[Jewelry making - Article 00316] - Re: [Orchid] Studio Design

[Frif]

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    My advise on studio design: Consider alternatives! 

    I was lucky to be able to visit quite a number of studios and
    workrooms prior to designing my own studio.  That proved a great
    help! 

    It was here that I learned just how frugal and creativee jewelers
    are in design and construction of benches and equipment! Amazing. 

    The jewelers I visited stressed the need to design and build a
    studio based on what I would be making and the technology I chose to
    make it. Most things can be done more than one way.  Like a home,
    furnish a studio or area according to its planned purpose. 

    I saw one studio in the back of a van, one in a small mobile home, 
    and one so small and efficient, it was transported in the trunk of a
    car! 

    My own priorities were safety and then, saving money and space,, 
    Later I discovered the real meaning of simple and practical. 

    I researched safety needs for each  technology  I planned to use.
    The major change I had to make was to separate etching area from
    plating! DEADLY TOGETHER! 

    For me, it worked best to use separate benches for soldering, wax
    work, and general metal work.  I am considering yet another area for
    stone setting, after having spent more than a little time on my hands
    and knees with flashlight. 

    I built my benches from scratch or adapted from old furniture or
    store counters/counter tops.  Easy to find in an urban area! I built
    up, stacking, I fought  the urge to have big, bulky equipment that
    would be seldom used. Local second hand stores are great sources of
    fans, lights, storage units,  and now and then, a motor or odd tool.
    For me, the more light, the better, and safer.     

    In the U.S.it  is illegal to use propane from a large non-disposable
    cylinder within building - unless the tank is outside of the
    building, with gas  piped in.  In the event of a disaster with an
    illegal inside tank, your homeowners'  insurance would be void.  I
    don't want to even think about their use in an apartment! 

    You might want to research other local fire codes  to learn which
    materials are able to keep you safest - as in the new sheet concrete
    material used in house siding as a backing or surround for a
    soldering area, and insulating/bricks for soldering surfaces. Plan on
    fire extinguishers,  warning signs, and special placement and 
    storage of hazardous materials, such as, oxidizers, acids,
    flammables,  etc,, (in their original containers that can fall and
    break in an earthquake or other ''event')  Locking cabinets, or metal
    cabinets, plastic buckets in which to place glass bottles as an outer
    protection are so wise! 

    Plan enough space to insure tanks the space they require for
    chaining and turning cylinder valves comfortably,  and  protecting
    the hoses from damage.   Electrical systems need to be evaluated for
    adequate cord sizes,  heavy duty, multi-plug gizmos, and extension
    cords -- not the kind used for domestic appliances,  

    One of the most important things I did in my studio was to put in a
    sink.  I constantly  need to wash my hands or a piece/ 

    CLEAN AIR: A cabinet for buffing is  a MUST.  Even a cardboard box,
    if necessary. I open windows and use fans to push and pull at
    opposite ends of the studio.  The kiln is vented to a window. I
    placed things that presented the most danger from fumes closest to the
    windows and fans.  

    My studio is off limits to kids and dogs, and most of my family so I
    built barriers to keep them out. 

    LASTLY,, COMFORT.  A coffee warmer, or  insulated pot,, a cooler in
    hot weather for drinks, and a tv/vcr and stereo with tape player 
    Telephone with speaker is handy!   

    I enjoyed the process of designing and building, The evolution of it
    has been a great satisfaction. Sometimes it is as much fun as making
    jewelry! 

Frif...

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