Let’s talk about tools…

Click HERE to view a list of all tools in the shared studio

Scroll below for more info on the major tools in the studio.

  • Smith Acetylene Torch

    In both the shared and designated studios we have smith acetylene torches. These torches do not require an oxygen tank as they combine the acetylene with the air in the room to create your flame. Remember - there are many different tips available to you, housed in the metal box on the left side of the soldering bench. Click below for helpful tips when turning this torch on and off for use.

    More info

  • Rolling Mill

    We’re very lucky to have a rolling mill in our shared studio to allow for all of your material fabrication and texturing needs. There are multiple roll types along with installation instructions in the shared tool cabinet. Please keep all materials clean and dry when using this tool.

  • Tumbler

    Both studios have a tumbler available for you to use. Add water to the barrel until it’s about an inch above the media inside, then add 1 pump of polishing compound from the container in the shared tool cabinet, seal barrel well and plug it in, setting the attached timer to your preferred length of time. Remember that your pieces need to be pre-finished well in order for this tool to offer you a nice result. Poorly finished pieces will not be improved by making them shiny.

    Tutorial

  • Bench Top Polishing Lathe

    This tool is available to be used at your own risk and with your own buffing wheels. Please be especially careful as high speed wheels can grab onto what you’re working on and cause injury. It is a good idea to keep your hair pulled back. Please be sure to clean up the tool and surrounding area when you’re finished using it. If you’re not comfortable using this feel free to book a member 30 minute lesson to learn more. Click the Link below to see how this works on a similar machine.

    Tutorial

Soldering station

soldering tools and heating surfaces

  • Specially compressed charcoal delivers a super-hard, reflective surface with a much longer life than soft charcoal blocks. Charcoal blocks reflect heat efficiently while creating a reducing atmosphere around the pieces you’re soldering or fusing, which helps to reduce oxides. Great for drilling into to make melted balls, small ingots, etc.

  • Great all general use heating surface. Consider purchasing one for personal use from our store to keep your soldering surface clean. Hot tip - when your pad is getting well loved, take it outside, rub the surface on asphalt to clean and flatten it again.

  • This heat-reflecting sheet-metal pan rotates on ball bearings for easy maneuverability and easy accessibility to workpieces. The pan contains medium/fine lump pumice, great for laying work to be annealed.

  • In the metal box on the left of the soldering bench are our third hand bases, to be used with any of the tweezers found on the magnetic strip on the back wall. Third hands are a great way to hold things for set up, but remember, steal “steals” the heat!

  • The pickle should be turned on to warm, not hot, when working, and must be turned off before leaving the studio. It is the studio’s responsibility to keep it filled and clean.