How to Be Cold Working Glassblower - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 27, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cold working glassblowing is an intricate and time consuming art which involves manipulating glass of varying shapes and sizes while it is in a molten state. It requires skill, precision, and patience to create a desired shape or finish. The process begins with a molten gather of glass which is then manipulated using tools such as a blowpipe, jacks, and paddles.

As the glass cools, it is further worked with grinders, diamond files and other tools to create the desired shape or finish. The effects of cold working glassblowing can be seen in the production of drinking glasses, laboratory glassware, and even sculptures. This unique art form has been used by master glassblowers for centuries to produce works of art that are both functional and beautiful.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Although there are no formal educational requirements to become a glassblower, having a high school diploma or equivalent will give you a better chance of finding a job in the field.
Take classes in glassblowing technique and design. There are many community colleges, universities, and specialized institutions that offer classes in glassblowing technique and design. Taking classes will help you to develop and refine your skills and become more knowledgeable about the craft.
Take a course or certification in cold working. Cold working is the process of manipulating glass without heat, such as cutting, grinding, and polishing. Many community colleges, universities, and specialized institutions offer courses or certifications in cold working.
Learn how to use the tools of the trade. In order to become a cold working glassblower, you must learn how to use the tools of the trade, such as grinders, drills, saws, and polishers. You should also learn how to use precision measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers.
Practice your skills. Practice makes perfect when it comes to glassblowing. You should practice your skills constantly in order to perfect them.
Find an apprenticeship position. Apprenticeships are the best way to learn the skills of a cold working glassblower from experienced professionals in the field. You can usually find apprenticeship positions through community colleges, universities, and specialized institutions.
Get certified. Once you have mastered the skills of a cold working glassblower, you can get certified in the craft through organizations such as the American Crafts Council or the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.

In order to become a successful and efficient cold working glassblower, it is important to stay informed about the latest industry trends and advancements. Keeping up with new technologies, materials, and techniques can help to ensure that a glassblower is able to stay competitive in the market. it is important to invest in the right equipment and supplies, as well as gain experience in the craft.

Investing in the proper tools and equipment can help to reduce production times and increase quality of the products. Lastly, it is important to stay organized and maintain a good work ethic, as this will help to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and on time. By following these steps, a cold working glassblower can stay competitive and successful in their craft.

You may want to check Artist Glassblower, Flame Working Glassblower, and Glass Blower Apprentice for alternative.

Job Description

Create and shape glass pieces according to specifications
Follow safety protocols while working with dangerous materials
Operate and maintain tools and equipment related to the job
Cut, shape, and finish pieces of glass
Join glass pieces together with heat-resistant materials
Inspect finished glass pieces for quality assurance
Follow detailed instructions for complex projects
Troubleshoot any problems that arise during glassblowing processes
Monitor temperatures of glass pieces to ensure proper forming
Repair and maintain tools and equipment related to the job

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of glassblowing techniques and processes
Ability to work with a variety of tools and materials
Proficiency in the use of oxygen and propane torches
Expertise in the manipulation of hot glass
Ability to read and understand technical drawings and specifications
Excellent hand-eye coordination, precision, and attention to detail
Ability to work with a team and independently
Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Experience in the use of safety equipment and procedures
Familiarity with relevant safety regulations

For a successful career as a Cold Working Glassblower, the most important skill to have is strong attention to detail. This skill is essential in order to ensure that the pieces created are consistent and of the highest quality. In addition, a deep understanding of the glassblowing process and the ability to use specialized tools and machinery correctly is also necessary.

Having good hand-eye coordination and the ability to accurately measure the glass with precision is critical for success. Finally, strong problem-solving skills are necessary to troubleshoot any issues that may arise when performing intricate tasks. With these skills and knowledge, a Cold Working Glassblower can ensure satisfaction with every piece they create.

Scientific Glassblower, Glassblower, and Glass Artisan are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with cold working glassblowing?
How do you ensure safety when working with cold glass?
Describe your technique for forming glass objects.
How do you determine the ideal temperature for cold working glass?
What challenges have you encountered while cold working glass?
Are you familiar with the tools and equipment used in cold working glass?
How do you troubleshoot issues that arise when cold working glass?
What strategies do you use to keep glass pieces from cracking during cold working?
Describe your process for creating intricate and detailed designs with cold working glass.
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when working with cold glass?

Common Tools in Industry

Blowpipe. A long metal tube used to create hollow forms and shapes in glass. (eg: used to create a glass vase)
Paddles. A flat metal tool used to move and shape hot glass. (eg: used to shape a drinking glass)
Marver. A flat metal surface used to roll, shape, and cool hot glass. (eg: used to create a glass bowl)
Pliers. Used to grab and twist hot glass. (eg: used to create a spiral pattern on a glass sculpture)
Tweezers. Used to pick up and hold small pieces of hot glass. (eg: used to attach a small piece of glass to a larger piece)
Heat Gun. A device that blows hot air on hot glass to heat and shape it. (eg: used to create a pattern in the glass)
Rod Heater. A device that heats metal rods which are then used to shape the hot glass. (eg: used to make a spiral pattern on a glass sculpture)
Shears. Metal scissors used to cut hot glass. (eg: used to cut a piece of glass into two equal pieces)
Punty. A metal rod used to hold, move, and shape hot glass. (eg: used to attach a handle to a drinking glass)
Jacks. Tools with two handles used to stretch hot glass into larger shapes and forms. (eg: used to make a large plate or bowl)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Glass Beadmakers (IAGB)
American Scientific Glassblowers Society (ASGS)
Scientific Apparatus Makers Association (SAMA)
British Society of Scientific Glassblowers (BSSG)
American Ceramic Society (ACerS)
Glass Art Society (GAS)
International Flame Working Organization (IFWO)
Glass Art Association of Canada (GAAC)
International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB)
National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA)

We also have Industrial Glassblower, Hot Glass Blower, and Furnace Glassblower jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Kiln Forming. Kiln forming is a glassworking technique used to heat and shape glass in a kiln.
Flame Working. Flame working is a glassworking technique that uses a torch to melt and shape glass.
Lampworking. Lampworking is a type of glassworking that uses a gas-fueled torch to melt rods and tubes of glass for sculpting and forming.
Sandblasting. Sandblasting is a method of glassworking used to create textures on the surface of glass.
Cold Working. Cold working is a glassworking technique that involves shaping glass without the use of heat. It is usually done with tools such as grinders, drills, and saws.
Lead Working. Lead working is a technique used to join pieces of glass together by creating joints between them with lead strips.
Fusing. Fusing is a type of glassworking in which pieces of glass are heated and merged together to create a new shape or texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cold working glassblowing?

Cold working glassblowing is a technique that uses tools to shape and decorate glass without applying heat. It involves cutting, grinding, polishing, carving, and engraving the glass to form intricate designs.

What tools are used for cold working glassblowing?

Cold working tools used in glassblowing include diamond wheels, band saws, polishing wheels, engraving tools, needles, and grinders.

Is cold working glassblowing difficult to learn?

Cold working glassblowing requires patience and skill. It can take some time to develop a good understanding of the techniques involved, so it is important to practice regularly.

What types of projects can be completed with cold working glassblowing?

Cold working glassblowing can be used to create a range of decorative items, such as sculptures, jewelry, vases, and other decorative pieces.

How long does it take to complete a cold working glassblowing project?

The time it takes to complete a project depends on the complexity of the design and the skill level of the glassblower. A simple project can take a few hours, while a more complex one can take days or even weeks to complete.

Web Resources

Glassblower Gallery of Work | Department of Chemistry chemistry.unt.edu
Scientific glassblower continues century-old campus tradition chemistry.berkeley.edu
Scientific glassblower continues century-old campus news.berkeley.edu