i.e. goggles, gloves, masks etc.
Boston. They homeless are lovely this time of year :)
a MAPP gas torch will melt glass. You will need safety glasses and better a face shield and a fireproof space with good ventilation. If you heat your glass too unevenly it will shatter before it melts. A fire can also get hot enough, but as the glass melts ash and dirt will stick to it too. As it sounds you want to slump glass, a kiln would be best. But melting glass is only part of it. But before you do anything, read up on annealing glass. You might be able to cool it off slowly enough by using an ceramic (fireproof) blanket, I think that works for glass beads. But if you don't anneal glass it's likely to shatter later. A kiln would give you ability to control cooling as well as heating. With a MAPP gas torch you only control heating.
You would be painting with 2 part epoxy. May as well get some two part epoxy. You could use Gelcoat or a gel-coat like material. That is also basically two part epoxy. Without the Mat or Material just seal it tight, cover and seal all drill points and hardware, then use Pitch or Boiled Linseed oil, after that it might float. Remember boats were built of wood for thousands of years, they still are. Look at Shorty Pens sight, he has free plans and detailed explanations on the preparation and assembly of wooden vessels. free.
