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Basics for the Home Studio
This morning I had a conversation about what starting-out items are necessary for your basic jewelry studio set up. It wasn’t the first time I’ve had to think through how I got to where I am with a fully functioning studio, from a once-piled couch and work table with a couple of plastic bins that cluttered the living room. The biggest lesson I learned? Dedicated space makes all the difference.
Here is a list of the most essential items in my workshop
- 2 chain nose pliers
- side cutters
- a good hammer
- steel block
- torch*
- piercing saw
- metal shears
- drill (drill press>dremel)
- files and sandpaper in various grits
- a sturdy work bench
- a bench pin
- safety glasses
The second threshold, or a bit more than basic favorites
- flex shaft
- vise
- mask (vapor and particulate)
*Regarding the torch, there are a few items more than just the torch itself. I use a Smith acetylene air-intake torch for all of my soldering and annealing. In addition to the torch, you’ll need a fireproof surface (firebricks work well) to cover the greater area. A solderite pad directly under the piece you are working on does a good job of reflecting the heat during soldering. I also have tweezers, a pick, and a quench pot next to my soldering station. The pickle pot is a helpful acid that cleans and removes oxidation from your nonferrous metals after firing. Pickle works best when warmed. A small crockpot is the best vessel for pickle.
Having a physical space makes room for mental space. Happy creating!