I will admit I have an agenda here. Because I run a rental
studio/jewelry school here in San Diego, and work mostly with people
starting out in metalsmithing, I work hard to bring more people into
the wide world of metalsmithing. Thatâs good for my business, as
well as other related businesses, like those that sell tools and
supplies, and instructors who come to teach here. I also work hard to
make metalsmithing less scary, more inviting, even fun. I try to make
metalsmithing processes seem more user-friendly, less complicated,
and less technically confusing.
The ongoing thread about the dangers of propane and other compressed
gasses in studios is making my blood pressure go up. Oh yes,
flammable gasses need to be treated carefully, but should not be
considered the threat to life that many are suggesting here. Some
can site stories of someone theyâve heard of who blew up their house
or garage with leaking gas, but honestly, I donât personally know of
anyone that has happened to. Iâve been working around compressed
gasses as well as piped-in natural gas for over 35 years in homes,
apartments, shops and garages, and I have NEVER had an problem.
Honestly, if that many propane or acetylene tanks were exploding as
often as people imagine they do, the manufacturers and suppliers of
compressed gasses would have been litigated out of business long ago.
If you plan to be a metalsmith, or even dabble with it as a hobby at
home, at some point youâre going to need a torch. They are fabulous
creative tools, so vital for metalsmithing. If youâre a professional,
you most likely have a range of torches in your shop, from large ones
to cast with, to tiny ones to repair chains or re-tip mountings. If
you are just working in your home studio, and can only afford one
torch, get one which can offer you the widest range of heating
capabilities, so as your skills grow, you can do more with your
torch. If you âsettleâ on a tiny, cute torch as the only torch in
your studio because you feel that a tiny cute torch is safer than a
larger one, you may not have the ability to do what you want with it
for larger or even average-sized soldering projects. So many
questions on Orchid related to soldering difficulties often seem
related to not having enough heat to do the job properly.
It is a shame that jewelry-supply stores ( jewelry torch) and
welding supply stores ( hoses, regulators, tanks) are not better
integrated. It can be hugely frustrating to take your newly purchased
torch to a welding supply store and try to get the fittings necessary
to properly connect everything up. Once you have your torch, hoses,
regulators and tanks set up, check well for any leaks, and be sure to
turn all gasses off when you are finished using your torch. If you
follow the safety rules, you have a pretty safe torch. If youâre
still queasy about possibly blowing you or your studio up, by all
means take a safety course offered by your nearest welding supply
house.
Learn to feel confident, not afraid, of the tools you use to be
creative with.
Jay Whaley