Glass Bead Reproductions by Jhan A. Knebel

Display from Steppes Artisan Event, August AS XXXV
Lady Rixende de Rouen

Setting up a "Bare Bones" Studio
Jhan A. Knebel

Since I have begun teaching several of my students have asked for my recommendations for a basic set-up. Here is my list of basic item I feel should be in every glass beadmaker's studio.

Item	Notes
1037 Hot Head Torch	Runs on MAPP gas which can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
1871 Fusion Bead Separator	Bead Release, 4 oz
1551 Ceramic Fiber Insulating Blanket	For cooling the beads slowly
1440 Graphite Paddle	For shaping hot glass
1038 Hot Head Graphite Torch Marver	This is an optional goody, but I couldn't live without mine
1463 Economy Shears	For cutting hot glass
1309 Mandrels - 9" long,3/32" diameter	10 wires
1311 Mandrels - 9" long, 1/8" diameter	10 wires (I like to start beginners with thick mandrels. As you get more comfortable, you will want to purchase more and smaller diameter mandrels)
1004 Rose Didymium Glasses	Filters out UV and Sodium Flare. Protects your eyes and makes the bead easier to see in the flame.
1051 Small Tungston Probe	For shaping, raking and generally manipulating the glass in the flame
Heat-proof work surface	This can be many different things. I have used: an upside down cookie sheet, a sheet of plain stainless steel, a glass hot plate(powered off, of course), and the aluminum coated insulated pads from the cooking stores.
MAPP Gas "bullet" canisters	Sold at major home improvement stores
Assorted Morretti Glass	I would avoid the Alabastro, Opalino, Advventurina (goldstone) and Filigrano glass when begining. They each have their own quirks while working in the flame which make them more challenging.
In order to attach the torch to a table you will need: an angle bracket a hose clamp (large enough to go around the tank of MAPP gas and the angle bracket) a C clamp	Directions: Screw your torch onto the tank of MAPP gas. Line up the angle bracket so that it faces the same direction as the torch head. Attach the angle bracket to the tank of MAPP gas using the hose clamp. Using the C clamp, attach the angle bracket to your heat proof work surface.
The numbers above are stock numbers from the www.frantzbead.com website. There are other companies that I can recommend, but Frantz Beads is my favorite. They also have kits you can buy, but their kits tend to have extra stuff that I don't recommend for beginners. (If you order from Frantz, tell them that I sent you. Jhan Knebel)