[Jewelry making - Article 01443] - Re: [Orchid] Parent - Child Jewlery project

[Brian]

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>     as a jeweler for more years than that (and after countless
>     experiences with kids and torches and day camps and jewelery
>     making lessons) i say absolutely don't let any kids near a torch.. 

    My experience is to the contrary. I've been teaching kids off and on
    for several years and I always allow the child to hold the torch
    (propane/air), while I apply flux and have a controlling hand on
    some part of the torch handpiece. Most are thrilled to be trusted,
    and very respectful of the power entrusted in them, even though I've
    got overall control with my near-side hand. Very rarely have I had to
    'pull up! pull up!' if they wander too close. 

    Most commonly, they are so wrapped up in what they're seeing (solder
    melting and appearing all shiny in the joint) that they tend to
    forget they have the torch aimed at it, and require a gentle nudge to
    raise the torch from the workpiece. 

    My tendency when teaching kids is to always put the main tool in
    their 'control' and with that little bit of trust so generate a
    reciprocal respect and awe on their part (not shock and awe!). They
    get to use the hammer while I might hold the work still, they use the
    mallet to hit the ring down the mandrel, they hold the torch while I
    ensure the heat's in the right place and the flux is applied
    throughout. 

    When they are using a hammer while I hold, say, a punch I'll get
    them to hold the top of the punch with their other hand over my hand,
    so they are unlikely to hit me. They have never hit themselves in
    this setup. 

>     another consideration is where are you going to get a number of
>     torches, 

    In my case, when teaching children I use only one torch setup, and I
    have full control over it at all times. No soldering happens without
    me. 

Brian
B r i a n   A d a m   
B u s h  J e w e l l e r y  W o r k s h o p s
Auckland NEW ZEALAND
www.adam.co.nz
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