The major suppliers all have nice startup kits. You don't get a discount on the torches themselves, but get a nice break on the glass and tools that are included.
going except the gas.<
Welcome, Jeff! I suggest NOT starting with a hothead. It is incredibly tedious to melt glass with (SOOOOOO slow), so it really doesn't give you a good feel for lampworking. I would go straight to a minor burner and suggest Arrow Springs. I bought my sister's minor burner from them in a package - so she got everything she needed to start except for the kiln. Good luck!
Carol in SLC
I got my kit at Frantz, and it has worked well for me ever since! I also got the kiln they have on sale - the Fusebox.
I think I might want a Fusebox. How do you like it?
Oh, I LOVE it. It holds in the heat very well and is just large enough for me to fill in a day's worth of torching. It's big enough to fuse if you like as well. Has a bead door, which is nice, so it doesn't require a kiln glove. Although you may want one anyway.
Sweet! I'm looking at next year for a new kiln, so I will add it to my list of possibles.
I have one for sale -- brand new, and if someone is in New England, the shipping would be minimal or nil. I have the kiln shelf and posts with it, as well as extra firebrick for the mantle.
Forgot to say that I'm selling it for $720, and I also have a kiln shelf and posts, as well as extra firebrick for the base if you want it. It's light to ship but I'd rather sell it in New England and figure out a direct transfer (save on shipping for the buyer as well). Check of Frantz glass and you will see that they are selling it for $800 + shipping (from the West coast).
email with any questions
Lisa
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