Glossary / Blowpipes & Punties
Bit irons and gathering rods
Also called gathering irons
Solid rods, often with a ball or head on the end, for gathering bits of glass for an assistant to bring to the piece.
What it is
Steinert’s bit irons are 54” stainless rods with a 1/2” shaft and a 2” head, fitted with a grip and stop collar;[2] its solid gathering rods have a solid ball, such as 1.5” across, on the end of a 1/2” solid shaft.[3]
How it’s used
They’re for gathering glass that isn’t blown: Steinert calls its bit irons “great for quick bit work”.[2] Murano’s glass museum also lists solid iron rods used by the glass master’s assistant to take glass out of the furnace.[1]
Sources
Bit irons and gathering rods in the archive 5
| Photo | Tool | Maker | Sellers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75" Bit IronA stainless bit iron for quick bit work, with a 2" head on a 1/2" shaft. | Steinert Industries | 1 | |
| 1" Bit IronA stainless bit iron for quick bit work, with a 2" head on a 1/2" shaft. | Steinert Industries | 1 | |
| 1.5" Solid Gathering RodA stainless gathering rod with a 1.5" solid ball on a 1/2" shaft, with a stop collar and grip. | Steinert Industries | 1 | |
| Gathering IronsSolid gathering irons in three diameters. | Essemce | 1 | |
| Stainless Hand Rod with HandleA stainless hand rod with a handle, in four diameters. | Carlo Donà | 1 |
