I have discovered it is
better and cheaper (at least in terms of time) to just buy some things
made by people who can get good results. Some projects that failed: making
charcoal, wax extruder, etc. What a revelation!! The pros are
saying…what an idiot!!
Far from an idiot. As someone who has made his entire living from making
jewelry (I was once a physics major), I confess- buying (great) tools is
habit forming. Only if they have a purpose, a use, however. My studio mates
benefit from my malady- Mr. Sparky (fusion welder)even has a pet name. It
will be a while however before Mr. Sparky earns his keep, but he gets us
out of lots of jams (titanium posts for metal alergic customers). I have old
favorites- short chain nose lindstrom pliers, #2 cut Grobet 4" barette
files, a planishing hammer- new favorites (bezel block collection) and many
of the tools I bought when I was starting out. My advice- buy the best
tools you can afford, as you find a need for them.
Rick Hamilton
Richard D. Hamilton, Jr
http://www.rick-hamilton.com
@rick_hamilton