[Jewelry making - Article 00856] - Re: [Orchid] The physical requirements of goldsmithing

[David L. Huffman]

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Hi All;

    I have forearms like Popeye and a back like a bear. That's not my
    normal build. I know, because during long periods away from the bench
    in the past, my physique looked like any average semi-athletic guy.
    That specialized bulk I carry in my arms and back comes from pushing
    gravers around in stubborn metal, filing, bending, etc. I have a grip
    that can turn on a faucet that's missing it's handle. My calluses are
    thick enough that I can get a casserole out of the oven without mitts
    if I work quickly. But that's not really the issue here. 

    Anybody can build muscles, even specialized ones. What the job
    requires, at least in the manner I peruse it, is a lot of hand-eye
    coordination (assembling things with solder and torch), an advanced
    degree of fine muscle control (setting stones with pliers), an
    ability to work in fairly repetitive ways without the consequences of
    repetitive stress injury (filing, sanding, more filing, etc.), and
    good eyesight. 

    All that said, I still maintain that there is a marked division in
    terms of wages and potential for advancement between those with an
    aptitude for the work and those without. Sorry to seem a snob about
    it, but you can work up the physical abilities over time, but if you
    lack talent, creativity or the inclination to stick with it before
    cashing in, you really need to look at other career options. It's a
    great hobby for a retiree, but it's a poor choice of a second career
    for a 35 year old ex-department store manager. 

David L. Huffman
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