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The art of lampworking has gained significant popularity in recent years, emerging as an enjoyable hobby. It offers a remarkable avenue for self-expression, resulting in exquisite creations that are often captivating in their beauty. The masterpieces crafted through lampworking serve as delightful gifts, captivating conversation starters, and potentially lucrative ventures for those who have honed their artistic skills. This engaging pursuit is particularly suited for individuals who relish the satisfaction of diligently working towards a magnificent final product and cherish moments of solitude dedicated to their personal creative endeavors.
Like any hobby, lampworking carries its share of hazards, and it is essential to be aware of them. One of the inherent risks associated with lampworking is the potential for eye damage. This can occur due to various factors, including the shattering of glass, exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light, as well as irritation caused by sodium flare. Being mindful of these risks and taking appropriate precautions is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of your eyes during the lampworking process.
Ensuring proper education and awareness before engaging in lampworking is crucial to avoid potential risks. Unfortunately, many individuals dive into this hobby without adequate knowledge about eye safety and the importance of appropriate eyewear. It is a common misconception that wearing clear safety goggles or regular sunglasses provides sufficient eye protection. However, in reality, neither of these options offers comprehensive safeguarding during torch work. In fact, relying on regular sunglasses can be counterproductive as they can cause the pupils to dilate, allowing significant amounts of infrared light to enter the eyes. To effectively protect your eyes during lampworking, it is essential to invest in specialized eyewear designed specifically for this purpose.
While the process of selecting appropriate eyewear may initially appear daunting, and the cost of high-quality options may be a consideration, it is imperative and worthwhile to invest in a reliable pair of glasses that can adequately safeguard your eyes. After all, without healthy vision, appreciating the beauty of the art you create would be challenging. When determining the suitable safety glasses to purchase, the key factor to consider is the type of glass you will be working with. Artists using “soft glass” like soda lime glass or lead glass will require different protection compared to those working with borosilicate glass, commonly referred to as “hard glass”.
It is essential to conduct thorough research and weigh the pros and cons of different types of glass before settling on a specific one for your lampworking endeavors. For instance, “soft glass” exhibits lower melting temperatures but is less tolerant of temperature changes compared to borosilicate glass. Conversely, borosilicate glass comes at a higher cost than soda lime glass or lead glass. You might find it desirable to have the flexibility of working with various glass types based on your creative inspiration. In such cases, it is crucial to ensure you have the appropriate safety eyewear for each type of glass. Consider exploring clip-on lenses, as they can offer a more affordable and convenient solution for owning multiple sets of safety eyewear.
Once you have determined the type of glass you will be working with, it is time to explore the available options for safety glasses. For lampworking with “soft glass”, the preferred lens is typically the Phillips 202, commonly known as “rose glass” or “didymium”. This lens effectively blocks UV light and sodium flare. Alternatively, we offer the Sodium Flare Poly lens as an alternative. Made of lightweight plastic rather than glass, this lens provides the same level of protection as the Phillips 202 but may have a shorter lifespan. It is a suitable choice, particularly for beginners, due to its affordability and lighter weight.
If you are interested in working with borosilicate glass alongside or instead of soda lime glass or lead glass, it is essential to choose a lens that provides protection from infrared, UV light, and sodium flare. For this purpose, we recommend two options: the BoroView 3.0 and the BoroView 5.0. The BoroView 3.0 lens is ideal for individuals working on smaller torch-work projects like beads and marbles, as well as those using clear borosilicate glass. On the other hand, the BoroView 5.0 lens is well-suited for those working with colored borosilicate glass or undertaking larger projects such as large vessels. Additionally, the BoroView 5.0 is a suitable choice for individuals working with thick rods.
These lenses are available in various frame types to accommodate your preferences and needs. In addition to standard safety glasses, we offer goggles and frames with side shields for added protection. Our collection also includes stylish frames that not only prioritize safety but also provide a fashionable aesthetic for your work environment. Moreover, clip-on lenses offer a practical solution for individuals who wear prescription glasses regularly. They are also convenient for those requiring multiple types of protection, as discussed earlier.
In conclusion, while pursuing the art of lampworking can be a fulfilling and captivating hobby, it is essential to prioritize eye safety to avoid potential hazards. Understanding the type of glass you will be working with is crucial in selecting the right lenses, whether it is soft glass or borosilicate glass. Considering factors such as UV and infrared light protection, sodium flare prevention, and lens durability will guide you towards the most suitable eyewear choice.
At Phillips Safety, we understand the importance of protecting your eyes during your lampworking journey. That’s why we offer a wide range of safety glasses designed specifically for lampworking. Whether you’re working with “soft glass” or borosilicate glass, we have the perfect lens filters to meet your needs. Browse through our extensive collection of frames and explore the six different lampworking lens filters we offer. For those engaged in glass blowing, our Light Green lens filter is an excellent choice. With our high-quality safety glasses, you can work confidently, knowing that your eyes are well-protected.
