[Jewelry making - Article 00358] - Re: [Orchid] Bombing recipes?

[Peter W . Rowe]

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>     Why somebody actually need to explane how to bomb? Why not just
>     say that it is a crime and even if it wasn't it is so dangerous and
>     unhealty that nobody should even think about doing it? 

    Bombing can be useful simply because it's a beautiful finish when it
    works right, and in some cases, there may no other way to do as good
    a job. Most of the time, there are other, preferable ways. But
    sometimes... 

    So that's the reason why the info might actually need to be
    explained. It should be pointed out too, that it CAN be done with
    complete safety, if the proper equipment is used. In larger
    manufacturing firms, it's an accepted and useful method. 

    It is NOT a crime, unless the waste products are disposed of in a
    manner that endangers the enviroment or pollutes the local water, or
    the like, thus violating pollution laws. And it can be a crime if an
    employer insists that an employee performs a task dangerous to
    themselves or others. But both this, and the pollution/toxicity
    concerns are not impossible to handle with proper procedures. If the
    wastes are properly handled, just as with electroplating wastes, or
    acid wastes, or any other potentially toxic wastes, the process can
    be perfectly legal, and a properly responsible practice. 

    The same is true with the health aspects. If done correctly, with
    the proper equipment, it's not at all dangerous. 

    My description, of course, was of a small shop method for bombing
    common enough (and published in a number of easily found sources,
    especially Murry Bovin's popular books), which we'd now frown on for
    both safety and environmental reasons. Back when I used it, such
    awareness wasn't so common. When I was doing it, by the way, it did
    not yet violate local pollution laws where I was. Those came later. I
    tried to make it abundantly clear in my post that I do not condone
    people bombing the same way I described. To do so would be simply
    irresponsible. But modifying the facilities and equipment used so as
    to make this safe is not that hard. For one thing, the work is done
    in an enclosed space like a covered fume hood or other means to
    contain fumes, and allow the waste liquids to be collected rather
    than run down the drain. They can then be dealt with, hopefully
    reclaiming the gold in the solution, and safely disposing of the
    rest after the cyanide is destroyed. In my case, I now do it, on
    those rare occasions when it's needed (the last time was perhaps five
    years ago, so it's not like this is common), using a large pail that
    I made a cover for, and fitted with glove holes. That contains
    splashes. I wear a respirator, and work out doors, to avoid breathing
    fumes. The waste liquids are simply collected in a large glass
    container, and then allowed to dry out. The result is a dry powder
    that can be sent to those refiners that accept such waste. Doing it
    this way, I violate no laws, nor endanger my safety at all. 

Peter Rowe
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