The Problems with Requests to Glass Shops

There are many brilliant men and women who are excellent teachers and scientists, can analyze the most complex data, and can draw the most complex molecules or mathematical equations. Yet, many of these same people cannot communicate the shapes of even simple items on a piece of paper. In addition to this complication, when an object is made of glass, new complications are created. These new problems typically derive from the fact that working with glass is like working with no other material on earth. Thus, the average person will try to rationalize construction with materials they are more familiar with, such as wood or metal. In addition, it is unlikely that this average person will have had the opportunity to learn the parameters and limitations of glassware construction. 

I am in no way trying to belittle the problems that machine, wood, or electrical shops have with poorlymade or inadequate drawings. However, sawing, turning, 

As a glassblower, I am most familiar with the specific problems encountered with requests to a glass shop. Regardless, these frustrations are shared by all who request custom items for construction. 

Whether you have a glass shop in your facility or send your glassware requests to an outside glass shop, you should limit your requests for what you want and not state how to do it, because this will save you time and money. By simply stating what is wanted, providing necessary dimensions and related construction materials, and avoiding discussions on how to make the item, much time and confusion can be avoided. 

The Sketch. Prepare a reasonably accurate sketch. You do not have to be a draftsman or an artist. However, you are not a two-year-old child with a crayon. It is likely that the more time that the glassblower spends on trying to figure out what your drawing is trying to represent, the more you will be charged. 

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