NGG found a new hobby...

I watched a couple videos on youtube and figured I might as well give it a try. I met the owner of the local smoke shop, he blows his own glass and let me watch him a couple times then asked if I wanted to try.
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My first attempt I made the mouth piece really long (far right) second attempt I did pretty well but the mouth piece cracked off. My third attempt he let me silver fume it and it turned out to be a usable pipe. He said I was a natural, that he really didn't expect me to be able to do it my first time. After that I said screw it and started buying stuff for my setup. I went to all the regular glass lampwork/flamework sites then found an unused starter kit.(Carlisle Bench Burner (Mini CC Burner)Torch, Victor Medalist Oxygen / Gas Regulator Gauges (0780-2520 & 0780-2533) with hose set, Special Protective Glasses, Italian Glass Rod Assortment, Bead Release, Graphite Paddle, Mandrels, Flashback Arrestor, Tweezers, Tool Rest, Cutters, Fiber Blanket, Bead Hole Cleaner) for $300 with free shipping. I went to AirGas and they want $120 per regulator, then checked online and the Mini CC is $200 so I figured I was getting a smokin deal!
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Then if the deals weren't already too good to be true, Craigslist actually came through and I scored a full oxygen tank for $125, AirGas said $325 for the same tank empty. I built a stable work table and got 2 pieces of Wonder Board (concrete fiber board $10 per 5'x3' sheet) to protect the table top and back wall. Used a cheap home depot kitchen range hood with built in light and fan. Now I have a pretty nice work station. The kit came with a couple bundles of soft glass so I figured I screw around for a min. I made a couple beads (still cooling while posting this), my first attempt at a pendant necklace and took a couple shots at making the mushroom pendant ( I would quit pushing before it hit the back and would mushroom). My 4th mushroom pendant was the only one that somewhat turned out before I decided to quit.
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That's it for my first day working with glass.

Originally Posted by NoGutsGrower

I've only used my torch 4 times and I'm a whole sale distrubutor.... LOL!!! My buddy at the hydro store bought all the pokers, I made a whole $5!!! LOL! They guys at the smoke shop wants some now as well. I would be wasting supplies practicing anyways, why not sell them...

Duuude! Sick bro! If you can make money off your practice, then shit...that's awesome! Once again, I'm sooo fucking jealous...I need to get somewhere I can set up a workshop...