's durely can't be that simple...............can it? 

Janey x duh!

[Stacy]

Kind of but remember to keep turning while your blowing to keep the vessel balanced!!
Also you need to gauge the strength of your breath depending on how quickly the glass sets up.

[Mary]

I build the neck first, then build the body like a coil pot or a hollow bead. Melt it into a blob (but still trapping the air bubble) then blow. Add handles and anneal.
It's supposedly easier that way because you have an air bubble trapped, and the rough shape formed.