I have the same problem as most of you- MBS–messy bench syndrome. I
think it is becauseI I only function visually, i.e., my brain is wired so
I need to see everything, otherwise it is forgotten forever! I also work
on many, many projects at one time, so they’re all over my workbench, too.
Finally, I never throw out anything, and all my scraps, broken stones,
filings, everything! are recycled, and therefore- right out there with the
rest of the mess! This has its advantages- many of my best pieces come
from using sheet scrap that has an unintended, however appealing shape,
texture, etc.
The disadvantage is that as my bench gets more crowded, I’ve expanded into
the kitchen, dining room table, etc. The above rationalizations are
probably very understandable for most of you, and have worked reasonalbly
well with my husband, but I, too, panick when he offers to clean it up for
me! This is becoming more and more frequent, and now I have many coffee
cans filled with all the clutter that I hope to sort out some day!!
One problem, I must ask for some help on. Years ago when I first started,
I bought used equipment from a deceased jeweler (nice trick, heh?) and
included were many burs, bits, etc. A lot of them are somewhat rusty now
that I want to try them out. Is there anything I can soak them in to
restore them? Also, I occasioanlly use bezel cupts to set faceted stones.
What kind of bur should I used to carve a sort of seat inside- or really an
edge in the wall, so I can more easily balance the stone and push over the
edge? I have done it with a graver, and now my hands are almost healed,
but I need a better and quicker way. Also, is it possible to run two flex
shafts off the same motor? (no, not at the same time) I just have a tough
time changing handpieces, and would like to have two available to use
without doing this and without buying another foredom. I don’t mind buying
anouther flex shaft.
Thanks, you guys and gals are great! Ruth