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Coldworking Classes

Coldworking 1A (Beginner)

In this class we will be exploring basic aspects of coldworking, -- how to grind, smooth, and polish both blown and kilnformed work in a safe and efficient manner.

Our time will be spent in learning equipment safety and how to apply these safe habits while cutting, grinding, smoothing, and polishing work. Punty removal and flattening blown work will be taught, as well as cleaning and defining edges on kilnformed work. 

Emphasis here will be on learning how to use the machines with comfort and confidence so that the grinding processes can then proceed with minimal effort.

The sandblaster will also be introduced as a surface-treatment process. Students will then learn the basics of handlapping for completing the finish of a sandblasted surface.

Overall, this class will provide a strong foundation for finishing glass pieces as well as a solid platform for further exploration into more advanced techniques of coldworking.
TBA

Prerequisite: Previous glass art experience a plus but not required.
Min. # students: 3
Max. # of students: 6
Date: To be announced
Instructor:

Coldworking 1B

A piece of glass is not really done until it has been ‘finished’ with coldworking. From cleaning up an edge or a lip to fully altering the outer surface of the glass, there are many different ways to coldwork a piece. We will start by taking very raw glass pieces and quickly proceed to reshape them and  to give them an exquisite smooth matte finish with the Merker lathe, the belt sander, by hand lapping, and in the kiln by  fire polishing. Our emphasis will be on learning the ins and outs of the diamond wheels on the Merker lathe, and all those intriguing surfaces -- ie battuto, inciso, brilliant cutting --will be introduced and expanded upon.

The belt sander will also be a major focus here -- looking at how one can subtly alter forms and transform surfaces. We will observe the differences of diamond and silicon carbide smoothing, and learn how to sequence them to further increase the ease of finishing a surface.

We will be discussing strategies and options of coldworking that allow one to achieve some very satisfying and professional finishes in a very efficient manner, including the secrets of fire polishing and acid. By the end of this class, one will feel ready to pursue further explorations of coldworking in the visual and tactile realms.
TBA

Prerequisite: Coldworking 1A
Min. # students: 3
Max. # of students: 4
Date: To be announced
Instructor:
Payment is required upon registration. We accept Visa, MasterCard & personal checks if received 2 weeks prior to the scheduled class.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at 7 days prior to the first day of a class will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made 3 days prior to the first day of class will be issued a 50% refund. In the event that BAGI were to cancel a class(es), a full refund for the class(es) will be issued.

Liability: Unless otherwise specified, students must be 14+ years of age. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a BAGI issued liability release form. Students must inform BAGI, at the time of registration, if they have special requirements due to health related conditions.