I have just realized something. I am a severe amateur, so I don’t do
jewelry for money. It is just a good way to get out some agression. Bang
on some metal!! But in the past I have tried to do and make everything
myself. I built my own bench, which is great, but 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!!
Celt It can be a real challenge and a rewarding experience to create your
own tools and supplies. I have built my own vacuum chamber casting unit.
But you are right it can sometimes cost more in terms of time and overall
expense to do it yourself. One general rule to remember is ( You either
have time or money ). Time to make it yourself or the money to buy it if
your time is more valuable. Why spend 10 hours to make a $20.00 part when
you can earn much more than that in the same space of time. It is a
judgement call. Then again sometimes it’s just fun to make your own stuff.
RED
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