Propane Mapp
How to make lampwork beads
Making lampwork beads is actually a form of ‘glassblowing’, though in this case there is no actual working of the glass by ‘blowing’. As it is unlikely that you will have the tools to get started just lying around the garage, so here is a list of what you will need to acquire to get started:
* Torch and gas hoses
* Fuel tank(s) (either MAPP gas or propane/oxygen set- this choice will depend on your torch)
* Kiln or annealing oven
* Mandrels
* Bead release
* Glass rod
* Shaping tools (graphite and brass implements work best as they will not melt)
* Long nose pliers (for stringer work)
The process is simple in theory; one simply heats the glass rod at the edges of the torch flame, and slowly works towards the center of the flame until the glass is nearly molten and applies it to a mandrel (this is a long, steel rod) that has been treated with bead release (otherwise the bead would be permanently melted to the mandrel upon cooling). The mandrel is rotated to collect evenly distribute glass from the rod. When the desired size and colors are achieved, the beadmaker can add decorative elements through the addition of ground up glass or stringer (more on this later). When the bead is finished, it is allowed to cool to the point where it is no longer glowing, and placed in the kiln or annealing oven to cool very slowly. The annealing process is very important as it removes stresses that working molten glass causes in your beads. Skipping the annealing process will result in extremely fragile glass beads that break under the slightest pressure. Once the annealing process is finished, a simple cleaning of the beads will make them ready for artisan use.
Stringing- the process of creating glass strings by pulling molten glass with a pair of pliers to create a thin strand of glass.
Remember to be extremely careful throughout this whole process, as you will be working glass at extremely high temperatures, so be sure to use glass rods of adequate lengths- at least four inches between your hand and the heated end of the rod should keep you safe, though more length is always recommended. Also, keep in mind that hot glass looks like cold glass, so be mindful of where you place the glass rods you have been working.
About the Author
To learn more about lampwork beads checkout my website.
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Mapp Brand Air Propane or Mapp Gas Soldering Swirl Flame Tip Size 0 $9.99 |
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Mapp Brand Air Propane or Mapp Gas Soldering Swirl Flame Tip Size 00 $9.99 |
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Mapp Brand Air Propane or Mapp Gas Soldering Swirl Flame Tip Size 1 $9.99 |
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Mapp Brand Air Propane or Mapp Gas Soldering Swirl Flame Tip Size 4 $9.99 |
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PROPANE/MAPP SWIVEL TURBOTORCH ST-3 WITH STK-R REGULATOR $11.69 |
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Propane Torch Holder Wall Mount ABS 9 Tall 4.5 Wide Accepts 16 oz. Mapp 14.1 oz. $12.95 |
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ROTHENBERGER PRO PROPANE/ MAPP TORCH TIP $12.99 |
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GOSS Q-100 trigger torch auto igniting. Use with MAPP or propane. Made in USA $13.99 |
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Mapp Brand Air Propane or Mapp Gas Soldering Swirl Flame Tip Size 5 $14.99 |
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Craftsman torch head, welding & soldering, propane & mapp gas $15.00 |
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TurboTorch ORTL-44 Propane MAPP Replacement Orifice $15.00 |
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Victor Large Torch Cutting Tip Propane MAPP Fuel Gas $15.95 |
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Victor Small Torch Cutting Tip Propane MAPP Fuel Gas $15.95 |
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Harris Torch Cutting Tip Propane MAPP Fuel Gas Nat Gas $15.95 |
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UNIWELD, CUTTING TIP, MAPP/Propane, 5-200M2D, 1″- 2″ $17.69 |
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Smith Small Torch Cutting Tip Propane MAPP Fuel Gas MC $17.95 |
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Smith Large Torch Cutting Tip Propane MAPP Fuel Gas SC $17.95 |
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UNIWELD, CUTTING TIP, MAPP/Propane, 5-200M-OD, 1/2″ $18.13 |
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UNIWELD, CUTTING TIP, MAPP/Propane, 5-200M-1D, 3/4″-1 $19.45 |
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Mag-Torch 85358 Mapp/Propane Heavy Duty Pencil Tip Burner Torch $19.61 |
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BERNZOMATIC SUREFIRE AIR PROPANE/MAPP TORCH TIP AP5302 $19.99 |
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BERNZOMATIC SUREFIRE AIR PROPANE/MAPP TORCH TIP AP5303 $19.99 |
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BERNZOMATIC SUREFIRE AIR PROPANE/MAPP TORCH TIP AP5304 $19.99 |
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IRWIN AIR PROPANE/MAPP GAS SWIRL FLAME TORCH TIP 255603 $19.99 |
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IRWIN AIR PROPANE/MAPP GAS SWIRL FLAME TORCH TIP 255604 $19.99 |
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FUSEWORK BEADMAKING SELF IGNITING BEAD GLASS TORCH HEAD USE MAPP OR PROPANE GAS $22.99 |
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Q.E. Propane and MAPP brazing hand torch kit (NEW) $24.15 |
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Prest-o-lite No.1 FG pencil-flame tip. FG-2,propane or mapp gases, screw type $24.95 |
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Turbo Torch Lenox Propane Mapp Plumbing TORCH ADAPTER $25.00 |
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TURBO TORCH MAPP GAS LP PROPANE 3/4″ TIP P-5 LIST $110 $29.00 |
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TURBO TORCH MAPP GAS LP PROPANE 1/2″ TIP #4 LIST $105. $29.00 |
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BERNZOMATIC Self Ignighting Propane Mapp Tourch Head TS8000 HIGH INTENSE HEAT $29.95 |
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TURBOTORCH 0386-705 R-LP REGULATOR PROPANE MAPP $30.00 |
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LENOX PHOSE12 MODEL 21870PHOSE12 12.5′ AIR PROPANE/ MAPP TORCH HOSE $31.50 |
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Bernzomatic Brass Regulated Propane/MAPP Torch $32.99 |
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TurboTorch ST-1 Propane MAPP Hand Torch Tip $34.00 |
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WORTHINGTON 328634 SOLID BRASS REGULATED PROPANE LP MAPP GAS TORCH $34.99 |
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Q.E. Propane and MAPP brazing hand torch dual tip (NEW) $34.99 |
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Brazing Torch – 3FT Hose, 3600 F Map, Mapp/Pro or Propane – Brass – New $34.99 |
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BERNZOMATIC PROPANE/MAPP GAS 3/8″ SELF IGNITING TORCH $36.99 |
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Q.E. Propane and MAPP brazing hand torch 3′ Hose (NEW) $37.20 |
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Harris PowerTorch MAPP / Propane Torch Electronic Ignition Soldering Brazing $37.99 |
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Auto Start Propane Mapp Torch Harris All Metal Industrial Commercial-NEW- $39.99 |
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Propane Torch Instant On/Off Propane, Mapp Gas $40.00 |
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TurboTorch ST-3 Propane MAPP Hand Torch Tip $43.00 |
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TurboTorch T-3 Swirl Propane MAPP Torch Tip 7/16″ $45.00 |
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High Temp Propane, Mapp Gas Hose Torch: Hot, 5 pc. Set $45.99 |
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Forney Twin Hose Premium T Grade Oxygen-Acetylene 86164, 1/4″x25′, propane, mapp $46.99 |
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BERNZOMATIC TURBO TORCH MAPP PROPANE TRIGGER SWIRL TIP $47.00 |
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TURBO TORCH T-2 Swirl Propane MAPP Torch Tip 5/16″ $48.00 |
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Turbo Torch ® Propane and MAPP brazing hand torch (NEW) $48.55 |
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Mag-Torch MT551C MAPP or Propane Self-Lighting 360-Degr $49.00 |
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PRESET DISPOSABLE TANK REGULATOR UNIWELD ARTORCH RP3B-PROPANE/MAPP LITTLE TORCH $49.50 |
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TurboTorch H-4 Propane MAPP Torch Handle B Size 9/16″ $49.99 |
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Bernzomatic Trigger Start Torch Propane Mapp Gas Easy Lighting Brass Burn Tip $52.95 |
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Mag-Torch MT555C MAPP or Propane Self-Lighting 360-Degr $54.92 |
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Mag-Torch Self-Lighting Tradesman Regulated MAPP Or Propane Torch $55.03 |
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PRESET REGULATOR FOR DISPOSABLE TANKS UNIWELD RP3B-PROPANE – MAPP FUEL B FITTING $55.85 |
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Oxy Fuel Cutting Hose 25′ Propane MAPP Propylene B Size $56.99 |
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Regulator, Fuel, “For Disposable Cans” MAPP/PROPANE $57.71 |
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LENOX -LT90 SELF IGNITING PROPANE/MAPP HAND TORCH-NEW!! $57.95 |
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CROSSTECH TT2100 Propane MAPP Two Barrel Torch Tip $59.00 |
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BERNZOMATIC TS7000 TURBO TORCH MAPP PROPANE TRIGGER $59.00 |
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BERNZOMATIC SUREFIRE AIR PROPANE/MAPP REGULATOR AP5401 $59.99 |
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Firepower Welding Self Igniting Torch SMP-41 MAPP & Propane Hand Torch Swirl $59.99 |
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Mag-Torch MT555C MAPP or Propane Self-Lighting Torch with 360-Degree Swivel $61.00 |
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TurboTorch R-LP Propane MAPP Brass Regulator Total LP $62.00 |
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TurboTorch ST-4 Propane MAPP Hand Torch Tip $62.00 |
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TurboTorch T-4 Swirl Propane MAPP 1/2″ Torch Tip LP $64.00 |
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Turbo Torch Professional STK-99 Extreme Propane / MAPP Hand Torch $64.95 |
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RTM-1S Hand Torch Kit Use Propane & MAPP Gas New $65.00 |
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TurboTorch STK9 Propane and MAPP Gas Hand Torch Kit NIB $66.98 |
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Firepower 0387-0463 Self Lighting Mapp And Propane Torch $67.85 |
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RTM-027 MAPP Torch Kit Use Propane & MAPP Gas New $68.00 |
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Rothenberger Propane/MAPP hand torch 35415 $69.90 |
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Victor T3 Turbo tip for propane/mapp $73.98 |
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Lenox Air Propane/MAPP Piston Regulator 2″ Easy Read 21868 NEW (AC2) $74.95 |
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Lenox 21865-LP5 3/4″ Swirl Flame Propane/MAPP Torch Tip $75.00 |
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CROSSTECH TT3000 Propane MAPP Gatling Gun Torch $75.00 |
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THERMADYNE SK-7000 Self-Lighting Turboskill Hand TurboTorch for Mapp & Propane $79.50 |
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Lenox 21866-LP300 Propane/MAPP Self-Igniting Torch Tip $79.95 |
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Lenox 10854-LP6 1″ Swirl Flame Propane/MAPP Torch Tip $79.95 |
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LENOX -LT91 SELF IGNITING PROPANE/MAPP HAND TORCH-NEW!! $79.99 |
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GENTEC Small Torch Kit Jewelers Jewelry Solder Weld Hose Mapp Oxygen Propane New $82.00 |
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GENTEC Small Torch Kit Jewelers Jewelry Solder Weld Hose Mapp Oxygen Propane New $82.00 |
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Turbotorch STK-9 Mapp/Propane Dual Hand Torch $82.31 |
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Self Lighting Mapp and Propane Torch FPW0387-0463 BRAND NEW! $82.98 |
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Lenox – Air Propane – MAPP – Self Igniting Swirl Flame Tip – LP400 – 1/2″ – $84.99 |
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TurboTorch T-6 Swirl Propane MAPP Torch Tip 1″ $85.00 |
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Turbotorch TX-504 Mapp/Propane Self-Lighting Hand Torch $99.11 |
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BERNZOMATIC AIR/PROPANE MAPP GAS TORCH KIT AP5000 $111.99 |
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PRESET REGULATORS DISPOSABLE TANKS UNIWELD RPO3B-OXY RP3B-PROPANE/MAPP B FITTING $117.95 |
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Jewelers Torch Kit, MAPP/Propane regulators included $120.00 |
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(6) WORTHINGTON 328634 SOLID BRASS REGULATED PROPANE LP MAPP GAS TORCH TORCHES $179.00 |
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PL-3TDLX Pro-Line Self-Lighting Propane/MAPP Torch Kit With Rear Valve Handle $235.99 |
