Glory Hole
A reheating chamber that brings a cooling piece back to working temperature without touching the main furnace.
Shaping / Blowing
| Face size | 120 x 90 mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Graphite or cherry wood |
| Handle length | 400 - 500 mm |
| Face thickness | 10 - 20 mm |
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
A paddle is a flat plate on a long handle. Pressed against a rotating gather it flattens the base, squares a shoulder or blocks a form into a cylinder. Graphite paddles glide on hot glass without marking it; cherry wood paddles chill the surface more aggressively and are better for stiffening.
Safety notes
- A wooden paddle in contact with very hot glass will char and smoke. Work at shaping temperature, not gathering temperature.
- Keep the paddle below the piece when flattening a base so a slip does not drop glass onto your hand.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Flatten a base by pressing once, squarely, then removing. Multiple presses leave facets.
- A graphite paddle needs no wetting and leaves no marks on clear glass.
- Use the edge of the paddle to define a crisp shoulder line.
What to look for
- Flat face for base flattening and blocking
- Graphite option that does not mark clear glass
- Long handle for leverage without leaning in
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 paddle
Gathering Pipe
A solid rod used to pick up a gather when you are working solid rather than hollow.
Gathering / Shaping
Heat Shield
A radiant barrier that slides onto the pipe and protects the back of your hand.
Gathering / Shaping
Wooden Block
A soaked fruitwood block used to shape and chill a gather while it is still soft.
Shaping
See the shaping & tools workflow
Read the category overview, or jump into the 3D Studio to see these tools applied to a live piece.