The Worlds First Blow Torch

I built a blow torch with a design that dates back 700 years at least! The fascinating tool had a tremendous impact on the history of humanity and its ingenious design might still be of use to some of us makers today...

Here's a lecture I found informative:

I've got lots of stuff going on in my workshop at the moment, as you can imagine it's a huge mess in there, but I'm really excited about some of the videos I have coming up. One, in particular, has me very excited. No spoilers, but it involves our good friends the ingenious ancient greeks. no idea when that will be up but I hope sooner than later :) I hope you enjoyed this video please comment your thoughts and share with your friends!

[decvoid]

I used a French blow pipe as a goldsmith and would have been quite at home with this. If you use 'circular' breathing, as on a didgeridoo, you can blow continuously. I never tried it, the original illumination was the flame of a candle, or oil lamp, focussed by a spherical jar of water into a small bright spot of light on the work peg.

[awvankats]

Watched these blow lamp videos in reverse order because of course I did... that's how I found them.

Very glad I found them, because it addressed that area of the history of glass working that I have had the most difficulty finding, which would be a practical demonstration and depiction of the historical equipment and techniques that most books I have collected do not address because they concentrate solely on the product, not the production, which I find more fascinating.

I am very impressed, and I strongly encourage you to continue in this endeavour, and please continue to include the 'blooper reels', as they are also educational as well, if only in the 'Don't Do This' way of experience, which is also valid.

For instance, it occurred to me while I was watching that if you had built the stand first and molded the lamp to fit the stand that it would sit more firmly in place, and then I realised how silly that was because the experience of reinventing the process would logically lead to that insight rather than precede it.

(Please tell me you have some proper kidskin gloves to wear for manipulating work in progress, and a few fire extinguishers handy...? The other thing I keep hearing about are the catastrophic results of flames gone awry in workshops which lead to such things as the practicality of the glass workers of Venice practically being exiled to the island of Murano to practise their trade. It would be a shame to hear that you had come to grief because of an accident... so don't do that, please?)

Thank you!

[platibyte]

It's mind blowing to me, that it's almost impossible to get any information on these tools on the internet. I didn't find a single picture of a similar design. Only the run-off-the-mill blow torches common today.

[snubig]

This is probably the most professional looking small channel I have ever seen.
Meant in only the most possitive way.

[hootiebubbabuddhabelly]

There are probably only certain types of people who will appreciate your videos. Namely, explorers. Most of the population just want "instructions" - a means to an end - but your vids are perfect as they are, from this old explorer's perspective. Interesting and wrought with possibilities for further exploration - not to mention, utility. Thank you for sharing.

[luzanard]

The vibe of your videos is amazing
The music, the voice in the back ground, the camera shots
Please don't give up
It's a real pleasure to watch

[celiahirschman]

I'm a novice silversmith and would love to see how soldering silver would look with your blowpipe. Selfish I know, lol! Beautiful design and production!

[jackpreston]

One of the best films I have watched. History described and in action, hand tools and a variety of skills on display. I am really impressed.
I am going to make one of these lamps. Sorry for going on but I am an old codger!

[Awesomo]

This was one of the most impressive videos I’ve ever seen!! I love the peaceful music and your positive tone throughout

[jjbailey]

I highly suggest using a hardwood mallet or maul for striking metal wedges such as your hatchet when splitting wood. Your body, ears, and tools will thank you. It is safer as it eliminates possible slivers of hardened tool steel from chipping off and being launched at high speed in various directions beyond your control.

[miszcz]

Just discovered your channel, and I'm amazed. This is so brilliant idea and execution. Thank you for publishing this.

Not a stab at you or anything but that saw got a bit too close to your hand in my book. I got hibijibies like when watching these Russian climbers on very high buildings without any safety gear.

[hootiebubbabuddhabelly]

And when it comes to being "underappreciated", when it comes to explorer's, that's not possible. If I was a betting lady, I'd bet you're far more appreciated by these other explorers than you'd ever be by even a million regular social media subscribers.

[watchdogkennels]

What a FANTASTIC Idea, To Recreate This!!! Thank You, So Much.

[canesvenatici]

I've been thinking about harvesting prickly pear without using a modern blowtorch. Glad that I found your channel. So much interesting information here. I am subscribing and lurking around your videos some more.

[davecgriffith]

Fascinating video!
Love the combination of seeing the artisanship with the thoughtful, researched script.
Great pacing too.
Just subbed and am looking forward to watching all your other videos!

[edvard-swift]

I'm so glad I found your channel, your videos are so interesting that binge watching long videos goes by quick

[starchildo]

Cool. I was just reading ‘the home mechanic’ published at the end of the 19th century. It goes into some detail about the process of making snd using these blowpipes. Good video

[abpccpba]

Fraser; I love to watch your work and narration. One part that is very hard for some of your audience is to understand your speech with background music. Hard to separate you from the music. Thanks

[glimmerti]

Thank you for your work and for sharing it with us all.

[abcstardust]

Awesome video! I had no idea blow torches had beginnings in the distant past!!