Today I had a visit by a jeweler/designer who has been unable to
do bench work because of arthritis, apparently worsened in her
case by an allergy to wheat. Beth would like to get back into
bench work, her condition has improved lately, and I told her
that I could probably get some worthwhile feedback from the
Orchid forum. Anyone out there who has any experiences to share
or helpful suggestions? I offered to let her try my micro motor
and rotary air hand piece- maybe those would allow her to work.
Rick
Richard D. Hamilton
Fabricated 14k, 18k, and platinum Jewelry
wax carving, modelmaking, jewelry photography
http://www.rick-hamilton.com
@rick_hamilton
Today I had a visit by a jeweler/designer who has been
unable to do bench work because of arthritis, apparently
worsened in her case by an allergy to wheat. Beth would like to
get back into bench work, her condition has improved lately,
and I told her that I could probably get some worthwhile
feedback from the Orchid forum. Anyone out there who has any
experiences to share or helpful suggestions? I offered to let
her try my micro motor and rotary air hand piece- maybe those
would allow her to work. Rick
It may also be that a simple fix such as a different type of
handpiece would do the trick. The standard Jacobs chuck #30
handpiece sometimes can be less comfortable to use. I can’t
stand em, myself, for more than an hour or so. I’m much more
comfortable with my Faro quick release. Also have a techno-X,
which I like also, though it’s harder to dissassemble and
readjust. Both run smoother for me than the #30. And, for a
really cheap fix, you can get a foam rubber sleeve that fits over
the #30 handpiece. It’s about 1/4 inch thick, considerably
reducing vibration transmitted to the hand, as well as making
the overall diameter of what you grip, larger. Some people might
find that easier to hold. I’d also recommend considering the
type of flex shaft motor that can easily run smoothly at low
speeds, such as the type S models, or the gear reduction models.
Many tasks don’t require very high speeds, and might be more
comfortable with a motor that’s also comfortable at low
speeds… Depends on what you’re doing. And I’d also suggest
that you not forget that you can get attachements for a standard
polishing motor that can let you mount most flex shaft impliments
on a polishing arbor. Obviously, this won’t be convenient for
stone setting, but it works well enough for the detailed
polishing one often wants to do with a flex shaft. Or, you can
get bench mounted stands that hold the handpiece for you, leaving
your hands free of the handpiece entirely…
Hope this helps.
Peter Rowe
I’ll pass this along to Beth, Peter. I’ll also explain who you
are and your valuable contributions to all of us who make a
living, or hope to, making jewelry. Her work is very interesting
(Abrasha might even like it), hopefully I can post it to the
Orchid gallery.
Rick
Richard D. Hamilton
Fabricated 14k, 18k, and platinum Jewelry
wax carving, modelmaking, jewelry photography
http://www.rick-hamilton.com
@rick_hamilton
She might try a to clear up some of the joint inflamation too.
1 TBS of geletin in a glass of juice on a daily basis has really
helped some of our firends with arthritis. Also depending on the
type of arthritis, she might do well looking at the book “The
Arthritis Cure” (can’t remember the authors name… guess I
better find a book on the “memory cure”). The author suggests
using certain suplements to deminish the arthritis pain and
problems. The book is available in health food stores and most
of the chain book stores.
Also, is her problem in her hands or shoulders or the body
generally? If shoulders, she should look into changing her body
placement at the bench. Elbow support (so she doesn’t have to
hold her arms up) to rest her arms on while in the work position,
seating to get her head at the level of the work so she doesn’t
have to look down at it, a VERY good, adjustable chair, feet flat
on the floor or on a foot rest, good posture and get up at least
every 60 minutes and move around. These are a few things that
have helped Cynthia.
Good luck.
John and Cynthia/MidLife Crisis Enterprises
Maiden Metals/C. T. Designs/ Bloomin’ Wax Works. etc.
PO Bx 44, Philo
CA 95466
Ph 707-895-2635 FAX 707-895-9332
If your’re headed in the right direction,
each step, no matter how small, is getting you closer to your goal.