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

Cause: Working as a Furnace Glassblower requires a high degree of skill and precision. Effect: As a result, those who take up this profession must have an in-depth knowledge of the various artistic techniques as well as a deep understanding of the properties of molten glass. They must also be able to use specialized tools and equipment, such as crucibles, blowpipes, and shears.

Furthermore, an experienced furnace glassblower must have the ability to work quickly and accurately in order to produce pieces that meet quality standards. Finally, a furnace glassblower must also have a strong sense of safety when working with heated materials.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED for entry-level positions as a Furnace Glassblower.
2. Enroll in a Glassblowing Program. You can find glassblowing classes and programs at some community colleges, universities, and private art schools. These programs will help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become a proficient glassblower.
3. Participate in an Apprenticeship Program or Internship. Apprenticeships and internships are an excellent way to gain experience and hands-on training that employers prefer. During this time, you will learn about the tools, techniques, and safety measures that are used in the glassblowing trade.
4. Obtain Certification. Although certification is not always required, it can help you stand out from other candidates when seeking employment.
5. Find Employment. You can find employment with glassblowing companies, art studios, and other organizations that require glassblowing services.

Furnace glassblowing is a highly skilled craft that requires both artistic ability and technical knowledge. The craft begins with the selection of the proper materials, such as glass and tools, for the job. The glassblower must then create a design and shape the glass with heat, air and tools.

This process requires an understanding of how heat affects the glass and how certain tools can be used to shape it. Once the desired shape has been reached, the glassblower must know how to anneal the glass to make it suitable for use. The ability to control the heat and create the desired shape requires precision and skill, as well as an understanding of the properties of the glass.

A successful furnace glassblower must have the right combination of artistic ability, technical knowledge and skill in order to craft beautiful and functional pieces.

You may want to check Glassblower, Production Glassblower, and Flame Working Glassblower for alternative.

Job Description

1. Prepare glass by heating, cutting and shaping it according to specifications.
2. Operate and monitor furnace temperatures to ensure that glass is heated to the desired temperature.
3. Prepare and mix various materials to create desired colors, textures, and shapes of glass.
4. Create glassware using hand tools, molds and other equipment.
5. Blow, shape and cut hot glass into desired products.
6. Inspect finished products for defects.
7. Maintain the cleanliness of the work area and equipment.
8. Follow safety protocols while operating furnace and other equipment.
9. Record batch and product information in logbooks.
10. Work with customers to create custom glassware orders.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of glassblowing techniques and tools
2. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches
3. Ability to select and use the appropriate tools for the job
4. Understanding of safety protocols and procedures
5. Knowledge of the properties of glass and how it responds to heat
6. Ability to use a variety of hand tools, flame sources, and other equipment
7. Knowledge of the chemical composition of glass
8. Ability to accurately measure, cut, shape, and assemble components
9. Ability to precisely control the heat of the furnace
10. Good manual dexterity
11. Ability to work in a very hot environment
12. Good problem-solving skills
13. Good communication skills
14. Ability to work quickly and efficiently

Being a successful glassblower requires skill, dedication and patience. The furnace glassblower must have a strong understanding of the science behind glassblowing and be able to accurately manipulate and shape molten glass. The glassblower must also have a keen eye for detail and an ability to work quickly and accurately.

Furthermore, the glassblower should possess a good understanding of basic tools, safety protocols and the use of color and texture to create interesting pieces of art. By mastering these skills, the furnace glassblower can create beautiful pieces that will last for generations. With practice and dedication, a furnace glassblower can become an expert in their craft, creating intricate and stunning works of art.

Scientific Glassblower, Lampwork Glass Blower, and Glass Blower Apprentice are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working with glassblowing furnaces?
• Describe your process for ensuring the quality of each glassblowing furnace job.
• What techniques have you used to reduce energy consumption while using the glassblowing furnace?
• How do you maintain safety in the glassblowing furnace area?
• How do you troubleshoot issues with the glassblowing furnace?
• What processes do you use to ensure the furnace is in optimal operating condition?
• How have you used computer-aided design (CAD) software to support glassblowing furnace projects?
• What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy with the glassblowing furnace?
• What methods do you use to ensure efficient workflow when using the glassblowing furnace?
• How proficient are you in using glassblowing furnace tools and equipment?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Gathering Tools. Used to gather molten glass from the furnace (eg: tongs, paddles).
2. Blowing Tools. Used to shape and form molten glass (eg: blowing iron, blowpipe).
3. Finishing Tools. Used to cut, trim and smooth the glass (eg: shears, grinders, pliers).
4. Decorating Tools. Used to decorate the glass (eg: tweezers, engraving tools).
5. Cutting Tools. Used to cut the glass into desired shapes (eg: glass cutters, wheels).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Glass Art Society
2. Glass Art Association of Canada
3. American Scientific Glassblowers Society
4. International Association of Professional Glass Beadmakers
5. International Flame Working Artists
6. National Hot Glass Association
7. British Glassblowers Guild
8. Australian Glass Artists Society
9. International Society of Glass Beadmakers
10. European Professional Glassblowers Association

We also have Glass Artisan, Glass Blowing Technician, and Cold Working Glassblower jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Blowpipe. A metal tube used to shape molten glass while it is still hot.
2. Marver. A flat, smooth surface used to shape and cool hot glass.
3. Annealing. The process of slowly cooling hot glass to relieve stress and prevent it from cracking.
4. Flux. A substance used to reduce the melting point of glass.
5. Blowing Iron. A metal tool used to shape and control molten glass while it is hot.
6. Gathering. The process of collecting molten glass from the furnace.
7. Glassblowing Tools. Various tools used to manipulate and shape glass, such as tweezers, paddles, and jacks.
8. Colorants. Materials used to add color to molten glass.
9. Kiln. An oven used to heat and melt glass.
10. Heat Resistant Gloves. Gloves used to protect the hands from extreme heat and sharp edges when manipulating hot glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Furnace Glassblower?

Furnace Glassblower is a craft that involves shaping and molding glass using heat, tools, and techniques.

What tools are used by a Furnace Glassblower?

Furnace Glassblowers use a variety of tools such as a glory hole, jacks, marvers, tweezers, pincers, shears, and paddles.

What temperatures are used by a Furnace Glassblower?

Furnace Glassblowers typically work with temperatures ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long does it take to become a skilled Furnace Glassblower?

It typically takes three to five years to become a skilled Furnace Glassblower.

What type of glass is used by a Furnace Glassblower?

Furnace Glassblowers use a variety of different types of glass such as borosilicate, soda-lime, and lead crystal.

What are jobs related with Furnace Glassblower?

• Lampworking Glassblower
• Glass Blower Technician
• Industrial Glassblower
• Master Glassblower
• Glass Blower Operator
• Lead Glassblower
• Free-Form Glassblower
• Artist Glassblower
• Hot Glass Blower

Web Resources

• ART 265 - Furnace Glassblowing I - Acalog ACMS™ - Pima … catalog.pima.edu
• ART 265 - Furnace Glassblowing I - Acalog ACMS™ - Pima … catalog.pima.edu
• Batch, Blow, and Boys: The Glass Industry in the United States, 1820s-1… www.utoledo.edu