“Marverlous” Tool
two graphite paddles on left and a brass shaper on right with beads that were shaped with a marver
A couple of posts ago, We talked about the essential tools you need to get started in lampworking.
So, let’s take a look at one of the basic tools you will need, a marver.
A marver is a shaping tool used when working with molten glass. They are usually made of graphite so that molten glass doesn’t stick to them. You can purchase marvers at your glass supply store where you can choose many different sizes and shapes. I think for your first marver you would really enjoy something like the one in the picture on the left. It has a beveled edge, a rounded edge, a square edge, and a large flat surface. A very handy first marver. You can purchase something similar from Arrow Springs.
The marver in the picture on the right is a brass marver. A brass marver is a little different than a graphite marver in that it will “push” and “pull” molten glass easier, making sculpting quicker. Brass and graphite paddles have a different feel when working with them, so it comes down to personal preference.
