Ruth Nicholas and Weaver Industries have worked together to come up with an innovative new 'system' of graphite glassworking tools. This system allows the lampworking artist to quickly and effortlessly change their work area as inspiration strikes, or the artist changes their mind.
This modular system consists of a mounting base (either table-top or torch-mount) and a series of interchangable marver tops and press attachments. Additional lampwork tools round out the system.
All of the "The Perfect Tool" marver tops and press attachments have a "plus sign" machined into the bottom, which drops right into the mounting base. The marver tops and press attachments will not slide on your table, or fall off of your torch. Each top or attachment can be rotated and positioned in 90° increments. When the inspiration strikes, just lift off the current top or attachment (be careful, they may be hot), and replace it with whatever new attachment you desire.
For those new to the "The Perfect Tool" system, money saving starter kits are available. (Beginner Kit #2 shown below)
Graphite is a great material for glassblowing tools. Graphite withstands unbelievable temperatures; it’s only known enemy is Oxygen (Graphite will begin to oxidize at temperatures of 800° F. when oxygen is present). For additional information on graphite oxidation, read our "Graphite Oxidation Summary" report.
Before use, please clean all graphite tools by gently washing them with mild soap and an SOS or Brillo pad to remove any graphite dust that may be left behind from the manufacturing process. Allow to dry completely before use.
Read what the designer, Ruth Nicholas, and other glass artists have to say about "The Perfect Tool" system here.
Also, check out the graphite optic molds and the Ruth Nicholas designed 3D push molds, all machined by Weaver Industries.