Blowing hollows

[lemon kitten]

Ok.so I've got me hollow mandrel and I've had a bash at blowing but all I get is VERY thin shards anyone got any tips on how to blow hollows using a blowpipe mandrel.....or is it impossible to do??

Janey x

[garishglobes]

I wouldn't have thought it impossible...but if you are blowing very thin shards, you're probably either blowing too hard or you've got the glass too hot or a combination of the two....and go slowly, maybe don't try to do the whole thing in one go. Gentle slow puff, let it cool, examine the shape and repeat. Don't forget also to keep the tube turning as you blow.

[kaatje]

don't try to do the whole thing in one go. Gentle slow puff, let it cool, examine the shape and repeat. Don't forget also to keep the tube turning as you blow.

Yes, that was the eye-opener for me..... I always blew the thing in one go until someone else demonstrated that I should have lots of more patience! Success!

[theflyingbedstead]

No - it isn't impossible! It just needs tiny breaths with all of the bead hot enough so that you don't blow a hole in just one area. I use a blob of blutak to cover the mouthpiece to stop the air escaping in case I do re-heat it too much after.

And besides...shards are useful! 

Ok.so I've got me hollow mandrel and I've had a bash at blowing but all I get is VERY thin shards anyone got any tips on how to blow hollows using a blowpipe mandrel.....or is it impossible to do??

Janey x