Favorite sources for boro torch work info?

[Randy Kaltenbach]

I've worked hot glass on and off for many years but I'm considering setting up a personal boro torch studio. I played around with this a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the process. Small sculptures, goblets, etc.

I know some of you are into this end of the game and I'm wondering if any of you would share your favorite studio, tool, ... info sources? Maybe a board like Craft Web? Maybe favorite YouTube channel? Etc.

[Jordan Kube]

Torch talk group on Facebook

[Shawn Everette]

Wetcanvas and talkglass have pretty extensive boards, but neither are nearly quality control monitored as craftweb(thanks pete). CMOG and Revere Glass on youtube are good resources as well.

The problem you're going to have is wading through the pipemaker bro garbage. Seriously, you don't need to start your video by taking a bong rip .

[Larry Cazes]

Lots of us are here. Ive been working with Boro for 8 years now. Whats wrong with talking here? As someones already mentioned the info on other boards and groups tends to be of a lower quality. My .02. Hoping no one takes it personally.

[Pete VanderLaan]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with talking about Boro here if you take Shawn's observation into full account. I'm pretty interested in facts based stuff on Craftweb and as long as that's the thrust, you'll find no resistance from me.

Craftweb has managed to escape flaming garbage or stupid simply outrageous claims elsewhere through a simple rule about your real identity. I do actually check out every new application. They have to make sense and then, they're welcome. I'm sure I make mistakes but I indeed try.

I can't make a separate Boro board without sacrificing something else so, it should stay in General discussion. So far, Katie has been unwilling to upgrade the site and I am not complaining about her generosity over the last twenty years. For someone I've never met. We really trust each other.

Have at it. Response will tell you a lot.

[Shawn Everette]

I'm totally down with talking here, just haven't really seen much of it. A few threads on fuming, but not much else. Honestly I think why we don't do a lot of boro discussion here is because the shop tech nerdery isn't as prevalent among (some)torch workers, and those that may be of that technical bend aren't as aware of this site as the others. That or they stay away because they know that if they try any of their bro garbage here Pete'll have them thrown off the premises.

[Pete VanderLaan]

Originally Posted by Shawn Everette

I'm totally down with talking here, just haven't really seen much of it. A few threads on fuming, but not much else. Honestly I think why we don't do a lot of boro discussion here is because the shop tech nerdery isn't as prevalent among (some)torch workers, and those that may be of that technical bend aren't as aware of this site as the others. That or they stay away because they know that if they try any of their bro garbage here Pete'll have them thrown off the premises.

******
I just get concerned trying to be all things to all people. We've had over 100,000 posts here, a vibrant set of archives and a great working group of people solely in hot glass. I'm not opposed to Boro at all, I in fact think much of the interesting work being done currently is in boro but I'm not trying to make this an art site. Tech is consuming enough. If the support is really there, I could get rid of one of the other boards, perhaps Earthbound Suppliers. It doesn't get much use.

[Shawn Everette]

I totally get that. Honestly I'd be very happy with a stand alone torch forum, but I'm a little too busy to moderate enough to keep it from getting infected by the bong tribe. There is so much to offer in flameworking, but the focus always seems to get diverted to if you can smoke out of it, how many wigwags you put in it, or check out this implosion brah.

Not to belittle the torch, but really there's not that much tech to it, aside from the advancement of color, by comparison. I love this sight because you(we) specifically avoid try to merit "art", and focus on solving problems. And making terrible jokes. I'd hate for that to change.

A torch is a tool, same as a kiln, glory, and everything else in the studio. If the emphasis were able to remain in that I think it has a place here, but I don't know about doing at a cost of useful information. That being said I rarely use the supplier board.

[Paul Labrie]

Hi Randy I would be happy to help. let me know what you are interested in. Can share what I know or point you in a direction, Paul

labrieglass.com

[Greg Vriethoff]

**Takes bong rip**

Your best bet is to start by...

What the hell was I just talking about?

[Max Epstein]

How about a stickied boro post?

I have only seen two or three intelligent posts on TorchTalk...

[Lawrence Duckworth]

Randy Mountain Glass.com is a pretty good source for tools and supplies.. I’ve been buying their Chinese rod for about 1/4 of the price for the good stuff. Half of it’s junk but good enough to learn on.

If you think about the time you’ve invested on this board learning, and who to respect, and how long it’ll take you on one of the boro boards to sort through the bs...
.....it’d be great to see a category here!

[Pete VanderLaan]

And what board would you have me get rid of? There is not room for an addition.

[Shawn Everette]

Ditto on mountain glass, they're an awesome vendor. The chinese stuff has actually made a lot of headway in the past decade, but is still usually the bottom of the spectrum. There are also a lot of new studios producing color, so there is more general price variance across the board. Word of advice, or maybe the best way to empty your bank account, wait until mountain has a sale, they'll usually be 30-40% off.