Small Equipment Used in Glassblowing

16. Pyrometer

A pyrometer is a remote-sensing thermometer that records the temperature of annealers

and furnaces. This tool is helpful in ensuring that glass is heated and cooled down properly.
17. Safety Glasses

The work environment is dangerous due to the amount of heat and delicate glass being
used. Some risks to glassblowers’ eyes include: shattered glass, sodium flares from the heating
compounds found in glass, UV light, and infrared light. Safety glasses protect the eyes from
these dangers and allow glassblowers to see their work properly despite strong light.
18. Soffietta

This tool features a metal tube with a conical nozzle at the end. The cone is placed at the
opening of the glass and air is blown through the tube to further inflate the glass.
19. Taglia

A taglia is a steel knife with a squared-off end that is used to shape molten glass. Taglias
can be purchased with sharp or rounded edges depending on the needs of the glassblower.
20. Tweezers

The tweezers used by glassblowers look like household ones, but they are much larger
and are used to transfer glass to the punty rod.