Studio setup and safety

Temperature controller unit with certain wattages

ahronya — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:30:17 GMT

Hi all,

I have an old Trinkit kiln which I'm sure heats up to more than 1550 degrees....more than an UltraLite b/c it uses only 240 watts.

Anyway, I have a temp controller unit ( sold for an Ultra Lite kiln) and it gives info for temps up to 1550 degrees. My question is: Do temp controllers have to "match" the wattage of a kiln? IOW, if my kiln can get to a higher temp than 1550, and I use this controller, will the controller "fry"?

Thank you!!!!!! Ahronya

How does one know what the temp is?

ahronya — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:47:05 GMT

Hi ...

Just how does one tell how hot a kiln is if one doesn't have a temperature gauge? My old Trinkit kiln has no dial, gauge, etc. and I can't remember how I knew how hot is was.

Should I use cones? ( at leats until I get " a feel" for it?) Or should I shop around for a tempersture contoller?

Do tempersture controllers have to "match" the amount of wattage a kiln uses? In other words, are there different "strengths" of tempersture controller units?

Thank you (again)

Ahronya

Newbie Question: old Trinkit Studio Kiln or something similar

Thor — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:26:38 GMT

	I've purchased two old/used Trinkit Studio Kilns. Has any one else used one for metal clay --- Good points - Bad points - Cautions - Tip & Tricks? Did any one have this initial fear of fire / extreme heat? That fear of the unknown? One kiln that I am having delivered soon seems to have a ceramic cover over the coils. The other that I currently have has bare coils with a home made 7" metal disk over them with some enamels stuck to it. My inital technical readings about Metal Clay basicly say "Put the piece in the kiln and fire per manufacturer's directions." Is there some kind of shelf preparation needed or do you just plop a small medalian disk on the shelf (no glass, enamel or support tricks...This is a first time simple flat back push mold with some cleanup). I want to thank everyone that has posted questions and reply information on the forums. The tips that I've read so far are starting to fill in the voids and concerns that I have had with starting up. Everyone is very helpful and supportive to readers of all skill levels. Again, thanks to all...Thor

I've purchased two old/used Trinkit Studio Kilns. Has any one else used one for metal clay --- Good points - Bad points - Cautions - Tip & Tricks? Did any one have this initial fear of fire / extreme heat? That fear of the unknown?

One kiln that I am having delivered soon seems to have a ceramic cover over the coils. The other that I currently have has bare coils with a home made 7" metal disk over them with some enamels stuck to it.

My inital technical readings about Metal Clay basicly say "Put the piece in the kiln and fire per manufacturer's directions." Is there some kind of shelf preparation needed or do you just plop a small medalian disk on the shelf (no glass, enamel or support tricks...This is a first time simple flat back push mold with some cleanup).

I want to thank everyone that has posted questions and reply information on the forums. The tips that I've read so far are starting to fill in the voids and concerns that I have had with starting up. Everyone is very helpful and supportive to readers of all skill levels.

Again, thanks to all...Thor

Molding compounds

CynthiaV — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:00:26 GMT

Hi all,

I've just been experimenting with several molding compounds for making PMC etc positives from various forms. I added it to this topic area because I think molding compounds should be one of those things you keep in your studio at all times.

I thought I would share the outcomes so far (will add as I discover or feel free to add your own)...

Help! Advice on dremel for a newbie

Wendy Sue — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:53:49 GMT

I attended a beginner silversmithing class last weekend and I'm thinking of investing in a dremel for starters. Thing is, the time was quite a rush during the class that the instructor haven't even got the time to go into the polishing bit in detail but did some quick browse through some demonstration of the bits in finishing silver jewellery. I left with a finished ring which was not clean nor polish and I do not what should I do myself to complete the ring. I was just a simple wire soldered silver ring. The oxide from the soldering process has been removed in pickle but I do need to polish it so to be wearable.

The information was a bit overwhelming given it was only a short class. The instructor did leave us with a list of tools but it's not very helpful either. I'm terribly confused now. I tried searching for a dremel set on eBay and it come up with search results which were even more overwhelming! There's sooo many, for engraving, jewellery making, cutting,....woodworking and all that! And collets?? Which I presume is what is needed to fit the different bits onto different model dremel. I'm even more confused and do not know what I should get. I do not want to end up with unnecessary tools and worse still, not getting the right tools for my need.

Basically what I need is to do some drilling, grinding, polishing and bits for me to do the different finishes on the metal.

Can someone please explain to me what would be needed for a beginner to do the above and how I may expand on the bits in future if I want to do more stuffs with it?

Thanks in advance!

Wendy

How do you store your inventory?

dressagewoman — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:32:33 GMT

When you have a bunch of finished pieces to store, how do you store them? I am worried if I just toss them in a drawer or something like that, they will wind up being damaged... Do you individually box or otherwise package as you would when sold? Wrap in paper?

Need help! Using a kiln in an apartment?

CrazyCoho — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:36:14 GMT

I've just started working with Art Clay and I've done pieces with a butane torch however I just purchased a Paragon SC3 to fire some larger pieces that I plan on doing. The problem I have is, is it safe to set up and use in my apartment? I've heard of people setting them up in a spare room in their house and using that as their studio, but I don't have a spare room about the only place I may be able to do it is in my kitchen. I may be able to set it up in my mother's garage for now until I purchase a home and I am able to set up my own studio. I'm just wondering if setting it up in my apartment is feasibly safe as I do have two toddlers and cats. I'm really wishing we were in a house about now. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Shelby

Help! How to restore not so old files?

georgecr — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:50:36 GMT

Anyone: is there a simple way to restore files I no longer use? I heard there is a way, with muriatic acid, but I can't find any data to assume so.

Help! Smith little torch in a new continent

zabka69 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:17:08 GMT

Hi everyone, I have just left the US and moved to Switzerland, with my beloved Little Torch and Smith regulators in two. I used oxy-acetylene back in the States, and would like to continue doing so here. Of course, the fittings are different the world over. Does anyone know of any adaptors or replacement regulator attachments which will make fitting to the European (Swiss version) gas cylinders a possibility. As you can imagine, I don't really want to replace my torch and regulators! Thanks for any advice! Zabka

Animals in Studio?

Bentiron — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:57:46 GMT

I was wondering how many of you have pets in the studio? I have five dogs in the studio and there have been minor problems. I have stumbled over them, had them take a lap of pickle solution, scorch the nose when they wanted to see what a flame was all about, take up residence under my grinding tool when I'm actually grinding. So things are not always the safest for me or them but I would be oh so lonely without them in the studio and there sometimes silly antics like trying to use pliers or hammers, yes hammers on the anvil. It is an aggravation when they think the rawhide hammer is a chew toy but they ignore the new plastic one. I don't allow any of the cats in the studio and I know the fumes would do the bird in.

Home Studios -- What equipment is NOT appropriate?

dressagewoman — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:34:00 GMT

The discussion on torches today got me thinking about what one should and shouldn't bite off in a studio that is literally in the home, as in a spare bedroom. My studio is a small bonus room that serves other purposes including hosting the cats' litterbox... installing a professional ventilation system is probably out of scope, for example. And the door stays open all the time. So I'll probably stick to things I can do with a butane torch, which seems to be plenty anyway. I run the tumbler unattended in a bathroom with the door closed to prevent paws getting pinched. I'm debating what to do about somewhat toxic chemicals like flux and pickle (I'm trying citric acid pickle first). In addition, I can run a home business legally as long as it is fully contained within the house, so I can't really use materials I can't legally store in the house.

Where do you draw the line for work done in a space that is a fully integrated part of your home?

Downloadable Ring Sizer & Chart

CynthiaV — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:18:48 GMT

Hi All,

The forum doesnt seem to have a resources section so I figured this belongs here if anywhere!

I have forwarded this on to a few people that have found it very useful and I just made my own. It's a pdf of a ring size tape you can cut out and the corresponding ring holes so you can check your sizes. Perfect for PMC references for making rings (I hope!)

Ring sizer & chart

If you have any good links on ring sizing etc, please do feel free to add onto this thread :)

Cheers,

Cynthia :)

Flame retardant surfaces

Suebie — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:46:07 GMT

My husband is constructing a kiln workbench/stand for my small Cress Kiln. I recently read an article in which the author said s/he uses a sheet of 3x5 ?blank? as a surface of her/his work area because it is flame resistant or retardant, inexpensive and available from building supply centers. I can't find the article, and wonder if anyone can tell me what this material might be. If not, can anyone suggest a surface to use on this workbench that isn't too fussy to put together? I thought of tile, but don't want to do the grout/assembly thing. Thanks!

Studio setup and safety - ventilation

cwbhjewelry — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:26:47 GMT

I am setting up my studio in a spare room in my home. I plan to place my acetylene/air torch soldering station in front of a wonderful large bay window. I have a large overhead fan in the room. What other types of ventilation do I need to have? Should I get an exhaust window fan? Or, should I just open the window when I solder and use a small fan to blow any fumes out. I live in SW Florida and it is HOT! here from June to October -- 90 degree plus hot! My husband is very concerned about the fumes and fire hazards.

Help!

Charlotte Burnett

Where to buy jewelry Kiln

My Gully — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:08:29 GMT

I am in Australia and I want to ask my nephew to bring me a kiln. I want a jewelry kiln that is ok for pmc, glass and beading. Can you tell me where to look? It needs to be a reasonable size and cost. I would love to buy second hand if available. He is in Wisconsin. Please any advice is welcome.

thank you ahead of time.

Eye Safety and MRI

Bentiron — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:31:49 GMT

I had an MRI this past week and what a hassle. First the MRI coordinator at the doctors office couldn't seem to understand the necessity of an x-ray of my eyes. She just couldn't fathom the problems that I faced if there were "a few small pieces of metal there" and then she thought that I should discuss it with my primary care physician. Finally I suggested that she contact the MRI provider and see what they had to say about the problem. They were very eager to x-ray my eyes and yes I did have some small fragments of metal in my eyes,steel,silver and bronze. The next day it was off the the eye doctor with x-ray in hand to have them removed. This was so much fun I think that I will put it on my monthly calender. Having one's eyelids held open with springs and your eye numbed and the slivers plucked from your cornea is just loads of fun. The actual MRI was a real let down. The main point to all of this ramble is be sure to cover you eyes with a suitable eye protective device before grinding because it is not fun to have to go through have your eyes messed with.

metalwork and pregnancy

msilverworks — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:17:21 GMT

Question: is it safe to continue jewelry making while pregnant and breast feeding? Or, are the chemicals in flux, solder, pickle and fine metal particles unsafe for a developing fetus and baby?

Safely storing T-blades

dressagewoman — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:36:32 GMT

Is there a good product or protocol for storing those 6-8" blades used for slicing clay, etc? They don't tend to come with sheathes and although I tend to keep them in the shallow packaging, I'm sure I'm going to reach into a drawer one day and get an unpleasant surprise!

Studio Setup Books?

I Am My Art — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:35:54 GMT

I know I've seen, at jewelry shows, books that help to layout a jewelrymaking studio. So, I figured I could go to my Rio Grande catalog to find at least one, but couldn't find any in there. I won't be going to any shows soon so I need some help. Can anyone suggest any books that give different layout designs or even one for a jewelrymaking studio? I'm having a 12' x 22' room added to my house to use as a studio and I'd like to be smart about how I put it together. Thanks

Out Of The Blue Seaglass Jewelry

Sea Glass — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:25:20 GMT

Hi,

In our home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina I have a serious jewelry studio. Here in Florida I work outdoors. I do cold wire work so only use basic hand tools. Since I am so nomadic this really works for me. Anyway, I have just posted my method for matching up sea glass to make earrings on my blog.

Matching Up Sea Glass For Earrings

Lisl Armstrong,

Out Of The Blue Seaglass Jewelry

Insurance for Studio

Bentiron — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:36:41 GMT

I have been slowly working on a coffee can forge since seeing the forged steel and gold jewelry. We have just finished our storm season here and I was outside working on the forge when my insurance agent pulled up to do an inspection to see if our roof was intact, as a courtesy of course, it was, but he informed me that I was violating provisions of my homeowners policy by doing welding, soldering, torch cutting, arc welding, forging, casting, etc in my garage, even grinding. In other words just about anything that had to do with an open flame, electric arc or sparks from grinding. It is a good thing he didn't see what I do in the back bedroom with my jewelry soldering, annealing and casting. Anybody else have this kind of problem? I guess that I should be thankful that he didn't see the melting furnace or the pit bull in the backyard either.

A Tour of my Studio

cristiamador — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:05:07 GMT

I always like to see pics of the places where others work in, so now it's my turn to show you mine.

Please come aboard for a tour of my studio.

http://cristinasjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/07/tour-of-my-studio.html

Thank you for visiting!

Help!!! Can't change the roller on my roll mill

K~SouL — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:17:28 GMT

Hi, I've has this rolling mill for two + years. I still can't get the bolt off to change the top roller. Though ironically i can take off all the parts to the bottom roller (that cannot be changed due to the fact that it's longer than the pattern rollers.) I am wondering if anyone has any techniques to help loosen up the bolt so that I may unscrew it. Or, does anyone know of any websites where i can purchase replacement parts for the roll mill. Any advice will be most appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found the perfect chair!

cristiamador — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:19:40 GMT

Ever since I started working more, Ive started to have back problems because I have a terrible working position and I have a terrible chair. I am only 22, but I swear one day I bent down and I felt a terrible pain. I felt like I was 80! The doctor sent me to excercise my back (which I am doing now) and my parents and boyfriend keep insisting I get a new chair, which I know I need.

I looked around but didnt find anything that I liked until today, I came across this

http://www.ergodepot.com/HAG_Capisco_p/8106.htm

Pricey, but I love it! I'm hoping I get it as a xmas/birthday present! I already sent the link to my mom

Studio Ventilation

Bentiron — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:46:20 GMT

I have been reading various past posts and seen a lot of questions about exhaust and ventilation for the studio. While I am not an engineer I have had a little experience in the area of ventilation. OSHA has a whole list of requirements for ventilation and exhaust. Just to say that one has a squirrel cage fan does not even begin to address the matter of adequate air movement. Fan size is based on cubic feet per minuet(CFM) and friction loss in the duct work connected to that fan. Fans range in CFM from 20 to 2,500 or more so just to say I have a squirrel cage does not solve the problem. There are problems of what is being exhausted, acid fumes, cotton fibers, abrasive material. flammable gases, etc. You also will want to have more exhaust from the studio then you are supplying to it. In other word the studio must be negative pressure to the rest of the house unless it is a stand alone from the house. You always want to be drawing air from the rest of the house to the studio even when it isn't occupied. I would recommend a fan that has a motor out of the air stream for exhaust over soldering stations and buffing stations. For exhaust at buffing station a filter is necessary to prevent cotton fiber from the wheels being sucked into the duct and attaching to the fan. Soldering stations should have the fan within about 12" of the soldering brick for a good capture of the fumes. The buffing station fan can be interlocked with the buffing unit, the soldering station fan can have it's own switch and now to the general room exhaust. General room exhaust can be provided by a bathroom type ceiling fan. This is the fan that will help keep you studio negative to the rest of the house. One way to check if you studio is negative to the rest of the house is to close the studio door and with the house air conditions unit running, light a candle and on the outside of the door at the floor where there is a space, blow the candle out and see which way the smoke goes. If it drawn into the room your studio is negative to the rest of the house. If it is drawn out towards the rest of the house the studio is positive the rest of the house and needs more exhaust taken out of the studio. If you have any doubts as to what to do about exhaust please consult a licensed HVAC contractor or registered engineer.