Looking for components to create magnifying glasses, letter openers,
shaving sets, kitchen serving pieces, etc. We are glassblowers and
want to use hand blown glass handles on these and other objects.
Anything unusual and creative.

Hi cindyengler-ga,

American Science & Surplus has all sorts of goodies that would lend
themselves to your purposes. Take a look at some of these. Be sure to
look for a “More” button at the bottom of each page so you don’t miss
anything.

Lenses of all types--magnifying to negative (makes things smaller!!)
to kits of lenses:
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=21

Prisms and beamsplitters that would look like wizard’s instruments
with the application of beautiful blown glass handles:
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=21&category=189

Mirrors:
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=21&category=190

Magnifiers:
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=21&category=193
(Be sure to hit the “More Magnifiers” at the bottom of the page.)

Filters, Windows & Reticles. There are some nice glass domes here that
would make beautiful, handled bowls:
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=21&category=191

Flasks, Glasses and Funnels. There is a wonderful glass funnel, with
ground glass stopper, that looks more like artwork than lab equipment.
Also petri dishes with lids that could be handled candy dishes or
small ring or jewelry holders, and an interesting covered glass bowl
that has all kinds of possibilities!
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=4

Vials and Ampules. Beautiful shapes--I can imagine some of these as
vases, with handles or blown glass decoration applied. Smashing!
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=4&category=51

A glass Bunsen burner and stand that would be a great lamp:
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=4&category=44

Dishes, Bowls & Trays. There’s a heavy glass bowl here that could be a
shaving soap dish or a candy dish or a nut bowl or, as they suggest,
an upmarket dog bowl. Also a cut-glass bowl with fluted sides, that
would work nicely for all of the above uses (hit the “More button).
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=6&category=75

More bottles in all sorts of interesting shapes. Bottles for perfume
or fancy infused olive oil, or bath salts. These would be wonderful
embellished with glass handles or decoration.
http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=7

I could go on and on, there’s so much here. But that would deprive you
of discovering a few of these goodies for yourself! Look around,
there’s lots more here. Oh, and the best part might just be the
prices. They’re unbelievably low!

Have fun, cindyengler-ga. I’ve really enjoyed envisioning these
projects with you!

Regards,

Beth     



Search criteria:
None used – I knew about American Science and Surplus and had lots of
fun browsing.

I haven't researched it - but I remember seeing the parts to make
pens, clocks, and other craft items for woodworkers - probably could
convert them to your use!

here's a link tthat might help:
I would imagine that the parts could be adapted???
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/