After my casting accident, I was finding it difficult to come into the studio and work. Initially, I was jumping at every loud sound that came by. But, by spending time sitting in the studio and chatting to friends as they worked or by creating purely cold-worked (no flames/ solder/ etc...) pieces I was beginning to get back into the groove of the work.
So, beneath I'm going to show the top 9 scariest pieces of equipment found in VCU's metals studio.
1) The Kiln
Kilns can give you pretty nasty burns but, as you can see, VCU provides gloves and we use tongs as well.
2) The Drill Press
Somewhat scary. As long as you have safety glasses on, a dust mast and your hair pulled back from your face you should be fine using this. Just watch where you put those fingers!
3) The Rolling Mill
Just like the drill press, as long as you keep hair pulled back and your fingers out of the way you should be dandy. Watch out for loose articles of clothing as they may get sucked in. Always wear eye protection in the studio.
4) The Pickle
Sodium bisulfate. Don't put your fingers in it. Wash your hands!
5) The Torch
Handle with care. Make sure your gauges are working properly. Check for leaks with soapy water. Don't store it on it's side. Chain it to something (like a table). Don't drop it.
6) The Belt Sander
I really don't use this too much. It's good for shaping wooden ring displays and steel rod for chasing tools. Keep your hair and loose clothing pulled back. Wear eye protection and a dust mask. Watch your fingers!
7) The Buffing Wheels
There are horror stories about these. Pull your hair back, wear eye protection and a dust mask. NO LOOSE ARTICLES OF CLOTHING. Do not try to polish chain. You will get pulled in and will experience a scene similar to those described when discussing the factory conditions of the industrial revolution. Ouch.
8) The Centrifuge
Ok, this is actually not the worst piece of equipment we have at VCU metals. Look at that lid! It is so heavy and there's a latch that keeps the lid down. Obviously, I'm still a bit gun shy about this machine because the last time I used it it spat molten metal at me. What we could defer after the accident was that the flask I was assisting a fellow student in casting had not been burned out properly and there was still moisture in the investment.
Casting is all about time management, numbers and preparation. As long as you maintain good notes and re-read them whilst following directions you will be fine. Yes, the lid makes a big boom. Eventually you will get over that and learn to love the rush. I currently feel like a beginner student again, which isn't a bad thing because I'm paying attention to all the little details now and it's made me a stronger caster for it.
Wear protection. Glasses, respirator, gloves, even leather aprons are appropriate ways to protect yourself.
9) The Empty Sketchbook!
Blank. Full of promise and procrastination. Sometimes we have mental and creative blocks when working in the studio. The best way to push past this is to get busy. Draw down some wire. Place new limitations on yourself (like participating in a Radical Jewelry Makeover type project)!
If you've tried to get busy and still can't come up with anything, take your sketchbook for a walk. Go out with friends. Go to a museum. Remember, there is life outside of the studio and it helps to inform what we make inside it so try to make a little time to go experience it.
On Monday, I'll be posting in-progress shots of the most recent piece I have made which was my "get out of this non-productive rut and make something" process. Have a great weekend!
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