Glass Furnace
The melting tank that holds glass at working temperature, day and night, for the whole life of the studio.
Gathering
| Length | 900 - 1300 mm |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 - 16 mm |
| Construction | Solid rod, no bore |
| Material | Stainless steel or mild steel |
| Maximum service temperature | 1100 °C |
| Weight | 0.4 - 0.9 kg |
Compatible glass types
Soda-lime
Borosilicate
Lead crystal
Compatibility assumes the tool is rated for the working temperature of that glass family. Check the maker's documentation before use.
Overview
Where a blowpipe is hollow, a gathering pipe is a solid rod, usually a little shorter and lighter. Because there is no bore, it cannot be blown through, so it is used for solid work: paperweights, sculpture, cane and anything that is pulled rather than inflated. Solid rods also handle torque better, which makes them the tool of choice for twisting and stretching.
Safety notes
- Solid gathers are heavier than they look. Warm up before a long session to avoid wrist strain.
- A solid gather holds heat longer than a hollow one and stays dangerous well after it stops glowing.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Use a rod for cane pulls. The extra stiffness keeps the pull straight.
- Because there is no bore, release the piece by tapping the rod, not by blowing.
- Keep a dedicated rod for dark colours; oxide staining on a rod will contaminate a clear gather.
What to look for
- Solid construction for torque without flex
- Slightly shorter than a matching blowpipe for one-hand control
- Available with a textured grip zone
High temperature tool
This tool operates in or near the working range of molten glass. Read the safety notes above before first use, and never work with it without eye protection, heat-resistant gloves and working extraction.
Reference information only. Specifications are published ranges drawn from manufacturer documentation and normalised for comparison. They vary between makers and between individual units. This page does not sell or endorse any product, and does not guarantee any result. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and take hands-on instruction before operating hot glass equipment.
Related
Tools used alongside the gathering pipe
Glory Hole
A reheating chamber that brings a cooling piece back to working temperature without touching the main furnace.
Shaping / Blowing
Exhaust Hood
The capture canopy and duct that remove combustion gases and metal oxide fumes from the studio.
Gathering
See the gathering & blowing workflow
Read the category overview, or jump into the 3D Studio to see these tools applied to a live piece.