Lampworkers

Lampworkers, or torchworkers, are craftsmen who shape glass by applying heat from a flame to soft glass, typically at a bench in a studio. They work with glass rods, tubes, and frit to produce beads, links, sculptural objects, scientific components, and decorative items such as jewelry. The practice is a form of glassworking that emphasizes precision, color control, and incremental shaping at relatively low-volume production compared with industrial glass manufacturing or large-scale glassblowing.

Techniques: Lampworking relies on localized heat from a handheld flame, usually generated by propane-oxygen or propane-air torches. The glass is gathered from a rod or tube and wound around a mandrel or held by tweezers and graphite tools. Color is added with prepared glass rod or frit, and shapes are built by rotating and manipulating the hot glass. Finishes are often achieved by polishing, grinding, or fusing elements, with final annealing in a kiln to relieve thermal stress. Lampworkers typically work with soft glass (soda-lime) or borosilicate glass, depending on desired properties.

Tools and setting: Common tools include torches, mandrels, graphite rods, cutters, tweezers, bead release, and a kiln or annealing oven. Workspaces emphasize ventilation, protective eyewear, heat-resistant gloves, and careful handling of hot glass.

Training and economy: Many lampworkers learn through informal apprenticeships, classes, or studio programs in art schools or community studios. They may sell beads, sculpture, or jewelry through galleries, fairs, or online markets; some produce optics components or scientific hardware.