Paddles and Blocks

Paddles and blocks are made from fruit tree wood (i.e. Cherry wood).  Paddles are used for shaping the glass, such as flattening the bottom or top of a blown vessel.  The paddles can also be used in protecting the gaffer's arms and other appendages from the heat of the glass.  Blocks are large wooden bowl shaped tools with a handle.  They are used for shaping the bubble of glass before it is blown out.  Blocks are always kept wet whereas paddles are sometimes used wet and sometimes dry.